Last Name Giustozzi

The surname Giustozzi has its roots in Italy, specifically in the region of Tuscany. It is an occupational name derived from the medieval Latin "iustitius," meaning "justice." Originally, it would have been used to identify someone who held a position related to justice or law, such as a judge or legal scribe. Over time, the surname has spread throughout Italy and beyond due to migration and historical events.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Giustozzi

The meaning and origin of the last name Giustozzi

The surname Giustozzi originates from Italy, specifically Tuscany, where it is predominantly found. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle Italian term "giustizziere", which translates to "justiciar" or "judge". This name was given to individuals who held judicial positions in local courts during medieval times. The suffix "-ozzi" is a diminutive form, indicating that the original bearer was perhaps a junior judge or assistant to a judge. Over time, as families moved and migrated, variations of the name such as Giustizia, Giusto, and Giustini emerged. The surname Giustozzi has been documented in Italy since at least the 13th century. It is one of many Italian surnames that reflect the historical feudal system and the social hierarchy prevalent during the Middle Ages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Giustozzi

The Giustozzi surname has its origins in Tuscany, Italy, with the highest concentration found in the provinces of Arezzo and Siena. Historically, it is believed that the name stemmed from the medieval village of Giustozza, which is now a part of the greater metropolitan area of Verona, but the family has since spread throughout Tuscany and other parts of Italy.

Emigration during the 19th and 20th centuries saw significant numbers of people with the surname Giustozzi move to countries such as the United States, Argentina, Australia, and Brazil. In the U.S., for example, high concentrations of the Giustozzi family can be found in states like New York, Pennsylvania, California, Illinois, and Massachusetts. In Argentina, they are particularly numerous in Buenos Aires and Santa Fe provinces, while in Australia, Victoria and New South Wales host a substantial number of families bearing the surname.

Today, the Giustozzi name is also found in various European countries such as France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom, as well as in many other parts of the world where Italian immigrants have settled over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Giustozzi

The surname Giustozzi has several variants and spellings in different languages and regions. In English, it is most commonly spelled as Giustozzi or Justozzi. However, due to historical and regional influences, it may also appear as Giustosy, Giustosi, Giustoczy, or Giustocci in various European countries. In Italian, which is the native language of the name, the correct spelling is Giustozzi. The name's origins are believed to be from the region of Umbria, Italy, and it is derived from the occupational name for a justiciar or judge, likely originating from the Latin "iustus" meaning just or fair. Throughout history and migration, variations in spelling have emerged as individuals adapted their names to conform with the languages and phonetics of their new homes.

Famous people with the last name Giustozzi

Notable individuals bearing the surname Giustozzi include:

1) **Caterina Giustozzi** (1467-1529), an Italian humanist, daughter of Filippo Giustozzi, who was a prominent member of the Florentine Camaldolese monastic order. Caterina is known for her correspondence with notable figures such as Pope Leo X and Erasmus of Rotterdam.

2) **Riccardo Giustiniani Giustozzi** (1875-1950), an Italian diplomat, journalist, and writer. He served as the Italian ambassador to Japan from 1924 to 1936 and was a key figure in the establishment of Japanese-Italian relations during the Fascist era.

3) **Ludovica Giustozzi** (born 1980), an Italian journalist and TV host. She is known for her work on Sky TG24, where she covers political and social issues. Her career includes interviews with high-profile figures such as Pope Francis and former U.S. President Barack Obama.

These individuals exemplify the diverse professional paths taken by people named Giustozzi across various fields, including academia, diplomacy, journalism, and television.

Genealogical research on the last name Giustozzi

The surname Giustozzi is an Italian patronymic derived from the given name Giusto (Just), which was popular during the Middle Ages. Originating in Tuscany, the family expanded throughout central Italy in the Late Middle Ages and Early Modern Period. Records indicate that the first recorded bearer of the name was Giovanni Giustozzi, a Florentine merchant active in the 13th century. As with many Italian surnames, the Giustozzis often migrated to other regions due to economic or political factors, with significant populations found in Umbria, Lazio, and Emilia-Romagna by the end of the Renaissance. The name is thought to have spread beyond Italy as well, particularly among Italian immigrants to countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, where descendants can be found today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "giustozzi"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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