Last Name Recchia

The surname Recchia is an Italian patronymic surname derived from the given name Ricciardo (Richard), which has Germanic origins. Richard is composed of the elements "ric" meaning power or rule and "hard," brave or hardy. This name was brought to Italy by the Normans in the Middle Ages and became a popular given name, leading to the creation of surnames such as Recchia.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Recchia

The meaning and origin of the last name Recchia

The surname Recchia is an Italian patronymic name, derived from the given name Richiero or Riccardo. It originates from the Latin name "Richarius" which means rich or powerful. In medieval Italy, it was common for families to take on the name of their ancestor or a prominent figure within the family. The spelling variations of this surname include Recchi, Recchie, Reccia, and others, reflecting the regional differences in Italy. The name has been recorded in various regions such as Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Sicily, demonstrating its widespread use across the country over many centuries. The Recchia family is known for their strong roots in Italian history and culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Recchia

The last name Recchia is predominantly Italian, originating from regions such as Calabria, Sicily, and Campania, reflecting its historical roots within Southern Italy. Significant clusters of Recchias can be found in major cities like Rome, Naples, Palermo, and Catania. Additionally, a notable presence exists in the Tuscan region, particularly around Florence. Beyond Italy, descendants of Italian immigrants bearing the surname Recchia are dispersed across various parts of North and South America, with concentrations in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States, primarily on the East Coast, particularly New York City. In Europe, small communities can be found in France, Switzerland, and Spain. Australia also hosts a number of Recchia families who immigrated from Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Recchia

The surname Recchia has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. These include:

1. Recchi - An Italian variation that is phonetically similar but without the 'a' at the end.
2. Rekkiya - A possible variation in other language systems, such as Arabic or Hebrew, where the surname may have been transliterated.
3. Reccia - A variant with a single 'c'. This could be due to a typographical error during transcription or an intentional alteration of the name.
4. Recchie - Another Italian variation that adds an extra 'e' at the end, often seen in families who have migrated from Italy.
5. Rekhia - A spelling that follows the phonetic sound but with a 'k' instead of 'c', possibly due to regional dialects or transcribing errors.
6. Reccia (with two 'c's) - This could be a rare variant or a typographical error. The double 'c' might indicate a hard 'k' sound in the name, but it is not common in Italian surnames.
7. Recchyah - A possible spelling in languages with different alphabets, such as Hebrew, where the name could be transliterated using a 'y' instead of an 'i'.

Famous people with the last name Recchia

Notable individuals bearing the surname Recchia include:

1. Salvatore Recchia: An Italian-American architect and engineer who was the chief designer for the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge under the supervision of John A. Roebling. His work contributed significantly to the development of suspension bridge technology.

2. Domenico Recchia: A notable figure in Italian politics, he served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Kingdom of Italy. Recchia was also the mayor of Naples from 1908 to 1909.

3. Anthony J. Recchia: An American politician who served as the Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, Florida from 2009 to 2011. He previously worked as a lawyer and was involved in various community service organizations.

4. Paolo Recchia: An Italian actor known for his roles in films such as "L'amore e l'arte" (Love and Art) and "La mia grande notte" (My Big Night). He has also appeared in numerous television series, including "Roma" and "Un medico in famiglia" (A Family Doctor).

5. Giuseppe Recchia: An Italian entrepreneur who founded the Gruppo Recchia, a leading provider of logistics services with operations across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. He is also involved in philanthropy and supports various cultural and social initiatives.

Genealogical research on the last name Recchia

The surname Recchia originates from Italy, specifically the regions of Sicily and Calabria, where it is most common. Historically, the name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with roots in feudal society. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Filippo Recchiari, a landowner in Sicily during the 12th century. In Calabria, the name was borne by numerous Norman knights who arrived in the region during the 11th and 12th centuries. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved to include variations such as Recchiari, Recchiaio, and Recchiati. The Recchias were traditionally involved in agriculture, wine-making, and fishing, reflecting the rural and coastal landscapes of their homeland. Today, the Recchia family can be found worldwide due to migration, particularly to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Recchia"
• 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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