Last Name Raso

The last name "Raso" is of Italian and Portuguese origin. In Italian, it may derive from the word "raso," meaning "shaved," which could refer to a person who had been shaved for some reason, such as monks or people with a specific condition. In Portuguese, it might originate from places called Raso, which can be found in various regions of Portugal. The name could also have been an occupational surname for someone who was a shepherd or tended to sheep (in Latin "aratus" or "rasus," meaning "shorn"). However, the exact origin and meaning might vary depending on different regions and families.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Raso

The meaning and origin of the last name Raso

The surname Raso is an Italian patronymic name derived from the personal name "Raso" or "Razo", which originally meant "the short-haired one" in Old High German, as it was a nickname for someone with short hair. Over time, this name migrated to Italy and underwent various phonetic changes, resulting in the current Italian form, Raso. The surname Raso is most prevalent in regions of Italy such as Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. It is important to note that the use and spelling of surnames can vary significantly across different countries and time periods due to historical and cultural factors, which may lead to multiple variations and spellings for the same name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Raso

The surname Raso has its roots primarily in Italy and Portugal. In Italy, it is most concentrated in regions such as Liguria, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Sardinia. It is also found in smaller numbers in other Italian regions like Lombardy, Veneto, and Sicily. In Portugal, the Raso name can be traced to the northern region of Trás-os-Montes and the central district of Viseu. The diaspora has led to a scattering of the Raso surname in other parts of Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania, with significant populations found in countries like Brazil, United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina.

Variants and spellings of the last name Raso

The surname Raso has various spellings and minor variations worldwide. Some common variations include: Rasso, Razo, Raço, Razó, Racos, Razzo, and Ratz. These variations stem from regional differences in pronunciation and spelling conventions. For instance, the 'z' in Italian dialects is often replaced with 'c' or 'ss', resulting in spellings like Racos or Rassos. Similarly, the spelling Razo can be found among Hispanic families, while Razzo is more common in Italian-speaking regions. Additionally, diacritical marks such as an accent on the 'a' (Rasó) can be used to indicate the original pronunciation or regional origin. In summary, the surname Raso and its variations have a wide global presence, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and diverse linguistic backgrounds of those who bear it.

Famous people with the last name Raso

Notable individuals sharing the surname Raso include:

1. Marco Raso, an Italian professional footballer who plays as a striker for U.S. Lecce in the Serie B. He began his career with Juventus and has also played for clubs like Hellas Verona and A.C. Milan.

2. Salvatore Raso, an American conductor and composer born in 1973, is recognized for his work in early music. He serves as the artistic director of the Boston-based Handel & Haydn Society.

3. Giorgio Raso, an Italian film producer who has produced films like "The Great Beauty" (La grande bellezza) and "Youth" (Io e lei). He is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

4. Dino Raso, a Canadian actor known for his work in television shows like Degrassi: The Next Generation, Flashpoint, and Murdoch Mysteries.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as sports, music, film production, and acting.

Genealogical research on the last name Raso

The surname Raso is predominantly Italian and Sicilian in origin, with possible roots tracing back to ancient Greece. In Italy, the name Raso is found mainly in the regions of Tuscany, Campania, and Sicily, suggesting an early Norman or Byzantine influence. The name is believed to derive from the Greek "rasos," meaning red-haired or ruddy-complexioned, indicating that it may have been a nickname for someone with distinct physical features. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved, appearing as Rasso, Razzo, Razo, and other variants in various Italian dialects and regions. Notable figures bearing the surname Raso include the composer Domenico Raso (1680-1735), known for his contributions to Baroque music, and the film director Antonio Raso (born 1946), whose work includes both Italian and American films.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Raso"
• 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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