Last Name Micciche

The surname Micciche is of Italian origin. It is a variant of the more common Italian surname Meschiti or Meschita, which originates from southern Italy, particularly Sicily and Calabria. The name is likely to be a topographic name for someone who lived near a small church (from Latin 'messe', mass, and 'ecclesia', church), or a habitational name from any of the numerous places in Sicily and Calabria named Meschita or Meschito, derived from Arabic 'misqiṭa' meaning 'small mosque'. As with many Italian surnames, it was often changed by bearers to more Italian-sounding forms during the country's unification in the 19th century.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Micciche

The surname Micciche is an Italian name, derived from the ancient language of Latin and Sicilian dialects. It has its roots in the Medieval period, originating as a habitational name for someone who lived at a place named "Mizzachi" or "Miccachia", which were variations of the same location in Southern Italy. Over time, this place name evolved into the modern-day Micciche due to dialectal changes and phonetic shifts. The original meaning of Mizzachi is unclear, but it may be a combination of two words, "mizza" (meaning mill) and "caccia" (meaning hunt), suggesting that the original inhabitants were associated with a location where there was both a mill and hunting activities. Today, the surname Micciche is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in Sicily, but also in other Italian-speaking regions and diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Micciche

The surname Micciche is primarily concentrated in Southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Calabria and Sicily, where it originated from. Historically, the Micciche family has been traced back to the town of San Giovanni in Fiore, in the province of Cosenza, Calabria. Over time, members of this family migrated to other Italian regions such as Campania and Puglia, as well as to Sicily. The diaspora of Micciche families extends beyond Italy, with significant populations found in Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Spain, France, Canada, and the United States. Notably, many Micciches immigrated to the Americas during the late 19th and early 20th centuries seeking better economic opportunities. Today, the Micciche name can be found in various parts of the world, though it remains most prevalent in Italy and its former colonies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Micciche

The surname Micciche has various spelling variations, including Mitchich, Mitshich, Michich, Micchia, Mitchie, Mitshie, and Michelche. These differences in spelling are due to factors such as regional dialects, phonetic transcriptions, and the use of different languages. The name is an Italian surname derived from the given name Michele, which means "who is like God." It is most common in Italy, particularly in the regions of Campania, Sicily, and Calabria. The spelling variations demonstrate the diverse history and migration patterns of families bearing this name over time.

Famous people with the last name Micciche

Notable individuals bearing the surname Micciche include:

1. Salvatore Micciche, an Italian conductor and composer known for his work with the Radio Symphony Orchestra of Rome. He has been the principal conductor of several major orchestras worldwide.

2. Angelo Micciche, an American engineer and academic who served as the chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT from 1970 to 1982. His research focuses on energy systems and renewable energy technologies.

3. Tony Micciche, a former American football player and coach. He played in the NFL for six seasons before transitioning into coaching, spending time with various teams as an assistant coach.

4. Giuseppe Micciche, an Italian actor known for his roles in television shows like "Un medico in famiglia" and "Caro Maestro."

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, demonstrating the diverse talents and accomplishments of people with the last name Micciche.

Genealogical research on the last name Micciche

The surname Micciche is of Italian origin, primarily found in Sicily and southern Italy. It is derived from the Latin name 'Magicium', which means magician or sorcerer. The earliest recorded instance of the family name can be traced back to the 13th century in the region of Palermo, Sicily. Over time, the spelling has evolved due to regional variations and phonetic changes, with some families adopting Micci, Mici, or Mizzichi as alternatives. The Micciche family migrated to other parts of Italy and Europe during the Middle Ages, as well as to North America in the 19th and early 20th centuries, most notably to Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. Notable figures with this surname include Giuseppe Micciche, an Italian architect and designer, and Giorgio Micciche, a Canadian lawyer and politician.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Micciche"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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