Last Name Rosso

The surname Rosso is an Italian and Jewish (Italian) name that originally means "red" in English. It derives from a variety of historical sources. In Italy, it was often used as a nickname for someone with red hair or red-colored skin, while among Jews, it might have been given to a person born on a particular day associated with the color red in Jewish tradition. The name can also be found in other countries with Italian-speaking populations, such as Argentina and Brazil, due to Italian immigration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rosso

The meaning and origin of the last name Rosso

The surname Rosso is of Italian origin, derived from the adjective "rosso" which means red in Italian. It was often given to individuals who had distinctly red hair or a ruddy complexion, as a descriptive name. In some cases, it may have been used metaphorically to describe someone with a fiery temperament or strong personality. The use of red as a surname is relatively common in Italian-speaking regions due to its vivid and striking nature. Over time, the spelling has evolved slightly, with variations such as Rossi, Rosso-Ferrero, and Rossetti also found among Italian families. It's worth noting that the popularity of this surname reflects the rich history and diverse culture of Italy, where many surnames originate from occupations, geographical locations, or physical characteristics.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rosso

The last name Rosso, which is of Italian origin and means 'red' in English, is predominantly distributed across Italy, particularly in regions such as Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Umbria, where it has been traced back to the medieval period. Outside of Italy, a significant number of people with the surname Rosso can be found in countries with large Italian immigrant populations, such as the United States, Argentina, Canada, Australia, and Brazil. In the U.S., concentrations are highest in states like New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, areas that received high numbers of Italian immigrants during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The global dispersal of Rosso is testament to historical migration patterns and the cultural influence of Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rosso

The surname Rosso has several variations and spellings across different regions and countries. In English, it is commonly spelled as "Rosso", but can also be found as "Rossi" or "Rossy". In Italian, where the name originates, it is primarily spelled as "Rossi", but there are occasional variations such as "De Rossi", "Di Rossi", "Lo Rossi", and "I Rossi". Additionally, the name can be found with slight alterations in other languages; for example, in Spanish it may appear as "Rojo" or "Rojas". In some cases, hyphenated forms such as "de la Rosa" (Spanish) or "di Rosso" (Italian) may be used. Lastly, phonetic variations can occur due to different pronunciation rules in various languages, such as "Roos" or "Rose" in Dutch and German respectively.

Famous people with the last name Rosso

Notable individuals with the surname Rosso include:

1. Giuseppe Rosso (1848-1926), an Italian composer and conductor known for his operas, including "Marion Delorme" and "Medea."

2. Tony Rosso (born 1950), a Canadian football coach who served as the offensive coordinator for the Michigan Wolverines football team from 2007 to 2014.

3. Giacomo Rosso di San Secondo (1864-1928), an Italian general and military strategist who played a significant role in the Italo-Turkish War.

4. Silvio Rosso (1907-1995), an Italian racecar driver who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1931.

5. John Rosso Jr. (born 1953), an American television executive and producer, best known for co-creating the long-running drama series "ER."

6. Raffaella Rossoni (1894-1962), an Italian trade unionist and communist politician who was a key figure in the Italian labor movement during the Fascist era.

These individuals hail from various fields, demonstrating the versatility of the surname Rosso. Their accomplishments span music, sports, military strategy, politics, and television production.

Genealogical research on the last name Rosso

The surname Rosso originates from Italy, specifically in regions such as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, where it is believed to have emerged during the Middle Ages. The name translates to "red" in English and may have been given to someone with red hair or a prominent red birthmark, or used symbolically to denote a fierce or passionate personality. Over time, the Rosso family migrated to various parts of Europe and the Americas. In France, they are known as Le Roux; in Spain, Rosselló or Rojo; in Germany, Rothe or Roth; and in England, Red or Rose. The earliest recorded occurrence of the name Rosso can be traced back to the 12th century, with Giovanni Rosso appearing in historical records from Florence. Notable figures bearing the surname include Matteo Rosso Fiorentino, a 16th-century painter, and Giuseppe Garibaldi, an Italian general and national hero who played a key role in Italy's unification. Today, the Rosso family can be found worldwide with significant populations in Italy, the United States, Brazil, Argentina, and other countries of Latin America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Rosso"
• 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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