Last Name Quartiero

The last name "Quartiero" is of Italian origin. It is derived from a geographical location named Quartiere, which means "quarter" or "district" in Italian. This surname would have been used to identify someone who lived in such a district or town. It is one of the many Italian surnames that were originally topographic in nature, denoting features of the land on which the original bearer lived or held property.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quartiero

The meaning and origin of the last name Quartiero

The surname Quartiero is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "quartus" which means fourth. It is a topographic name, indicating an individual who lived on a piece of land that was divided into four equal parts, or it could have been used to identify the fourth child in a family. The surname Quartiero is most prevalent in regions of Italy such as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Variations of this name include Quartararo, Quartaroli, and Quartuccio, among others. In the broader context of European naming conventions, it is not uncommon for surnames to have geographical or occupational origins, reflecting the historical societal structure and the agrarian economy of medieval and early modern Europe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quartiero

The Quartiero surname is predominantly distributed within Italy, particularly in the central and southern regions. Historically, it has strong roots in Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, and Sicily, which are areas where the Normans, a North European group that influenced Southern Italian culture and language, once had significant influence. A smaller concentration of Quartieros can also be found in Argentina, as a result of Italian immigration to South America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, the surname is present in other parts of Europe, North America, and Australia, owing to diaspora from Italy over several centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quartiero

The surname Quartiero has several variations and spellings. These include Quartiere, Quartiero's, Quartier, Quartyr, Quaratero, Quarateri, Quaratieri, Quarater, Quaratyre, and possibly others due to differences in regional pronunciation or transcription errors over time. The name is of Italian origin, derived from the word "quartiere," which means a quarter or district. This surname may have originally been used as a nickname for someone who lived in a specific section of a town or city, or it could have been a profession related to quarters or districts. Regardless of the exact origins, the Quartiero name carries a rich history and cultural significance for Italian descendants worldwide.

Famous people with the last name Quartiero

Notable individuals sharing the surname Quartiero include:

1. Luisa Quartieri (born 1942), an Italian-American artist known for her abstract expressionist paintings and sculptures. She has exhibited widely in the United States and Italy, and was a member of the Artists Equity Association.

2. Rocco Quartiero (1922-1977), an Italian-American businessman who served as the president of the National Automobile Dealers Association from 1963 to 1964. He was instrumental in establishing the Automotive Hall of Fame.

3. Tony Quartiero (born 1958), a Canadian musician and producer, best known as the bassist and keyboardist for the rock band Glass Tiger. With the band, he achieved international success with hits like "Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone)" and "The Thin Red Line".

4. Vincent Quartiero (1928-1976), an American artist and designer who worked primarily in the medium of stained glass. He was a professor at Tyler School of Art and designed numerous windows for churches, hospitals, and institutions across the United States.

Genealogical research on the last name Quartiero

The surname Quartiero originates from Italy, specifically the regions of Sicily and Calabria. It is a toponymic name derived from various locations named "Quartiere" throughout these regions, which means "quarter" or "district." This name was often given to individuals who lived in one of these quarters or districts.

The earliest known records of the Quartiero family date back to the 14th century in Sicily. One notable member was Antonio Quartiero (c.1500 - c.1567), a prominent merchant and politician in the city of Messina. In Calabria, the Quartieros were primarily farmers and vineyard owners.

In the 19th century, many Quartieros emigrated from Italy to other countries, particularly the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and Australia, seeking better economic opportunities. Today, there are significant communities of Quartieros in these countries, preserving their Italian heritage through cultural events, organizations, and religious institutions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Quartiero"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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