Last Name Rizzo

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rizzo

The meaning and origin of the last name Rizzo

The surname Rizzo is primarily Italian in origin, although it may also be found among some Spanish and Portuguese families. It derives from the Italian word "rizzo," meaning "curly-haired" or "wooly-haired." This surname was often given to individuals who had distinctive curly hair, as a means of identification within a family or community. The name is believed to have been used in Italy since the Middle Ages, with the first recorded usage dating back to the 13th century. The popularity of the name Rizzo in Italy can be attributed to its descriptive and distinctive nature, making it an easily identifiable surname for individuals with curly hair. Over time, as Italian immigrants dispersed across the globe, the surname Rizzo became established in various regions outside of Italy, contributing to a diverse and multicultural global community bearing this unique name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rizzo

The surname Rizzo is predominantly Italian in origin and has a significant presence within Italy, particularly in regions such as Sicily, Calabria, Campania, and Apulia, where it is one of the most common surnames. Additionally, substantial populations carrying the Rizzo name can be found in the United States, with concentrations in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston, which have large Italian-American communities. Smaller populations can also be found in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and other countries that received significant Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name has also been adopted by individuals of different ethnic backgrounds as a result of association with popular culture or personal preference.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rizzo

The surname Rizzo has several variants and spellings due to regional dialects, phonetic changes, and historical influences. Some common variations include: Risso, Rizza, Rizzi, Rizzuti, Rizzotto, Rizziello, Riccio, Rizzone, and Rizzoni. The name's origin is Italian, derived from the word "riso," which means rice in English. It may have been given to someone who worked with rice or lived near a rice field. The spelling can also change based on regional pronunciation, such as Rizzi being common in northern Italy while Riccio is more prevalent in southern Italy. Additionally, Italian surnames often undergo alterations during the immigration process due to miscommunications, phonetic adaptations, or clerical errors.

Famous people with the last name Rizzo

Amongst individuals bearing the surname Rizzo, notable figures include Frank Sinatra Jr., an American musician and pilot, best known for being the son of the legendary singer Frank Sinatra. In the world of entertainment, Nancy Rizzo is recognized as a casting director, having worked on numerous Hollywood productions such as "The Walking Dead" and "Stranger Things." In politics, Joseph D. Rizzo Jr., served as the Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1967 to 1973. Lastly, in the sports realm, Joe Rizzo is a professional baseball player who currently plays for the Washington Nationals organization. These figures exemplify diverse careers and contributions made by individuals with the last name Rizzo.

Genealogical research on the last name Rizzo

The surname Rizzo originates from Italy and is predominantly found in regions such as Sicily, Calabria, and Apulia. It is an occupational name derived from the Italian word "rizzo," meaning "curly-haired one" or "barber." This occupation was common during medieval times when barbers were also responsible for performing surgical procedures. The Rizzo family can trace their roots back to the Norman Conquest of Sicily in 1061, where the name became established as a noble and influential family within the island's society. Throughout history, various branches of the Rizzo family have contributed significantly to Italian culture and society, with notable figures such as Giovanni Rizzo, a Renaissance painter, and Giuseppe Rizzo, an Italian politician in the 19th century. Today, the Rizzo name can be found across the globe, with significant populations in Italy, the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Rizzo"
• 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