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Last Name Pisa

What is the origin of the last name Pisa?

The surname Pisa originates from Italy. It is derived from various places in that country, such as the city of Pisa in Tuscany, known for its famous leaning tower. Over time, families who lived near these locations took on the name to identify themselves with their place of origin or residence. Like many Italian surnames, it was often passed down from one generation to the next.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pisa

The meaning and origin of the last name Pisa

The surname Pisa originates from Italy, specifically the region of Tuscany, where the city of Pisa is located. It's likely that the name was originally occupational or geographical, derived from the Latin term "piscis" meaning "fish," reflecting the profession of a fisherman, or indicating someone who lived near a body of water (such as a river or the sea). Alternatively, it could have been associated with the city of Pisa itself, signifying that the original bearer was from this region. The name spread to other parts of Europe during medieval migrations and has since become established in various countries, undergoing slight variations due to local phonetic rules. Notable individuals bearing the surname Pisa include the 14th-century Italian scholar and philosopher, Giovanni Pico della Mirandola.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pisa

The surname Pisa is primarily distributed across various regions, predominantly in Italy, where it originated from the city of Pisa. It is most commonly found in Tuscany, particularly in and around Pisa, Lucca, and Florence. However, its presence extends beyond these areas as a result of migration and historical events such as the Italian Diaspora during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name can also be found in other parts of Italy, including Lombardy, Veneto, and Campania. Additionally, a significant number of Pisa-surnamed individuals reside in other countries, with large communities in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States, which were major destinations for Italian immigrants. In these countries, the surname has often undergone various spellings and pronunciations due to linguistic adaptations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pisa

The surname Pisa has several variants and spellings in different parts of the world. Some common variations include: Pisa, Pice, Piccia, Pizza, Pizzo, Piza, and Pisci. These variations may be due to regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or changes in spelling due to immigration or assimilation. In Italy, where the name originates, it is most commonly spelled as "Pisa" and can refer to either a person or the city of Pisa. In other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, common variations include Pice, Piccia, Pizza, Pizzo, Piza, and Pisci due to immigration and assimilation. It is essential to note that these variations may lead to confusion in genealogical research or official documents.

Famous people with the last name Pisa

The Pisa surname has produced notable figures across various fields, primarily in science and art. Galileo Galilei (born as Galileo Buonaiuti but later adopted the surname Pisi, and then simplified it to Pisa) was an Italian physicist, mathematician, engineer, philosopher, and astronomer, who is best known for his work in physics, including the principles of motion and the laws of falling bodies. Leonardo da Pisa, also known as Fibonacci, was a 13th-century Italian mathematician, renowned for introducing the Fibonacci sequence to Western mathematics. In the field of art, Giovanni Pisanello was an influential Italian sculptor and goldsmith in the early Renaissance period. These are some of the most prominent figures with the surname Pisa, showcasing their significant contributions to human knowledge and culture.

Genealogical research on the last name Pisa

The surname Pisa originates from Italy, particularly Tuscany and Lombardy regions. The name is thought to have derived from various places named "Pisa" throughout Italy, such as the city of Pisa which is famous for its Leaning Tower. Some early records show that the name was spelled as "de Pisa," indicating a noble or high-status family. Notable figures with this surname include Bonanno Pisano, a 12th-century sculptor and mathematician, and Galileo Galilei, an astronomer from Florence. The migration of people bearing the name Pisa spread to other European countries in the Middle Ages, particularly France, Spain, and Germany, due to trade and political influences. Today, the Pisa family is found across many parts of the world, with a significant presence in the United States.

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 : 13 June 2025

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