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Last Name Occhiogrosso

What is the origin of the last name Occhiogrosso?

The surname Occhiogrosso is of Italian origin. It derives from a nickname meaning "large-eyed" in Italian. This name was often given to individuals who had notably large eyes or were perceived as having a strong gaze. As with many Italian surnames, it originated as a means to identify individuals within a community during the Middle Ages. Over time, the name became hereditary and passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Occhiogrosso

The meaning and origin of the last name Occhiogrosso

The surname Occhiogrosso is an Italian patronymic name, deriving from the personal name 'Oggerio' or 'Ottone', which means wealthy or prosperous in old German. The Italian suffix '-o' was often added to the personal names to create a diminutive form, while the Italian word 'occhio,' meaning eye, was subsequently appended to denote a specific feature or trait, such as a distinctive physical feature like large eyes. Therefore, Occhiogrosso may have originated as a nickname for someone with noticeably large eyes, and over time, it became a hereditary surname within the Italian population.

Geographical distribution of the last name Occhiogrosso

The surname Occhiogrosso is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the regions of Campania and Apulia. In Campania, it is most prevalent in the province of Avellino, where it is one of the top 200 most common surnames. In Apulia, it can be found throughout the region but with concentrations in the provinces of Barletta-Andria-Trani and Brindisi. The name may also appear sporadically in other Italian regions and among Italian diaspora communities worldwide, such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. It is derived from the Italian words "occhio" meaning eye, and "grosso" meaning big or large, potentially indicating a person with distinctive facial features.

Variants and spellings of the last name Occhiogrosso

The surname Occhiogrosso has several variations and spellings due to transcription errors over time and differences in regional pronunciation. Some common variations include Occhiogrosso, Ucciogrossi, Occhiosso, Ochiosso, Ucciosso, Uggiagrossa, and Ugiosso. These variations may appear in official documents, family trees, or genealogy records. The name is of Italian origin and derives from the words "occhio" meaning "eye" and "grosso" meaning "big", indicating a large-eyed person.

Famous people with the last name Occhiogrosso

The Occhiogrosso family has produced notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Joseph Occhiogrosso, an American cardiologist who made significant contributions to the field of interventional cardiology. He was instrumental in developing techniques for coronary angioplasty and stenting. Another prominent figure is Alessandro Occhiogrosso, an Italian diplomat and politician. As Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs at the United Nations, he played a crucial role in conflict resolution and peacekeeping efforts worldwide. Lastly, Michael A. Occhiogrosso, an American author, is known for his works on history, culture, and politics, including "The Italian Americans: A History Since 1860." These individuals have made substantial impacts in their respective domains, reflecting the family's legacy of achievement and distinction.

Genealogical research on the last name Occhiogrosso

The surname Occhiogrosso is of Italian origin and translates to "big-eyed" in Italian. The name likely emerged as a nickname for someone with distinctive physical features, such as large eyes. Early records show that the name originated in southern Italy, particularly in regions like Calabria and Sicily. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Giuseppe Occhiogrosso, an Italian politician and economist, and Antonio Occhiogrosso, a prominent businessman from Argentina. In the United States, the name Occhiogrosso is most prevalent in states like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania due to immigration waves from Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The surname can also be found in other countries with Italian-speaking populations, such as Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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