Last Name Racca

The surname Racca is of Italian origin. It is derived from various places in Italy, primarily located in Lombardy and Piedmont regions. The name is a variant of "Raccah," which means "the little house" in Old Lombardic language. It is possible that the original bearer of this surname lived near or owned a small house. As with many surnames, it was often used as a form of identification when populations grew and people began to move around more frequently.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Racca

The meaning and origin of the last name Racca

The surname Racca is of Italian origin, stemming from the medieval period. It is a topographic name, denoting someone who lived by or near a small hill or mound, derived from the Italian word "raccia," meaning "a knoll" or "mound." Alternatively, it could be an occupational name for a maker of pottery or other round objects, as "raccia" can also refer to a round object in some regional dialects. The spelling variations of this surname include Racca, Raccaia, Raccia, and others, reflecting the diverse phonetic changes that occurred over time due to regional dialects and migration patterns. Today, individuals bearing the surname Racca can be found predominantly in Italy, but also in other countries with significant Italian diaspora populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Racca

The surname Racca is primarily distributed across Italy and Switzerland, with significant concentrations in both countries. In Italy, the highest density of the Racca family can be found in the regions of Lombardy, Piedmont, and Emilia-Romagna, reflecting the historical influence of these regions on Italian demographics. The town of Raccasco, located in the province of Biella, in the Piedmont region, has a particularly high proportion of Racca families. In Switzerland, the majority of individuals with the last name Racca reside in the canton of Ticino, where Italian is spoken. Smaller numbers of Racca families can also be found in other European countries, as well as in South America, particularly Argentina and Brazil, due to historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Racca

The surname Racca is of Italian origin and has several variations and spellings. Some common versions include: Raccah, Racha, Raccaa, Raccab, Raccap, Raccappa, Racci, Raccia, Racco, Raccu, Raczka (Polish variant), and Ratzka (German-Italian variant). Additionally, the name can also be found with diacritics such as Račka or Račkaová (Czech and Slovak variants) and Račko (Serbo-Croatian variant). In some cases, the spelling may be influenced by regional dialects or phonetic transcriptions. These variations demonstrate the multicultural history of the name Racca and its adaptability across different linguistic contexts.

Famous people with the last name Racca

Notable individuals with the surname Racca include: 1) Giuseppe Racca, an Italian football player who played as a midfielder and was known for his time at A.C. Milan, where he won two Champions Leagues. 2) Livia Racca, an Italian actress born in 1970, who is recognized for her roles in television series such as "La casa di vetro" and "Un medico in famiglia." 3) Salvatore Racca, a contemporary American artist who works primarily in painting and sculpture. His art explores themes of identity, history, and memory. 4) Stefano Racca, an Italian football manager who has managed several professional teams throughout Europe. He is currently the head coach of AC Reggiana 1919.

Genealogical research on the last name Racca

The surname Racca is believed to have Italian origins, specifically from the region of Lombardy and Piedmont. The name derives from the Occitan word "raca," meaning head or crest, likely given to someone who had distinguishing facial features. The earliest recorded instance of the Racca family can be traced back to the 13th century in the Duchy of Milan, where they held noble titles and were active participants in local politics. Over time, the Racca family expanded throughout Italy, with significant populations found in cities like Turin, Genoa, and Bologna. The family's history is also closely tied to the Catholic Church, as many members served as priests and bishops. In more recent times, the Racca diaspora has spread globally, particularly to Argentina, Brazil, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where descendants continue to uphold the family's traditions and legacy.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Racca"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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