Last Name Moccia

The surname Moccia is of Italian origin. It's a toponymic name, meaning it was originally used as a nickname for someone who came from a place named with the word "mocia," which in some Italian dialects refers to a small, marshy or muddy area. The name can be found predominantly in regions of Southern Italy such as Calabria and Sicily.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Moccia

The meaning and origin of the last name Moccia

The surname Moccia is an Italian patronymic name, derived from the given name Mosè (Moses), which was brought to Italy by Jews who were expelled from Spain in 1492 during the Spanish Inquisition and sought refuge in various parts of Italy, including Sicily. Over time, it evolved into different variants such as Moccia, Moccia, Mocea, etc. The name Moccia can also be found among Italian Catholics, particularly in the regions of Abruzzo, Molise, and Calabria, where it may have been assimilated from other languages or taken up as a local variant. The term "Mosc(c)ia" in some cases could have originated from occupational names related to the cultivation of mulberries (in Italian: "mocco"), or it might be derived from topographic names associated with a small hill or mound ("mocca"). However, its precise origins and meanings can vary based on individual families' histories.

Geographical distribution of the last name Moccia

The last name Moccia is predominantly Italian in origin and has a significant presence within Italy. According to genealogical databases, it is most frequently found in the regions of Apulia, Calabria, Sicily, and Molise, with notable clusters in Bari, Catanzaro, Palermo, and Campobasso. The name Moccia also appears in smaller numbers in other Italian regions such as Lazio, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Sardinia. Outside of Italy, there are instances of the surname Moccia in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and Australia, primarily among Italian immigrants or their descendants. The distribution of the name Moccia globally is indicative of the historical migration patterns of Italians, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Moccia

The surname Moccia exhibits several variations and spelling alternatives due to regional differences, transcription errors, and migration patterns over time. Some of these variants include Moccia, Mochia, Mokka, Mocca, and even Mochea, all sharing a similar Italian root. It's essential to note that surnames are typically derived from the place where one lived or the occupation of their ancestors. The name Moccia might have originated in Italy, with possible regional origins like Abruzzo, Molise, or Puglia. Surname variations can be traced back through history as families migrated to different parts of the world, adopting local languages and dialects which could lead to slight alterations in spelling.

Famous people with the last name Moccia

The Moccia family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Michael John Moccia, an American professional wrestler better known by his ring name, Mike Moccia, or simply "Mikey". He gained popularity in the late 90s and early 2000s for his work with World Championship Wrestling (WCW). In the world of academia, there is Dr. Thomas J. Moccia, a renowned American neurosurgeon who served as Chief of Neurosurgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Furthermore, Maria Elena Moccia, an Italian politician, has held significant roles within the Democratic Party and the European Parliament. Lastly, Dino Moccia, a Canadian singer-songwriter, gained recognition for his 1972 hit single "Rosa". Each of these individuals has made distinctive contributions to their respective fields, leaving lasting impressions in their wake.

Genealogical research on the last name Moccia

The Moccia surname originates from Southern Italy, specifically the region of Sicily. It is a variation of the Latin name "Mocius," which was brought to the area during the Roman occupation. Over time, the name evolved into various forms such as Moccia, Moccia, and Moccino, reflecting regional dialects and spelling changes. The earliest known record of the Moccia family in Italy dates back to the 13th century, with the birth of a Giacomo Moccio in Palermo, Sicily.

The Moccia family migrated from Sicily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, settling primarily in the United States, Argentina, Canada, and Australia. In the U.S., the largest concentrations of Moccias can be found in New York City, especially in Brooklyn's Sunset Park neighborhood, and throughout New Jersey. Notable individuals with the surname Moccia include musicians, politicians, artists, and athletes, highlighting the family's diverse contributions to society.

Genealogical research continues to uncover more details about the origins and spread of the Moccia surname, shedding light on its rich history and the stories of its descendants across the globe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Moccia"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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