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Last Name Macri

What is the origin of the last name Macri?

The surname Macri is primarily Italian in origin. It derives from the male given name "Macario" or its diminutive form "Maccario", which are derived from the Late Latin "Macarius". This name was borne by several early Christian saints, and was popular throughout medieval Europe. In Italy, it is often found in regions such as Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved, with Macri being one of the common variants. The name typically indicates a person or family that originated from a place named after one of the Saint Macarios.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Macri

The meaning and origin of the last name Macri

The surname Macri is an Italian patronymic name derived from the personal name Macario, which was popular among early Christians due to Saint Macarius (Macharius), an Egyptian monk who lived during the 4th century. The name Macarius is believed to be of Greek origin, meaning "blessed" or "eulogized." Over time, the Italian version of this surname evolved into Macri. It is most commonly found in regions such as Apulia (Puglia) and Calabria, which were under Byzantine rule during the Middle Ages. The Macri family name has also spread to other parts of Italy and even the New World as a result of migration and settlement.

Geographical distribution of the last name Macri

The surname Macri is predominantly of Italian origin and has a concentrated distribution in Italy, particularly in regions such as Lazio, Puglia, Abruzzo, Molise, and Calabria. A significant number of people with the surname Macri can also be found in Argentina, where they are primarily associated with the city of Buenos Aires and its surrounding provinces due to historical Italian immigration. The name has also been recorded in smaller numbers in other countries, such as the United States, Canada, Switzerland, France, Australia, and Uruguay, reflecting global diaspora patterns from Italy over the centuries. Macri is a relatively uncommon surname worldwide, but within its geographical concentrations, it remains more frequent among specific communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Macri

The surname Macri has several variations and spellings, including Macry, Maccari, Macarini, Maccheri, Maccarese, and others. These variations are mainly due to regional dialects, transcription errors, or family preferences when immigrating to different countries. For instance, the Italian-origin name Macri can be found in many countries where Italians have emigrated, such as Argentina (Macri), Canada, the United States, and others. The spelling of this surname may also vary based on factors like local language rules or individual preference when transcribing from one script to another. Despite these variations, all these names share a common etymological root and can be traced back to Italy.

Famous people with the last name Macri

The Macri family is renowned for having produced several prominent figures, particularly within the political sphere and sports industry. Mauricio Macri, born in 1959, served as the President of Argentina from 2015 to 2019. Prior to his presidency, he was Mayor of Buenos Aires from 2007 to 2015. In the sports world, Diego Maradona, one of the greatest soccer players in history, shares the Macri surname through his maternal grandfather. Maradona led Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup and is revered for his skill and charisma on the field. Another notable figure is Roberto Carlos Eduardo Macri, a professional footballer who played as a defender for teams such as Sao Paulo, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. Known for his powerful free kicks, he was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 1997. These individuals exemplify the Macri family's significant contributions to both politics and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Macri

The surname Macri is of Italian origin, primarily associated with regions such as Lazio and Campania. Its roots can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was a common habit among Italian nobility and merchant families to adopt distinctive surnames based on their profession or place of origin. The name "Macri" specifically is believed to have derived from "Maccari," meaning "macerator of grapes" or "wine press operator." Notable bearers of the Macri surname include Giuseppe Macri, an Italian politician and entrepreneur; and Fabrizio Macri, a renowned operatic tenor. The Macri family has also been significant in Argentina's political history, with Carlos Menem, born Carlos Saad-Motta Macri, serving as President from 1989 to 1999.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 14 June 2025

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