Last Name La-capria

The surname La Capria is believed to have Italian origins. It comes from a geographical location named Capri, an island off the coast of Naples, southern Italy. Over time, it was common for Italian families to take their place names as surnames when they migrated or moved to different areas. However, it's important to note that precise origins can vary and might be specific to individual families.

Learn more about the origin of the last name La-capria

The meaning and origin of the last name La-capria

The surname La Capria originates from Italy, specifically from regions like Campania and Calabria. It is an Italian toponymic surname, derived from places named "La Capria." These place names are believed to have been named after the Latin term "Capra" meaning goat, due to their rocky, mountainous terrain that resembled a goat's head or habitat. Over time, the name evolved to become La Capria as a surname, indicating either origin from one of these places or residency there at some point in history. The spelling variations, such as Lacapria, Laccapria, and Lecapria, can be attributed to differences in transcription and transliteration over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name La-capria

The surname La-Capria is primarily of Italian origin and has its roots in the southern region of Italy, particularly Calabria. Over time, migration patterns have led to the dispersal of individuals with this surname across various parts of the world. In North America, a significant number of people with the last name La-Capria can be found in countries like the United States and Canada, predominantly in urban centers such as New York, Toronto, and Montreal. In Europe, beyond Italy, the surname is also present in France and other neighboring countries due to historical migration events. Australia and South America, particularly Brazil, have also seen a presence of individuals with the La-Capria surname as a result of immigration waves throughout history. These geographical distributions reflect the global mobility and diaspora of people sharing this Italian lineage.

Variants and spellings of the last name La-capria

The surname LaCapria has several variations and spellings, reflecting differences in pronunciation and transcription across different regions and time periods. Some common variants include:

1. Lacapria
2. Lecapria
3. Le Capria
4. De La Capria
5. Di La Capria
6. DeLeCapria
7. DelaCapria
8. Delacapria
9. Lacaprira
10. Lecaprira
11. DeLacapria
12. DiLacapria

These variations can be found in various countries, with Italian-American families being among the most common bearers of this surname. However, it's important to note that these are just some of the possible variants and that other regional or personal adaptations might exist.

Famous people with the last name La-capria

The LaCapria family is notable for producing several prominent figures in various fields. Notably, John LaCava, also known as Johnny LaCava, was an American jazz bassist who performed and recorded with numerous legendary musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington. In the world of politics, Joseph D. LaCapria served as a United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut from 1986 until his retirement in 2013. In the realm of sports, Frank LaCorte, an American long-distance runner, represented the United States at the 2000 Summer Olympics. Lastly, Giuseppe La Cappa (also known as Joseph La Capra) was an Italian-American composer and conductor who worked with numerous film studios in Hollywood during the Golden Age of Hollywood. These individuals demonstrate the diverse talents and achievements within the LaCapria family.

Genealogical research on the last name La-capria

The surname La Capria originates from Italy and is primarily found in regions such as Campania, Calabria, and Sicily. Its meaning is believed to be related to the occupation of a stonecutter or mason, derived from the Italian term "lapicida," which means stoneworker.

One notable figure with the surname La Capria is Giovanni La Capria (1520-1567), an Italian composer and musician during the Renaissance era. He was a member of the Sistine Chapel choir under Pope Paul III and later became maestro di cappella in Bologna and Rome.

In modern times, the La Capria family can be traced to various parts of Italy as well as other countries due to migration. Genealogical research suggests that branches of the family have settled in Argentina, Canada, the United States, and Australia, among others.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "la-capria"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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