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Last Name Pesci

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What is the origin of the last name Pesci?

The surname "Pesci" is of Italian origin. In Italy, many surnames were derived from occupations, geographical locations, or other distinguishing characteristics. The word "pesce" in Italian means "fish". It is possible that this surname was originally given to a person who was a fisherman or lived near a body of water abundant with fish. However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary between families and regions within Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pesci

The meaning and origin of the last name Pesci

The surname Pesci is an Italian patronymic, originating from the Latin word "pisces," which means fish in English. This surname was often given to individuals who were associated with fishing or aquatic life due to their profession or place of residence. Over time, it has become a widely used surname among the Italian population, with variations such as Pescio, Pescia, and Pescatore also found. It is interesting to note that many famous individuals share this surname, including the renowned American actor, Harvey Keitel, who hails from an Italian background, and the chef, Bartolomeo Scappi, who served as the personal cook to several popes in the 16th century. Today, the Pesci family can be found throughout Italy and its diaspora, continuing the tradition of this intriguing name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pesci

The last name Pesci is predominantly Italian in origin, with a significant concentration in regions such as Campania, Calabria, and Abruzzo. Historically, these areas have been fishing communities, which may contribute to the high incidence of the surname among Italians. Emigration patterns from these regions in the 19th and 20th centuries resulted in a global dispersion of individuals bearing the name Pesci. In the United States, significant populations of people with the last name Pesci can be found in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, which received high numbers of Italian immigrants during that period. Other countries with notable Pesci populations include Canada, Australia, Argentina, and Brazil. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Pesci reflects the historical migration patterns of Italians from their coastal homeland to various parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pesci

The surname Pesci has various spellings and variants across different regions and languages. Some common spelling variations include Pecsi, Pezzi, Pessi, Pesky, Pezci, and Pesti. These variations often arise due to differences in pronunciation, translation, or transcription errors over time. In Italian, the name typically originates from the word "pesce" which means fish, reflecting its probable origins among fishermen. The spelling can also be influenced by regional dialects and migration patterns, leading to variations such as Pesci (Pescian), Pecchi, Pezia, or Pestova in other languages like Spanish, French, or Slavic languages respectively. In the United States, where many Italian immigrants settled, the spelling has been anglicized to Pesky, though this is less common compared to the original Italian spelling of Pesci.

Famous people with the last name Pesci

The Pesci surname has produced notable figures in various fields. One of the most renowned is Robert Pesci, an American actor who is a three-time Academy Award winner for his roles in Martin Scorsese's "Raging Bull" and "Goodfellas," as well as Barry Levinson's "Moonstruck." His distinctive acting style, characterized by intense physicality and rapid speech, has earned him critical acclaim. Another notable figure is Joe Pesci, another American actor who also collaborated with Martin Scorsese in films like "Raging Bull" and the iconic gangster trilogy "Goodfellas," "Casino," and "The Irishman." He won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in "Goodfellas" and "Mystic River." While not as famous, Frank Pesci is a renowned jazz musician known for his work with artists like Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, and Art Blakey.

Genealogical research on the last name Pesci

The last name Pesci is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "pisces," meaning fish. It is most commonly found among the coastal communities and islands of Southern Italy, such as Sicily and Calabria. The earliest recorded instances of the surname date back to the Middle Ages, with the first documented use in Italy being in the 13th century. Notable bearers of this name include actor Joe Pesci, who is best known for his roles in Martin Scorsese films like Goodfellas and Casino. Other notable individuals with the surname Pesci include musicians as Dino Pescarolli, an opera singer, and Nick Pesci, a contemporary music artist. The family history of the Pesci name is closely tied to the coastal communities and fishing industry in Italy, with many families emigrating to America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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