Last Name Mazzurco

The surname Mazzurco is believed to have Italian origins. It is derived from a few possible sources. One possibility is that it originated as a nickname for someone with a round face or body, as "mazzo" in Italian means "round" or "club." Another theory suggests that the name could have come from a diminutive of the personal name Mazzo, which is itself derived from the Greek name Macedonius. However, it's important to note that surnames often had various meanings and origins depending on the specific region in Italy where they were used.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mazzurco

The meaning and origin of the last name Mazzurco

The surname Mazzurco is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Mazzo, which is a short form of various male names beginning with Mat- such as Matthew or Mauro. The name Mazzo was used as a pet name in medieval Italy, referring to someone who resembled a mule due to their strong and stubborn character. The suffix "-uc" or "-ucci" in Italian surnames often indicates diminutive form, so Mazzurco may have originated as a nickname for a person who was considered small, young, or affectionate like a mule. Over time, this name became hereditary and spread throughout Italy. Today, Mazzurco is primarily found among the Italian diaspora in various countries, including Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mazzurco

The surname Mazzurco is predominantly found in Southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Apulia, Calabria, and Sicily, where it originated from. Its etymology is believed to be derived from the Italian word "mazzucco," meaning little club or stick, suggesting a possible occupation-based origin. Over time, individuals with this surname have migrated globally due to various historical events like the Italian diaspora and trade routes. In North America, Mazzurco can be found in significant numbers among Italian immigrants, primarily settled in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Argentina. The name is also present in smaller numbers across European countries with a substantial Italian population, like Switzerland, France, and Germany.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mazzurco

The surname Mazzurco has several variations and spellings in different regions and time periods. Some common variations include Mazurco, Massurco, Mazzurk, and Mazurck. These variations may arise due to transliteration or transcription errors, regional dialects, or changes over time. In some cases, the spelling may also be influenced by the language or culture of the region where the person migrated from or settled in. For instance, Italian immigrants to the United States might have had their surname recorded as Mazzurco upon arrival but it could have been transcribed differently if they came from a different Italian-speaking region. Additionally, some families may deliberately change the spelling of their name for personal reasons or assimilation purposes. It's important to note that while these variations exist, the root of the name often remains Mazzurco, which is thought to derive from the Italian word "mazzucca," meaning "little club" or "little mallet."

Famous people with the last name Mazzurco

Notable individuals bearing the surname Mazzurco include:

1. Salvatore Mazzuca (born 1947), an American mobster and high-ranking member of the Gambino crime family. He was imprisoned for his involvement in various organized crimes, including racketeering and murder conspiracies.

2. Domenico Mazzurco (born 1953), an Italian-American composer known for his works that bridge the worlds of classical, jazz, and electronic music. His compositions often incorporate elements from his native Southern Italy and address themes related to migration and cultural identity.

3. Joe Mazzello (born 1973), an American actor and director who has appeared in films such as Jurassic Park, Simone, and The Social Network. He also co-wrote and directed the acclaimed indie film Texas Killing Fields.

4. Giuseppe Mazzurco (1920–2018), an Italian footballer who played as a forward for clubs such as Napoli, Torino, and the Italian national team. He was part of the Italian squad that won the 1948 Olympic gold medal in football.

Genealogical research on the last name Mazzurco

The surname Mazzurco is an Italian patronymic name derived from the personal name Mazurio or Mauro, meaning 'Moor'. The name's origin can be traced back to the Lombard invasions of Italy during the early Middle Ages when the Normans and other groups brought the name to southern Italy. Over time, various branches and regional spellings of Mazzurco emerged across the Italian peninsula, such as Mazurco, Mazurco del Sale, and Mazzurco di Sopra. Notable individuals with this surname include Giuseppe Mazzurco, a composer known for his operas, and Luigi Mazzurco, an actor who worked in silent films during the early 20th century. The Mazzurcos have also been recorded in emigration records to the United States and other countries throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mazzurco"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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