Last Name Palacci

The surname Palacci has roots in Italy. It is a variant of the Italian name "Palazzi," which means "palace" in English. This name was often given to someone who lived near or worked for the local noble family that resided in a palace-like building, or it could have been a nickname for someone who was well-built or imposing, likened to a grand structure such as a palace. As with many Italian surnames, Palacci is a patronymic surname, meaning it was derived from the given name of the father or another male ancestor.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Palacci

The meaning and origin of the last name Palacci

The surname Palacci is an Italian patronymic name derived from the male given name "Palazzo," which itself originates from the Latin word "palatium," meaning palace or fortified mansion. Over time, the term "Palazzo" evolved into "Palazzi" and subsequently "Palacci." The name was likely given to individuals who lived near a grand building or were associated with one in some capacity. As is common with Italian surnames, Palacci was traditionally passed down through the paternal line, indicating that the initial bearer of this name had the surname Palazzo as his first name. The distribution of the surname Palacci is primarily found in central and northern Italy, particularly in regions such as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna.

Geographical distribution of the last name Palacci

The surname Palacci is primarily concentrated in Italy, specifically in the Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany regions. These areas are known for their rich history, with Bologna being one of the largest cities in Emilia-Romagna where the Palacci family has a significant presence. Beyond Italy, smaller numbers of individuals bearing this surname can be found in other Italian-speaking countries like Switzerland, Argentina, and Uruguay, reflecting historical migration patterns. It is also possible to find some instances of the surname Palacci outside of these areas, particularly among Italian diaspora communities around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Palacci

The surname Palacci has several variations and spellings, including Palassi, Palazzi, Palatzi, Palacchi, Palatsi, Palatchi, and others. These variations can be found among individuals from Italy, where the name originates, as well as in other countries where Italian immigrants have settled. The name is often thought to derive from a location named Palazzo, which can refer to several places in Italy, or it could signify "palace" in Italian, suggesting that the original bearer of this surname was associated with a palace or noble residence. Despite these variations and spellings, all share the common root of being a name of Italian origin.

Famous people with the last name Palacci

The Palazzis are known for their significant contributions across various fields, making them notable figures in their respective domains. Among them, Riccardo Paletti (1952-1982) was an Italian Formula One racing driver who competed in the early 1980s. Unfortunately, his life was cut short due to a fatal crash during the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix. Another prominent figure is Marinella Palazzio (born 1958), an Italian painter and sculptor whose works often focus on themes of femininity and nature. Her distinctive style has earned her recognition both in Italy and internationally. Furthermore, Alessandro Palazzi (born 1967) is a renowned conductor from Italy who has led several prestigious orchestras, including the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de España. Lastly, there is Luca Palazzoni (born 1984), an Italian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Italian national team and Gran Canaria of the Spanish Liga ACB. These individuals have made their mark in their respective fields, cementing the Palacci name as one of distinction and achievement.

Genealogical research on the last name Palacci

The surname Palacci originates from Italy, specifically Tuscany and Liguria regions. It is an occupational name derived from the Latin word 'palatium' or 'palatio', meaning palace, castle, or fortress. During the Middle Ages, the Palacci family members were often associated with the construction and maintenance of these structures. Over time, various branches of the Palacci family spread across Italy, adopting regional variations such as Palazzi, Palazzo, or Palassi. Notable figures bearing this name include Antonio Palazzi, an Italian architect who designed the Church of San Giovanni in Montefiascone in the 17th century, and Francesco Palazzi, an Italian engineer and politician who served as mayor of Livorno during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Palacci lineage remains prominent in Italy, with many descendants residing in Tuscany, Liguria, and other regions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "palacci"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends