Last Name Ridocci

The surname Ridocci is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Ridolfo, which means 'witty' or 'clever.' It originated as a nickname for someone who was considered to have these qualities. The Italian word "ridotto" also translates to 'diminished,' but it is less likely that the surname Ridocci comes from this term, as it would not make sense as a personal name. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins, and the exact origin of a specific family may vary based on their particular history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ridocci

The meaning and origin of the last name Ridocci

The surname Ridocci is an Italian name derived from a nickname. It is believed to be a variant of the name "Ricco" or "Rizzo," both of which mean "curly-haired" in Italian. Over time, the name evolved into "Ridocco" and eventually "Ridocci." The surname Ridocci is most commonly found in Central Italy, particularly in Tuscany and Umbria, suggesting that the first bearers of this name may have originated from these regions. The use of nicknames as surnames was a common practice in medieval Europe, allowing people to distinguish themselves within communities where many individuals shared the same given names.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ridocci

The last name Ridocci is primarily found in Southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Apulia and Calabria. This surname originates from the town of Roccapiemonte, located in the province of Avellino, Campania. Over time, members of the Ridocci family migrated to other parts of Italy, notably Rome, Naples, and Sicily. The name also appears in significant numbers among Italian immigrants in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States, where they settled primarily in urban centers with large Italian-American populations like New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia. Additionally, small populations of Ridocci descendants can be found in European countries like Switzerland and Australia due to further migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ridocci

The surname Ridocci has several variants and spellings due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and migration. Some common variations include Ridecci, Rideo, Ridey, Ridoi, Riduo, Ridotti, Redochi, Rezzocchi, and Ricotti. These variations may arise from differences in pronunciation or orthographic norms in different regions, historical periods, or among various ethnic groups. However, it is essential to note that the correct spelling can be subjective and dependent on personal preference or family history. In genealogical research, it is crucial to consider these variations when tracing ancestors with a surname like Ridocci.

Famous people with the last name Ridocci

Notable individuals with the surname Ridolfi include:

1. Antonio da Sangallo the Younger (c. 1485–1546), an Italian architect and military engineer, known for his work on St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

2. Michelangelo Ridolfi (1553–1624), an Italian painter who was a key figure in the late Mannerist style.

3. Giuseppe Ridolfi (1897–1960), an Italian Roman Catholic prelate who served as the Archbishop of Bologna from 1952 until his death.

4. Giovanni Ridolfi (born 1976), an Italian professional footballer who played as a midfielder for several clubs in Italy and abroad, including Juventus, Sampdoria, and the Italy national team.

5. Stefano Ridolfi (1886–1942), an Italian engineer who made significant contributions to aviation in Italy before World War II. He designed the first Italian monoplane, the Ansaldo A.1 Balilla.

Genealogical research on the last name Ridocci

The Ridocci surname, originating from Italy, is believed to have derived from various locations including Rieti and Roccastrada, both in central Italy. Historically, it was primarily concentrated in these regions. The name can be traced back to feudal times when the Normans arrived in southern Italy, introducing a system of surnames to distinguish individuals within a community.

The earliest documented instance of the Ridocci family is found in records from the Duchy of Rieti during the 13th century. Over time, members of the Ridocci family migrated to other parts of Italy and Europe, including France and Switzerland, particularly during the Renaissance period and beyond.

Throughout history, notable bearers of the Ridocci surname have included artists, scholars, politicians, and soldiers. For instance, Giuseppe Ridocci was an Italian politician who served as a deputy in the Kingdom of Italy from 1865 to 1870, while Giovanni Battista Ridocci was a renowned painter during the Baroque period.

In summary, the Ridocci surname has a rich history rooted in Italy, with branches expanding across Europe and notable members contributing significantly to various fields throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "ridocci"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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