What is the origin of the last name Piserchia?

The surname Piserchia is of Italian origin. It is derived from a place-name, specifically Pesaro, which is a city on the Adriatic coast in the region of Marche in Italy. Names like Piserchio or Pisarchio, variations of Piserchia, were common among the residents of Pesaro and neighboring areas during the Middle Ages. As internal migrations occurred, some families carrying these names moved to other regions, where their surnames continued to be passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Piserchia

The meaning and origin of the last name Piserchia

The surname Piserchia is an Italian patronymic name derived from the personal name "Pietro" (meaning "rock" or "stone") and the diminutive suffix "-chio," which denotes "little." This surname's formation signifies "Little Peter," indicating someone who was named after a relative named Pietro, particularly a younger male.

The origins of this surname can be traced back to medieval Italy where it was initially used as a nickname or byname for someone who resembled or possessed qualities associated with the given name Pietro. Over time, these names became hereditary and were passed down through generations, eventually evolving into the familiar family name Piserchia. Today, it remains a common surname in Italy, reflecting its long history and significant cultural roots.

Geographical distribution of the last name Piserchia

The surname Piserchia is primarily concentrated in Southern Italy, with the majority of its occurrences found in the region of Calabria. It originates from the town of Cassano all'Ionio, which is located in the province of Cosenza. This name, derived from the Greek word "piscaria" meaning fish market or fishing place, suggests a possible historical connection to the region's ancient Greek colonies. Over time, it has spread beyond Calabria, but its highest frequency remains within this Italian region and among diaspora communities of Italian descent in other countries, particularly in the Americas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Piserchia

The surname Piserchia has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. Some common variations include:

1. Pisarcia - This spelling is often found among Italian-American families, but it may also be a typographical error or variant of the original name.
2. Piscaria - This spelling is less common but can still be found in some records. It could potentially be a misspelling or regional variation.
3. Pisarchia - A possible misspelling or variant, this spelling appears infrequently but may be encountered in genealogical research.
4. Piseraria - This spelling is quite rare and might be an unusual variation or error in transcription.
5. Pischiera - A less common spelling, it could be a misspelling or regional variant.
6. Pisciria - An extremely rare spelling that may result from a transcription error or unique adaptation of the original name.
7. Piscaria (Spanish) and Pisarcia (Catalan) - These are possible translations of the Italian surname, though they are less common in English-speaking countries.

Famous people with the last name Piserchia

The Pisercia family has produced notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Frank J. Pisciotta, an American lawyer who served as the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey from 2013 to 2017 during the Obama administration. In the world of music, Luciano Piscitello, better known by his stage name Vicetone, is a Dutch DJ and record producer, known for his collaborations with Martin Garrix and Marshmello. Lastly, Maria Pisciotta, an Italian scientist, made significant contributions in the field of neurophysiology, particularly in research related to sleep disorders. These individuals highlight the diverse achievements of those bearing the surname Pisercia.

Genealogical research on the last name Piserchia

The Piserchia surname is an Italian one, originating from the southern regions of Italy, particularly Calabria and Sicily. Historically, it's believed to derive from the town of Pisciara in Calabria, meaning "small fishpond" in Italian. Over time, variations in spelling such as Pisarchia, Piscerchia, and Piscaria have emerged due to the differences in regional dialects and the transcription of names during immigration.

Many Piserchias emigrated from Italy, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with a significant number settling in the United States, primarily in New York and Pennsylvania, as well as Canada and Australia. These migrations have further diversified the distribution of the surname globally.

Genealogical research can be complex due to these variations in spelling, but online databases, immigration records, census data, and church records are valuable resources for tracing Piserchia family history and connections among different branches of this lineage.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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