Last Name Pizzi

The surname Pizzi is of Italian origin. It comes from the diminutive form of the word "pizza," which means "little" in Italian. Initially, this surname was likely a nickname for someone who worked with or sold small rounds of bread, similar to pizza. Over time, it became a hereditary name for families who originally bore this occupational name. However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary depending on individual family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pizzi

The meaning and origin of the last name Pizzi

The surname Pizzi is an Italian patronymic name derived from the pet form of the given name Pietro (Peter), which translates to rock or stone in Latin. The diminutive form, Pizzino, eventually evolved into Pizzi. The name is commonly found in Central and Southern Italy, particularly Tuscany and Sicily. It is believed that the name originated during the Middle Ages, as a nickname for someone who was short or stocky, resembling a pizze (Italian for loaf of bread), due to their rounded shape. Over time, it became a hereditary surname, passing down from father to son.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pizzi

The surname Pizzi is predominantly Italian in origin, and it is most commonly found within Italy. Specifically, the highest concentrations of people with this last name are in regions such as Tuscany, Lazio, and Emilia-Romagna. However, its distribution extends beyond these areas, particularly in larger urban centers like Rome, Florence, and Bologna. Additionally, there is a significant diaspora of individuals with the surname Pizzi in countries where Italians have emigrated, such as Argentina, Brazil, the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. In these locations, they tend to be concentrated in areas with large Italian-American or Italian-Canadian communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pizzi

The surname Pizzi has various spelling variants, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations over time. The most common forms include Pizzi, Pizzie, Pizzy, and Pizzey. These variations can occur as a result of factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or changes in naming conventions. Additionally, some individuals may have slight variations based on their specific family's historical origin, such as Italian (Pizzi from Pisa), English (Pizzey), and Australian (Pizzeys). It is important to note that these spelling variants do not imply any difference in ancestry or lineage, but rather serve as reflections of the evolution of names over time.

Famous people with the last name Pizzi

Notable individuals with the surname Pizzi include:

1. Roberto Pizzi (1926-1947), an Italian partisan and member of the Italian resistance during World War II who was executed by the Nazi occupying forces.

2. Antonio Pizzi (born 1958), an Italian footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs, including AC Milan, and won the UEFA Champions League twice with them.

3. Stefano Pizzi (born 1960), an Italian composer of classical music known for his operas and orchestral works.

4. Gabriele Pizzi (born 1970), an Italian discus thrower who won a silver medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics.

5. Andrea Pizzi (born 1983), an Italian footballer who plays as a forward for Sassuolo and the Italy national team.

6. Luca Pizzi (born 1985), an Italian professional basketball player who has played for several clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid.

7. Domenico Pizzi (born 1992), an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Lecce.

Genealogical research on the last name Pizzi

The surname Pizzi is of Italian origin and is derived from the word "pizzico," meaning little pie or small baker. It is most prevalent in regions such as Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. Historical records trace the earliest known bearer of this name to the 13th century in Italy. Notable figures with the surname Pizzi include Giuseppe Pizzi, an Italian politician who served as a member of the Senate; and Giorgio Pizzi, an Italian screenwriter and film director. The Pizzi family migrated from Italy to various parts of the world, including the United States, Brazil, Argentina, and Australia, due to political unrest, economic hardship, and religious persecution in the 16th to the 20th centuries. Genealogical research suggests that there are several branches of the Pizzi family across the globe, each with its own unique history and traditions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pizzi"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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