Last Name Ricco

The surname Ricco has Italian origins. It is derived from the male given name Riccardo, which comes from the Germanic name Richard, meaning "brave ruler" or "strong ruler". Over time, the name was often shortened to Ricco in Italy and became a hereditary surname for some families. It is also found as a variant in other European countries with Italian influences.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ricco

The meaning and origin of the last name Ricco

The surname Ricco is an Italian and Spanish variation of Richard, which has Germanic origins. It derives from the Old High German name "Ricard," meaning "brave, strong, or powerful ruler." Over time, the name evolved into its various forms across different regions. In Italy, Ricco often signifies a diminutive form of the more common Richardo, suggesting a person of small stature or youthful appearance. The surname Ricco is primarily found in Italian-speaking countries but can also be encountered in Spanish-speaking regions due to historical ties between these nations. As with many surnames, its original bearer may have taken on the name Ricco as a form of identification, signaling their heritage or personal qualities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ricco

The surname Ricco is predominantly Italian in origin, with the highest concentrations found in regions such as Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Campania. It also occurs frequently in Sicily, Sardinia, and other southern Italian provinces. In addition to Italy, significant numbers of people bearing the name Ricco can be found in countries with large Italian diaspora populations, particularly Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela, Cuba, Canada, and the United States, reflecting historical waves of Italian immigration. There are also smaller groups of people with the surname Ricco in France, Spain, Malta, and other Mediterranean countries due to migration and intermarriage over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ricco

The surname Ricco has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variants include Ricko, Ricks, Ricci, Ricciardi, Riccio, Rizzo, and Rycos. These variations can be found in various countries, including Italy, where the name originates, as well as other parts of Europe and the Americas. The name may also be spelled with different accents, such as Ricco (Italian), Ricço (Portuguese), or Ricco (Spanish). Additionally, there may be regional dialect variations, such as Rykos in some regions of Italy. While the variations may differ in spelling, they all share a common origin, derived from the Italian word for "rich," reflecting its original meaning.

Famous people with the last name Ricco

Notable individuals bearing the surname Ricco include Marco Ricci (1676-1730), an Italian Baroque painter who was active primarily in Venice and Rome, best known for his religious and mythological works. In the world of sports, Marco Ricci (b. 1978) is a former professional cyclist from Italy, who won the Giro d'Italia in 2007 and 2010. Another prominent figure is Nicky Ricci (b. 1963), an American fashion designer, founder of the contemporary clothing line "Nicky and Simone". In the realm of academia, Giuseppe Ricci (1858-1949) was an Italian mathematician known for his work in algebraic geometry. Lastly, Joe Ricci (b. 1960), an American musician, is a guitarist and founding member of the heavy metal band Manowar.

Genealogical research on the last name Ricco

The surname Ricco originates from Italy and is of Germanic origin, derived from the personal name Richard. The name Richard itself comes from the Old High German Hrod-ric, meaning "powerful ruler." The first recorded use of the surname Ricco dates back to the Middle Ages, particularly in Tuscany, where it was initially spelled as Rizzo or Ricci. The Ricco family expanded across Italy, with notable branches established in cities like Florence, Rome, and Naples. In the late 15th century, many Riccos immigrated to Spain and eventually reached the Americas during the colonial period. The Ricco family has made significant contributions in various fields throughout history, including politics, art, and science. Notable figures include Giacinto Ricci (1707-1772), an Italian composer, and Richard C. Riccio (born 1945), an American politician from New York. Today, the Ricco surname can be found in numerous countries around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ricco"
• 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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