Last Name Tasca

The surname Tasca is of Italian origin. It derives from a place name and is common among families who originally lived near various places named "Tasca" across Italy. These places include Tasca d'Almerita in Sicily, Tasca di Pesara in the Marche region, and several other smaller locations throughout Italy. As with many surnames, it was a way for people to identify their geographical origins during the Middle Ages when migration became more common.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tasca

The meaning and origin of the last name Tasca

The surname Tasca originates from Italy and is derived from the Occitan word "tassa," meaning "tax" or "toll." It was likely a name given to individuals who worked as tax collectors or were associated with taxes in some capacity, reflecting their profession or place of residence. Over time, it became a hereditary surname, passed down from generation to generation. The surname is predominantly found in the southern regions of Italy, particularly Sicily and Calabria. Variations of the name include Tassa, De Tassis, and Di Tasso, among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tasca

The last name Tasca is primarily concentrated in Italy, particularly in the Sicilian region where it originated. Historical records indicate that the surname has its roots in the city of Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Over time, the Tasca family expanded to other parts of Sicily and even beyond, establishing various branches across Italy. Outside Italy, significant populations bearing the name can be found in countries with substantial Italian immigrant communities, such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. In the U.S., the largest concentrations are in areas with a high Italian-American population like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and California.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tasca

The surname Tasca has various spelling variants due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variations include Tassa, Tassi, Tassia, Tazza, and Taissa. These variations may stem from regional dialects, misspellings, or phonetic adaptations. Additionally, some individuals may have altered their surname slightly to enhance its unique identity or improve pronunciation in a new location. Despite these differences, all the variants share a common origin which is believed to be derived from the Italian word "tazza," meaning cup or vessel.

Famous people with the last name Tasca

Notable individuals with the surname Tasca include:

1. Giuseppe Tasca d'Almerita (1878-1964), an Italian economist, philosopher, and politician who served as Senator of the Kingdom of Italy and was a prominent figure in the classical liberal movement.
2. Salvatore Tasca (born 1952), an Italian musician known for his work with the progressive rock band Le Orme. He has also pursued a solo career, releasing numerous albums.
3. Giuseppe Tasca Lomax (1876-1964), an Italian diplomat and politician who served as Permanent Representative of Italy to the League of Nations from 1925 to 1929. He was also Minister Plenipotentiary for Italy in Paris from 1930 to 1937.
4. Lucio Tasca d'Almerita (born 1965), an Italian businessman and enologist who is the president of Tasca d'Almerita, a Sicilian winery founded by his great-grandfather in 1860. The company is one of the island's most renowned wine producers.
5. Antonio Tasca (1927-2007), an Italian journalist and writer who was the director of Corriere della Sera, one of Italy's most important daily newspapers, from 1968 to 1974. He also served as a senator for the Democratic Party of the Left (PDS) between 1994 and 2001.

Genealogical research on the last name Tasca

The surname Tasca originates from Sicily, Italy, and is believed to have derived from the occupation of a taster or wine tester in ancient times. Its earliest known reference can be traced back to the 13th century in Palermo, where documents mention a man named Giacomo de Tascio as a landowner. The family expanded and migrated throughout Sicily over the centuries, with notable branches settling in towns such as Corleone, Randazzo, and Gangi. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many members of the Tasca family emigrated from Sicily to countries like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States, diversifying their presence globally. Today, descendants of the Tasca family can be found worldwide, maintaining a rich cultural heritage with Sicilian roots.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Tasca"
• 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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