Last Name Lizzio

The surname Lizzio is of Italian origin. It is a patronymic or occupational name derived from the given name Licio, which was the diminutive form of the Latin name Licinius. Over time, it became associated with various professions, such as a butcher, since the word "licio" in Italian can also mean "fleshy," possibly referring to someone who worked with meat. The surname Lizzio is most common in Italy, particularly in Tuscany and Lombardy regions. It is also found in other countries due to Italian immigration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lizzio

The meaning and origin of the last name Lizzio

The surname Lizzio is of Italian origin, derived from the given name "Lizio" or "Liuzzo," which is a shortened form of the more common Italian names "Pietro," "Giovanni," or "Antonio." It is believed to have originated in areas such as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. The name, like many Italian surnames, was often given to children born during specific times of the year, such as Saint Liuzzo's Day on December 10th, leading to a higher concentration of families bearing this surname in those regions. Over time, the spelling evolved to Lizzio due to phonetic and orthographic changes, reflecting regional dialects. Today, individuals with the surname Lizzio can be found worldwide, particularly among Italian diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lizzio

The surname Lizzio is predominantly Italian in origin and has a significant presence within Italy, particularly in the regions of Tuscany, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna. It also has a notable presence in some other Italian provinces such as Milan, Bologna, and Turin. A smaller number of individuals with the surname Lizzio can be found in various parts of the world where Italians have migrated, including Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States. In the U.S., large concentrations are found in states like New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts. The distribution of the name Lizzio also extends to other countries with significant Italian diaspora communities such as Canada, Australia, and France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lizzio

The surname Lizzio has several variants and spellings, reflecting its origin and the regional dialects from which it stemmed. Some common spelling variations of this Italian last name include: Lizzi, Lizio, Lizza, Lizzo, and Lisso. Each variation may be found across different regions within Italy, with some being more prevalent in certain areas than others. It is also possible to find minor variations due to transcription errors or differences in pronunciation over time. The name Lizzio can be traced back to various Italian-speaking localities such as Liguria, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna. Despite the differences in spelling, all these forms of the surname are closely related and share a common origin, typically deriving from an occupational name for someone who was a lizard or a reptile keeper, or perhaps a nickname for someone with an uncanny resemblance to a lizard.

Famous people with the last name Lizzio

Notable individuals with the surname Lizzio include:

1. Michelangelo Lizzio (1923-1986), an American heart surgeon and pioneer in the field of open-heart surgery, known for developing the Lizzio Heart-Lung Machine.

2. Giuseppe Lizzio (born 1950), an Italian sculptor and artist who is a member of the International Academy of Ceramics, known for his unique glazed ceramic sculptures.

3. Michael A. Lizzio, an American physician, researcher, and professor, known for his work in cardiology and heart failure treatment at Tulane University School of Medicine.

4. Domenico Lizzio (1756-1825), a Neapolitan painter, known for his portrait paintings and historical scenes during the Neapolitan Republic (1799).

5. Marco Lizzio (born 1981), an Italian football player who played as a midfielder, known for his career in various Italian clubs.

Genealogical research on the last name Lizzio

The surname Lizzio has its roots in Italy, particularly in the regions of Sicily and Tuscany. Originating from the medieval Latin word "lizium," meaning lizard, the name Lizzio was often given to individuals associated with these creatures or living near areas inhabited by lizards. The earliest known records of the Lizzio family date back to the 13th century in Sicily, where they were prominent landowners and merchants. In the subsequent centuries, branches of the family migrated northward, settling in Tuscany, where they continued to be active in trade and commerce. Notable members of the Lizzio family include artists, politicians, and scholars, with significant contributions made in fields such as painting, politics, and literature. Today, the Lizzio surname is found worldwide, with a concentration in Italy and the United States, where it has been anglicized to variations like Lizio, Lizzi, or Lisio.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lizzio"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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