Last Name Secci

The surname Secci is of Italian origin. It derived from a geographical location or a topographic name for someone who lived near a dry, barren place or rocky outcrop, as "secco" means 'dry' in Italian. Over time, the spelling may have evolved due to regional dialects and migratory patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Secci

The meaning and origin of the last name Secci

The surname Secci is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "secus" which means "opposite" or "against." It likely originated as a topographical name for someone who lived near a prominent landmark that was positioned opposite another similar landmark or settlement. Alternatively, it may have been an occupational name for someone who worked against the grain, such as a carpenter who worked in reverse grain wood. The name Secci is found predominantly in Italy and regions with significant Italian immigration. It's also worth noting that variations of the surname include Secchi, Secchetti, Secchia, and others, depending on regional dialects and spelling conventions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Secci

The surname Secci is predominantly Italian in origin, with a significant concentration within Italy. According to various genealogical databases, the highest frequency of the surname Secci is found in regions such as Tuscany, Lazio, and Umbria, indicating a historical presence in Central Italy. However, the name is also present in other Italian regions like Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont, and Sardinia. Outside of Italy, there are pockets of Secci families predominantly in South America, particularly Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, due to Italian immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller numbers of the Secci family can also be found in other countries with significant Italian diaspora populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Secci

The surname Secci has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common versions include:

1. Secchi - This is an Italian variant that emphasizes the 'c' as a hard 'k' sound, as is typical in the Italian language.
2. Seccy - An English variant that may be a phonetic spelling of Secci or an altered spelling to conform with common English conventions.
3. Seggi - This could be an alternative Italian spelling where the 'c' is pronounced as a soft 's.'
4. Sechi - Another version, often found in Portuguese and Italian-speaking regions, where the 'c' can be pronounced like the English 'k' or 'ch' depending on local dialect.
5. Seki - A Japanese variant of Secci, with 'Seki' being a common Japanese surname.
6. De Secco - An Italian-language derivative, where "de" is added to denote a noble family descended from a specific place named Secco.
7. Di Secco - Similar to De Secco, but with the preposition "di" instead of "de," which can be found in some Italian dialects and regions.
8. Le Secco - A French-Italian variant that adds the definite article "Le" before the surname, commonly used in France for Italian names.
9. A Secci - An alternate form sometimes used in Italian-speaking regions, with the preposition 'a' signifying possession or belonging.

Famous people with the last name Secci

The Secci family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Giuseppe Secci (1784-1863), an Italian archaeologist and antiquarian who made significant contributions to the study of Roman art and architecture. He was responsible for the excavation of the Villa of the Papyri in Herculaneum, one of the most important discoveries of ancient Roman literature. Another prominent Secci is Maria Teresa Agnes Secci (1938-), an Italian actress who gained international fame for her roles in films such as "The Pink Panther" and "The Trouble with Angels." In the world of science, Giuseppe Maria Secci (1768-1837) was a physicist and mathematician known for his work on fluid dynamics and the study of heat conduction. Lastly, in the realm of music, Andrea Secci (1954-) is an Italian operatic baritone who has performed at major opera houses worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. These are a few examples of the notable figures with the last name Secci.

Genealogical research on the last name Secci

The surname Secci originates from Italy and is found predominantly in regions such as Tuscany, Lazio, and Emilia-Romagna. Its etymology can be traced back to the Latin word "secus" meaning "opposite," suggesting that an early bearer of this name may have lived on the opposite side of a settlement or river. The Secci family is believed to have roots in medieval Italy, with notable figures emerging during the Renaissance period. One such figure is Filippo di Lorenzo Secci, a Florentine sculptor active in the 15th century. Throughout history, the Secci family has produced notables in various fields including art, literature, and science. In modern times, the Secci name can be found worldwide as Italian immigrants dispersed across the globe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Genealogical research continues to uncover the rich history and diverse background of the Secci family.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Secci"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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