Last Name Nicastro

The surname Nicastro is believed to be of Italian origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically Nicastro, a town located in the province of Reggio Calabria in southern Italy. This place was first documented during the 11th century and its name is thought to come from the Greek "Nikastron", which means "victorious fortress". Over time, the name of the place has evolved into Nicastro and subsequently became a surname for people living there or originating from that area.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nicastro

The meaning and origin of the last name Nicastro

The surname Nicastro originates from Italy, specifically from regions such as Calabria and Sicily. It is derived from the Latin term "Nicasterium," which was the name of several towns in ancient times, most notably Nicastrum in Calabria. Over time, the name evolved into various forms, including Nicastro, Nicastro-Cavasola, and Nicastromanno. The surname Nicastro suggests a family originating from one of these historic towns or their surrounding areas. It is a common Italian surname, reflecting the rich history and diverse ancestry found in Southern Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nicastro

The surname Nicastro, originating from the medieval Italian town of Nicastro (now known as Ennas), has a predominantly Sicilian distribution due to its historical ties with the island. A significant number of individuals bearing this last name can be found in regions such as Palermo, Catania, Messina, and Agrigento, which are among the most populous areas in Sicily. Beyond Sicily, there is also a notable presence of Nicastros in other parts of Italy, particularly in Lazio and Abruzzo, where some Sicilian immigrants have settled. Additionally, smaller communities can be found in various countries with significant Italian diaspora, such as the United States, Argentina, and Canada. However, it's essential to note that geographical distribution patterns may vary based on specific family lineages and migration waves.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nicastro

The surname Nicastro has various spelling variations including Nicastri, Nicastroi, Nicastrone, Nicastrini, Nicastrucci, and Nicastre. These differences may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors during migration, or personal preference in the way a name is written. The original Italian root of the name is believed to be derived from the Latin "Nicostratus," which means victorious among the people. The name is most commonly found in Southern Italy, particularly in regions like Calabria and Sicily.

Famous people with the last name Nicastro

Notable individuals with the surname Nicastro include:

1. Frank Nicastro (born 1947), an American film and television director known for his work on several popular shows such as "Miami Vice" and "The A-Team."

2. Joe Nicastro (1938-2017), an American character actor who appeared in numerous films and TV series, including "The Fugitive," "The Dark Knight Rises," and "American Hustle."

3. Louis Nicastro (born 1954), a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played for teams like the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers. He won five Stanley Cup championships during his career.

4. Rosario Nicastro (born 1980), an Italian operatic soprano, known for her roles in various operas such as "Turandot" and "Norma." She has performed at renowned opera houses worldwide.

5. Tony Nicastro (born 1962), an American music industry executive who served as the President of A&R for EMI Music North America, working with artists like Sheryl Crow, No Doubt, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Genealogical research on the last name Nicastro

The Nicastro surname originates from Southern Italy, specifically the region of Calabria. It is a variant of the Sicilian surname Nicaso, which comes from the Greek name Niketas, meaning victorious. The Nicastros migrated primarily to America during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with significant populations settling in the United States, Canada, and South America. In the U.S., many Nicastros can be found in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston, where they often worked in labor-intensive industries such as construction and textiles. Genealogical research reveals that some notable individuals with the Nicastro surname include Frank Nicastro, a former mayor of West Chester, Pennsylvania, and Joe Nicastro, an American football player who played for the Chicago Bears.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Nicastro"
• 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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