Last Name Rizzuto

The surname Rizzuto is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name Rizzo, which is a diminutive form of the name Rizzi, meaning "curly-haired" or "curly-headed." This surname is most commonly found in southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Sicily and Calabria. The name is most likely to have originated as a nickname for someone with curly hair.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rizzuto

The meaning and origin of the last name Rizzuto

Rizzuto is an Italian surname derived from the name Ricci, which means "curly-haired" in Italian. The surname is most commonly found in the southern regions of Italy, particularly in Sicily. It is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone with curly hair, and over time became a hereditary surname passed down through generations. The Rizzuto family is well-known in Italian-American communities, particularly in the United States and Canada, where they have established themselves in fields such as organized crime, business, and politics. The surname has gained notoriety through prominent figures such as mob boss Vito Rizzuto. Today, the Rizzuto surname continues to be associated with power, influence, and a strong sense of family loyalty.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rizzuto

The surname Rizzuto has its origin in Italy and is predominantly found in the southern regions of the country. It is most commonly found in the regions of Sicily, Calabria, and Campania. Outside of Italy, the surname Rizzuto can also be found in other countries with significant Italian immigrant populations, such as the United States and Canada. In the US, the highest concentration of individuals with the last name Rizzuto can be found in New York, particularly in the New York City metropolitan area. In Canada, the surname is prevalent in Quebec, particularly in Montreal. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Rizzuto reflects its Italian roots and the migration patterns of Italian immigrants to different regions of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rizzuto

Rizzuto, a popular Italian surname, has several variations and spellings. Some common variations include Rizzuti, Rizuto, and Rizutti. These variations may have originated from regional dialects or differences in pronunciation over time. Additionally, the spelling of Rizzuto could also be seen as Rizutto, Ryzutto, or Rizato. It is not uncommon for surnames to have multiple spellings or variations, especially considering the fluidity of language and the influence of migration and cultural exchange. Regardless of the specific spelling or variation, the surname Rizzuto likely has a long history and ties to Italian heritage. Its meaning may also vary depending on the specific region or dialect in which it originated, adding to the complexity and richness of this family name.

Famous people with the last name Rizzuto

One famous person with the last name Rizzuto is Phil Rizzuto, a legendary Major League Baseball player who spent his entire 13-year career with the New York Yankees. Rizzuto, also known as "The Scooter," was a talented shortstop and played a key role in the Yankees' success, winning seven World Series titles during his time with the team. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994, recognizing his contributions to the sport. Another famous figure with the last name Rizzuto is Santo Rizzuto, a renowned Italian artist known for his vibrant and expressive paintings. Santo Rizzuto's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, showcasing his unique and captivating artistic style. Both Phil and Santo Rizzuto have left a lasting impact on their respective fields, solidifying their legacies as influential figures in sports and art.

Genealogical research on the last name Rizzuto

The surname Rizzuto is of Italian origin, derived from the personal name Ricciutto, which itself is a diminutive form of the name Ricci, meaning "curly-haired" or "curly-headed". The Rizzuto family likely originated in the southern regions of Italy, such as Sicily or Calabria, where the name is most commonly found. The first recorded instance of the surname Rizzuto can be traced back to the late 18th century, with early members of the family likely being farmers or craftsmen in their local communities. Over the years, the Rizzuto family may have migrated to other parts of Italy or even to other countries, spreading the surname to different regions. Today, descendants of the Rizzuto family can be found all over the world, with variations in spelling and pronunciation based on the local language and dialect of the region they settled in.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Rizzuto"
• 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 April 2025

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