Last Name Maffucci

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maffucci

The meaning and origin of the last name Maffucci

The surname Maffucci is an Italian name derived from the personal name Mauro or Maurizio, which means "dark-haired" or "Moor" in Latin. The name evolved over time into various spellings, with Maffucci being one such variation. It originated from Italy and is commonly found among the population of that country, particularly in regions like Abruzzo and Molise. As a patronymic name, it indicates that it was likely originally given as a surname to someone who was the son of Mauro or Maurizio. The name has been borne by notable figures in Italian history, including the physician Dr. Angelo Maffucci, known for his work on the eponymous disease, Maffucci's syndrome.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maffucci

The surname Maffucci is primarily found in Southern Italy, specifically within the regions of Abruzzo, Molise, and Puglia. It's also present in smaller numbers in other Italian-speaking areas such as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Beyond Italy, significant populations of individuals bearing this surname can be found in various Italian immigrant communities around the world, particularly in South America, specifically Argentina and Brazil, North America (particularly the United States), Australia, and Canada. The geographical distribution reflects historical migration patterns of Italians, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maffucci

The surname Maffucci has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some of these variants include: Mafucci, Maffochi, Maffoggi, Maffuggi, Maffoci, Maffoghia, Maffoggio, Maffoggiu, Maffoucchi, Maffougchi, and Maffouchi. These variations may be found in various countries where Italian immigrants have settled. Additionally, some families may have slightly different spellings due to factors such as transcription errors during immigration records or changes in the family's spelling over generations.

Famous people with the last name Maffucci

Notable individuals with the surname Maffucci include:

1. Angelo Maffucci (1858-1932), an Italian surgeon who is credited for describing a rare skeletal dysplasia known as Maffucci syndrome. The condition is characterized by enchondromas and soft tissue hemangiomas.

2. Anthony Maffucci (born 1956), an American politician who served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 1987 to 2004, representing parts of Queens County. He is also a former chair of the Democratic Party in Queens.

3. Frank J. Maffucci (born 1951), an American professor of engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles. He has made significant contributions to the field of aerospace and mechanical engineering, including research on microgravity and fluid mechanics.

4. Joe Maffucci (1930-2016), an American inventor who created the Power Balance bracelet, a popular wearable device that claimed to enhance physical performance but was later found to have no scientific basis.

Genealogical research on the last name Maffucci

The surname Maffucci originates from Italy and is believed to have derived from the medieval personal name Mauctius, which was common among the Lombards. The name evolved through various spellings over time, including Mafucio, Mafuci, Maffuchi, and eventually Maffucci.

The earliest recorded instance of the name is found in the 10th century Duchy of Benevento. The Maffuccis played significant roles throughout Italian history, particularly in Naples, where they were a prominent noble family during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Notable figures with the surname include Giuseppe Maffucci (1822-1904), an Italian physician who described a rare bone disorder known as Maffucci's Syndrome, and Angelo Maffucci (born 1935), an American musician and composer.

The Maffuccis also immigrated to the United States in large numbers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily settling in New York City and other urban centers in the northeast. Today, the surname Maffucci is common among both Italians and Americans of Italian descent.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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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 : 23 July 2025