Last Name Peci

The surname "Peci" has origins rooted in several countries and regions due to its various possible etymologies. 1. Italian Origin: One of the most common sources suggests that "Peci" is a diminutive form of the given name "Peccio," which is of Greek origin, meaning "to err." Over time, this surname may have been passed down from father to son and eventually evolved into the modern-day variant "Peci." 2. Slavic Origin: Another possibility is that "Peci" derives from a Slavic word for "potter" or "smith," since both crafts require working with fire in a furnace or kiln, called a "peč" in several Slavic languages. In this context, the surname would have been given to someone who worked as a potter or blacksmith. 3. South Slavic Origin: In some instances, the surname Peci could be derived from a topographic name for someone living near a small wooden shelter used for protecting livestock (pečina) or for drying grain and other produce (pečara). This usage is more common among the South Slavic peoples, such as Bosnians, Croatians, Serbians, and Macedonians. It's essential to note that many surnames can have multiple origins, and it's always best to consider various possibilities when tracing one's family history. Furthermore, given the vast number of possible roots for a particular name, it's challenging to determine the specific origin without further context or information about where the name is predominantly found today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Peci

The meaning and origin of the last name Peci

The surname Peci is of Italian origin, derived from the place name "Pezzana" or "Peccia" located in the regions of Lombardy and Tuscany, Italy. Over time, it has been variously spelled as Pezi, Pezzai, Pici, and Peci, reflecting the regional dialects and scribal practices. The name may have been given to someone who originated from one of these places or was associated with them in some way, such as a landowner, a resident, or a member of the local community. In later years, as individuals migrated, the surname Peci spread across Europe and eventually to other parts of the world. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon surname but a strong identifier of Italian heritage among its bearers.

Geographical distribution of the last name Peci

The surname Peci is predominantly found in the Balkan region, primarily in Albania and Kosovo. It also has significant presence in North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This name is associated with the ethnic group of Shkumbin-Drini Albanians who inhabit regions along the rivers Shkumbin and Drini i Bardhë. The diaspora of Peci family members can be found in various Western countries, particularly the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Australia, due to migration from these regions over the last century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Peci

The surname Peci has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and regional dialects. Common variants of this last name include Pecci, Pecchi, and PezzI. Each variation may be found among different ethnic groups or regions, such as Italy, where the name originates, and other countries with Italian diaspora populations. The "c" in some versions can sometimes be silent, while others may pronounce it as a hard "k". Additionally, there might be minor spelling differences based on the specific dialect, phonetic interpretation, or transliteration from non-Latin scripts. In genealogical research and family history projects, it is essential to consider these variations to accurately trace family lineages.

Famous people with the last name Peci

Notable individuals with the surname Peci include: 1. **Bora Peci** - A Bosnian-American film director and producer. He is best known for directing the films "The Trap" (2007) and "Sarajevo Roses" (2009). 2. **Fisnik Peci** - An Albanian professional footballer who plays as a striker for KF Teuta and the Albania national team. He is known for his speed, technique, and finishing ability. 3. **Shkëlzen Peci** - A Kosovar-Swiss professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for FC Luzern. He has represented Switzerland at various youth levels and was called up to the senior team in 2018. 4. **Ymer Peci** - An Albanian tennis player. He reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 259 in August 2021. He has represented Albania at the Davis Cup and won the boys' doubles title at the 2016 Australian Open. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, spanning film, sports, and tennis.

Genealogical research on the last name Peci

The surname Peci originates from several regions across Europe, primarily Croatia and Italy. In Croatia, the name is most common in the Istria region, with variations such as Pečić or Piček. The name is often associated with the local aristocracy and can be traced back to the medieval period. In Italy, Peci is found predominantly in Tuscany and Liguria, where it is a variant of the more common Italian surname Pecci. The name's origins are believed to be from the Latin word "pecunia" meaning money or wealth, possibly indicating that early bearers of this name were involved in mercantile activities. Notable individuals with the Peci surname include Dino Peci, a Croatian politician and diplomat, and Giacomo Pecora, an Italian actor and comedian known for his work in television and film.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Peci"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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