Last Name Grieco

The surname Grieco (Italian) is derived from the word "Grecia" (Greece). It was often given to individuals who had some relation to Greece or Greek culture. This surname can be found primarily in Italy, particularly in regions such as Sicily and Calabria, where there has been a long history of contact with Greece. The name may also have been adopted by individuals who immigrated from Greece to Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Grieco

The meaning and origin of the last name Grieco

The surname Grieco is an Italian patronymic derived from the given name "Gregorio" or "Giacomo." In Latin, Gregorius translates to "watchful," while Jacopo means "supplanter." Over time, the surname evolved into various spellings in different regions of Italy. The most common spelling variations include Grecchio, Grieci, and Grieciola. This surname is primarily concentrated in southern Italy, particularly in the region of Calabria where it originated. It's believed that the first bearer of this name was a member of the Gregorius or Jacopo family who lived in medieval Italy. As Italian immigrants spread across the world, the surname Grieco became more widespread, with significant populations found today in countries like the United States and Argentina.

Geographical distribution of the last name Grieco

The surname Grieco is primarily distributed across Italy, with the highest concentration being found in the regions of Calabria, Sicily, and Campania. These regions have historically been part of the Italian South, which has seen significant emigration to other parts of Italy, as well as overseas to countries like the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Australia. In these diaspora communities, the surname Grieco is also common, particularly in cities with large Italian immigrant populations such as New York City, Toronto, Buenos Aires, and Sydney. The name may also be found sporadically in other parts of Europe, such as Spain, France, and Greece, as well as in North Africa and the Middle East, due to historical migrations and cultural exchange.

Variants and spellings of the last name Grieco

The surname Grieco has several variations and spellings worldwide. Some common spelling variants include Greco, Greci, and Griecco. In Italian-speaking regions, Grieco is often used, while in English-speaking countries it may be anglicized to Greek or Greeco. Other less common variants are DeGreeco, DiGrieco, and MacGrieco. These variations can stem from regional dialects, migration patterns, or personal preference. It is also important to note that surnames such as Grecko, Greczko, or Grysko may have a similar origin but are not direct variants of Grieco. These spellings are more common in Central and Eastern Europe. Regardless of the spelling, all variations of the name share a connection to the Greek culture and history.

Famous people with the last name Grieco

Among notable individuals bearing the last name Grieco, three stand out due to their significant contributions across various fields. John Grieco is an accomplished theoretical physicist and mathematician who has made substantial contributions to mathematical physics, particularly in the study of quantum mechanics and field theory. He is currently a professor at the University of California, San Diego.

Margaret Grieco, on the other hand, is an acclaimed operatic soprano who performed extensively in Europe and America from the 1940s to the 1960s. She was particularly renowned for her interpretations of Verdi roles such as Violetta, Aida, and Desdemona.

Lastly, there is Dino Grieco, a prominent American actor who gained fame in the 1950s and 1960s through his appearances in films like "Somebody Up There Likes Me," "A Face in the Crowd," and "High Noon." His versatile acting skills led him to portray a wide range of characters, from villains to heroes. These individuals are testament to the diverse talents and accomplishments that can be found within the Grieco family.

Genealogical research on the last name Grieco

The surname Grieco is primarily Italian in origin, derived from the word "greco," meaning Greek in English. It is believed to have been adopted by individuals who were of Greek descent, or by those who lived near a Greek settlement in Italy. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name dates back to the 13th century in Apulia, a region in Southern Italy with a significant Greek influence. Over time, the Grieco family expanded across Italy, with notable branches in cities such as Naples and Palermo. The Griecos also emigrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas during the 19th and 20th centuries due to political instability and economic opportunities abroad. Today, the Grieco family name is found worldwide, reflecting the diaspora of Italians over centuries. Genealogical research on this surname often involves tracing its roots back to Southern Italy and following its evolution through migration patterns and historical events.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Grieco"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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