Last Name Sechi

The surname Sechi is of Italian origin and is believed to have roots from various locations within Italy. It can be a locative surname, indicating someone who came from a place called Sechi or a topographic name for someone living near a small wood or grove (in Italian "secco"). However, the exact origins can vary as surnames often changed over time due to factors such as regional dialects and specific historical events.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sechi

The meaning and origin of the last name Sechi

The surname Sechi is an Italian and Jewish (Ashkenazic) name of possible Germanic origin. It is derived from various place names in Germany and Switzerland, primarily found in the regions of Schwyz and Schaffhausen, where 'Sechi' translates to 'river meadow' or 'marshy meadow' in Old High German. In Italy, it can also be a variant of the Italian name Seki, which has Greek origins meaning 'house' or 'temple.' The name Sechi may have been brought to Italy by German mercenaries during medieval times, or it could have originated from Italian immigrants who moved to Germany and later returned with the surname. Over time, variations in spelling such as Secci, Seki, and Schoch have emerged due to the regional dialects and transcription errors.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sechi

The last name Sechi is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Tuscany, and Umbria. It originated from the town of Sezze, located in the Latina province of Lazio. However, the name has also been recorded in other Italian regions like Veneto, Piedmont, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Outside Italy, significant numbers of people with the last name Sechi can be found in Brazil, Argentina, and the United States, where they are likely descendants of Italian immigrants. In these countries, the surname can be encountered in urban centers with a high concentration of Italian-Americans or Italian-descended populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sechi

The surname Sechi has several variants and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical periods. Some of these variations include:

1. Secci - A common variant, with the 'h' often dropped over time or due to different transcription methods.
2. Sekhi - This spelling might be found among individuals who originate from regions where a non-Latin script was traditionally used.
3. Secchi - An Italian variation, emphasizing the stress on the second syllable.
4. Schichi - A possible Germanized or Anglicized form of the name.
5. Seki (Japanese) - Although unrelated in origin, this Japanese surname shares a similar spelling due to phonetic resemblance.
6. Schechi - Another variation that could have arisen from transcription errors or different regional pronunciations.

Famous people with the last name Sechi

Notable individuals with the surname Sechi include:

1. Enrico Sechi (born 1936), an Italian former professional road bicycle racer who won the Giro d'Italia in 1962 and 1968.
2. Marco Sechi (born 1974), a retired Italian football player who spent most of his career with Genoa CFC.
3. Raffaele Sechi (1905-1965), an Italian painter and sculptor known for his abstract works.
4. Roberto Sechi (1924-2017), an Italian comic book artist who worked on popular series such as Tex Willer, Zagor, and Diabolik.

These figures have made significant contributions to various fields including sports, art, and comics in Italy.

Genealogical research on the last name Sechi

The surname Sechi originates from Italy and is primarily found in regions such as Tuscany and Lazio. Its roots can be traced back to medieval times, with early records showing the name being spelled as "de Segichis" in documents from the commune of Castiglion Fiorentino in Tuscany dating back to 1296. Over the centuries, variations in spelling, such as Seghi, Seghetti, and Segchi, have emerged due to differences in regional dialects and transcription errors. Notable figures bearing the name include Andrea Sechi, a Renaissance painter active in the 15th century, and Giuseppe Sechi, an Italian poet and writer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The family is believed to have migrated from Italy to other parts of Europe and the Americas during the mass emigration waves of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Sechi"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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