Last Name Tassa

The surname Tassa has roots that can be traced back to Italy and Spain. In Italian, it may originate from the city of Tassa in Liguria, while in Spanish, it is a variation of the surname Taza, which could have various origins but often derives from occupational names associated with potters or tavern keepers. However, it's essential to note that surnames can also change over time due to spelling errors, migration, and other factors, making the exact origin of a specific family difficult to pinpoint without further research or genealogical information.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tassa

The meaning and origin of the last name Tassa

The surname Tassa is of Italian origin, specifically from the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Veneto. It is believed to be derived from a medieval occupation name for a tailor or leather worker, as "tasso" in Italian means a type of martens, a small mammal whose fur was used for making clothes and accessories. The name may have also originated as a nickname for someone who was lively or energetic, as the word "tassare" in Venetian dialect means to jump or leap. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved due to various factors such as regional dialects, historical events, and migration patterns. Today, Tassa is a common Italian surname, with variations like Tassara, Tassi, and Tassini found in different parts of the world, particularly among Italian diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tassa

The surname Tassa is predominantly found in North Africa, particularly in Algeria and Tunisia, due to its Arabic origins. Historically, it is associated with the Berber tribes of North Africa. However, there are also significant populations of individuals with the surname Tassa in France, Italy, and other European countries, as a result of immigration from the Maghreb region. The name may also be found in other parts of the world, particularly among the diaspora communities originating from Algeria and Tunisia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tassa

The surname Tassa has multiple variations and spellings, often resulting from differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors, or intentional alterations over time. Some common variations include Tassa, Tazza, Tazsa, Taça, and Taça. These variations can be found across various countries, suggesting that the name originated from a common root. The most likely origins of the surname are Italian, where it may have derived from a place-name such as "Tassa" in Piedmont or "Tazza" in Tuscany. It is also possible that the name is derived from a diminutive form of the given name Tatiano or Tatiana. Other potential origins include Spanish, Portuguese, and French, where similar sounding names may have influenced its spelling and pronunciation. Regardless of its specific origin, the surname Tassa has become widespread across Europe and beyond due to migration and assimilation over centuries.

Famous people with the last name Tassa

Notable individuals with the surname Tassa include:

1. Youssouf Tassa (born 1962), a Malian musician and singer who is part of the Tamani Tounkara Band.
2. Gilles Tassa (born 1983), a French footballer who played as a striker for clubs such as Lens, Auxerre, and Nice.
3. Adil Tassa-Adjemel (born 1990), an Algerian judoka who won the bronze medal in the men's under 60 kg event at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
4. Mimouna Tassa, a Moroccan actress known for her roles in films such as "Marock" and "Rachida."
5. Slimane Tassadit (born 1973), an Algerian footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs like ASOA, RC Arbaâ, and ES Sétif.
6. Hicham Tassaouti (born 1984), a Moroccan judoka who competed in the men's heavyweight category and won the gold medal at the 2009 All-Africa Games.
7. Mohamed Tassa, a Moroccan boxer who represented his country at the 2016 Summer Olympics in the light flyweight division.

Genealogical research on the last name Tassa

The surname Tassa originates from Italy and is commonly found in the region of Sardinia. It is believed to be of Arabic or Jewish origin, derived from the Hebrew name "Tzadok" or the Arabic name "Thawfiq." In Italy, the name spread to other regions beyond Sardinia as a result of migration and assimilation over centuries. The Tassa family has been documented in Sardinia since the 16th century, with notable figures such as Gavino Tassa, a prominent figure during the Risorgimento, Italy's unification movement. The name has also been found in other countries due to Italian diaspora, particularly in Argentina and Brazil. In these locations, variations of the surname include Tassara, Tacca, and Tassi. The Tassa family's history is marked by a strong tradition of agriculture, craftsmanship, and political involvement.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Tassa"
• 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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