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Last Name Roccaro

What is the origin of the last name Roccaro?

The surname Roccaro is of Italian origin and has its roots in various regions of Italy, particularly Sicily, where it was often associated with the Norman conquest of the island in the 11th century. The name is derived from the word "rocca," which means fortress or castle in Italian. It is possible that early bearers of this surname lived near a fortified structure or were associated with one in some way, and the surname was passed down through generations as a result. However, it's important to note that surnames did not become widely used in Italy until the 13th and 14th centuries, so the specific origins of many Italian surnames are not known with certainty.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Roccaro

The meaning and origin of the last name Roccaro

The surname Roccaro is an Italian patronymic name derived from a given name. It originated as a variant of the more common Italian name "Rocco," which comes from the Latin word "roccus," meaning rock or fortress. As with many Italian surnames, Roccaro was originally used as a nickname for someone who had characteristics associated with a rock, such as strength and solidity. Over time, the name became hereditary and was passed down through generations. Today, Roccaro is found primarily among Italians but has also been adopted by individuals of other nationalities due to immigration and assimilation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Roccaro

The surname Roccaro has its roots primarily in Italy, where it is most prevalent. In the Italian region of Calabria, particularly in the provinces of Catanzaro and Cosenza, the name is notably common due to its historical origins from this area. Over time, Italian immigrants brought the name to various parts of the world. In North America, there are significant concentrations of people with the surname Roccaro in the United States, particularly in states with high Italian-American populations such as New York, Pennsylvania, and California. Additionally, the name can also be found among Italian diaspora communities in countries like Australia, Canada, and South America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Roccaro

The surname Roccaro has multiple variants and spellings due to various historical and regional factors. Some common variations include Rocarro, Rocaro, Rockaro, Roccario, and Rokkaro. These variations may have arisen from transcription errors, regional dialects, or changes in the spelling of names over time. The name is believed to be of Italian origin, derived from a place name meaning "rocky field" or "hillock". It is most common among individuals with Italian heritage, but can also be found in other communities worldwide.

Famous people with the last name Roccaro

Notable individuals with the surname Roccaro include:

1. Frankie Valli (Francesco Stephen Castelluccio), an American singer, songwriter, and actor who was the lead vocalist of the rock and roll group The Four Seasons in the 1960s, best known for hit songs like "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" and "Oh What a Night."

2. Rosanna Roccaro, an American singer, actress, and author who gained fame as a member of the 1980s band The Young & the Restless cast and has since pursued a solo career in music, publishing, and television production.

3. Gino Roccaro, an Italian jazz clarinetist who was a prominent figure in the New Orleans jazz revival in the 1940s and 1950s, playing with renowned artists such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie.

Genealogical research on the last name Roccaro

The surname Roccaro originates from Italy and is found primarily in regions such as Sicily and Calabria. It is believed to be derived from a place name, specifically from various locations named "Rocca" which mean fortress or rock in Italian. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved, with variations including Roccaro, Roccaro, and others. In terms of genealogy, the earliest documented records of the Roccaro family can be traced back to the late Middle Ages. Notable individuals bearing the surname include Giovanni Roccaro, a 16th-century composer from Sicily, and Giuseppe Roccaro, an Italian politician who served as Minister of War in the 1870s. The name remains common in Italy today, with significant populations found primarily in the southern regions.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 26 July 2025

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