Last Name Nesci

The surname Nesci is of Italian origin and it can be traced back to the region of Emilia-Romagna, specifically Modena. It is derived from the Latin word "nescio" which means 'I do not know'. This name was often given to someone who had a reputation for being slow-witted or uneducated. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance period, it became more common to adopt occupational surnames instead, so the use of "Nesci" declined over time. However, it remains a relatively uncommon surname in Italy today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nesci

The meaning and origin of the last name Nesci

The surname Nesci originates from Italy, particularly in regions such as Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. It is a variation of the more common Italian surname Nessi, which means "a man who has a boat" or "a boat owner," derived from the Old Italian word "nave" (boat) and the diminutive suffix "-esco/-esi." The name may have been given to someone who owned a small fishing boat or a cargo ship. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved due to regional dialects and scribal errors during the Middle Ages when many Italian surnames were first being recorded. Today, Nesci is relatively uncommon compared to other Italian surnames but can be found among the Italian diaspora in various countries around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nesci

The surname Nesci is predominantly found in Italy, particularly within regions such as Tuscany, Lazio, and Umbria. A significant number of individuals bearing this surname can be traced to the towns of Capena, Vallerano, and San Casciano dei Bagni in these regions. Outside of Italy, there are pockets of Nesci families in countries with a strong Italian immigration history, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. In these diaspora communities, the distribution tends to be concentrated in urban centers with large Italian populations, such as New York City, Toronto, and Buenos Aires. The origins of the surname Nesci are believed to be from the Latin word "nescio," meaning "I do not know," suggesting that it may have been given to someone who was not very smart or was absent-minded in ancient times.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nesci

The surname Nesci has several variations and spellings, including Nessi, Nessy, Nessi' (Italian), Nässi (Finnish), and Naçi (Albanian). These variations may arise due to differences in pronunciation, regional dialects, or spelling conventions. In Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland, the surname is often spelled as Nässi with a Germanic 'ä' instead of an Italian 'e'. Similarly, in Albania, it can be spelled as Naçi due to the unique phonetic and orthographic system used in the Albanian language. Additionally, over time, minor variations may occur through errors in transcription or translation, resulting in names like Nessy, a more anglicized version of the original Italian surname. However, all these versions share the common root 'Nesci', which is derived from Italian and means 'unknown' or 'unseen'.

Famous people with the last name Nesci

The Nesci family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent is Giuseppe Nesci (born 1963), an Italian football coach who managed clubs such as Foggia Calcio and Pescara Calcio in the Italian Serie A. In the world of art, John Nesci (1927-2008) was an American painter known for his Abstract Expressionist works, which were exhibited at the Guggenheim Museum. Additionally, Domenico Nesci (born 1956), a Canadian politician, served as the Mayor of Toronto from 2003 to 2010. Furthermore, in the realm of science, Anna Nesci (born 1976) is an Italian neuroscientist who has made significant contributions to our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying fear and anxiety. These are some of the most notable individuals sharing the surname Nesci.

Genealogical research on the last name Nesci

The surname Nesci is of Italian origin, deriving from the region of Abruzzo and Molise, where it is most commonly found. It is a diminutive form of the given name "Nicola," which means "victory of the people." The earliest recorded reference of the surname can be traced back to the late Middle Ages in Italy, around the 14th century. The family branches spread throughout central and southern Italy over the centuries due to migration patterns and political events such as the unification of Italy in the 19th century. Notable individuals with the Nesci surname include Giuseppe Nesci, an Italian painter, and Luigi Nesci, an Italian footballer who played for several prominent clubs in the early 20th century. Today, the Nesci family can be found in various parts of the world due to diaspora and migration, with a notable presence in the United States and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Nesci"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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