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Last Name Urzi

What is the origin of the last name Urzi?

The surname Urzi is of Italian origin. It derives from a geographical or occupational name for someone from the town Urbisaglia in the province of Macerata, Marche region in central Italy, which was originally known as Urbsia (meaning "little city"). Alternatively, it could be a nickname derived from the Italian word "urzo," meaning bear, or a short form of various names containing the element Ursus, such as Urbano.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Urzi

The meaning and origin of the last name Urzi

The surname Urzi is an Italian name that has its origins from several regions within Italy. It's primarily found in the central region of Abruzzo, as well as in other parts of the country such as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. The name could have origins rooted in various sources. One theory suggests it may be derived from a personal name, possibly Urso (bear), due to its phonetic similarity. Another hypothesis relates to geographical locations or topographical features, where the name might have been associated with specific places named Urzi, Urce, or variations thereof. Over time and migration, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname may have evolved slightly.

Geographical distribution of the last name Urzi

The surname Urzi is predominantly Italian in origin and is primarily found within Italy, particularly in the central region of Umbria, as well as Lazio and Tuscany. It's also present in other parts of Italy but with less frequency. In terms of global distribution, a significant number of individuals bearing the surname Urzi reside in countries with large Italian diaspora communities, such as the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and Canada. Additionally, there are smaller concentrations in other European countries like France, Switzerland, and Germany, reflecting historical migration patterns. However, it's important to note that the distribution can vary greatly depending on specific genealogical research and individual family histories.

Variants and spellings of the last name Urzi

The surname Urzi has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variations include Orzio, Orzi, Orci, Uorzo, and Orcio. These variations may stem from different Italian regions or from changes over time due to factors such as immigration, assimilation, or transcription errors. It's also worth noting that the name Urzi could potentially have origins outside of Italy, as it is also found in Sardinian, a language isolate spoken by the native population of the island of Sardinia. In these cases, the spelling may vary due to unique linguistic rules or phonetic variations.

Famous people with the last name Urzi

Notable individuals bearing the surname Urzi include:

1. Giuseppe Urzi (1897-1944), an Italian Partisan who was posthumously awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valor for his role in the Italian Resistance during World War II.

2. Franco Urzi (born 1925), an Italian actor known for his roles in movies such as "Rome, Open City" and "The Bicycle Thieves." He won the David di Donatello for Best Actor in 1960.

3. Simone Urзи (born 1974), a Swiss bobsledder who competed at the 2006 Winter Olympics, where he and his team won the bronze medal in the four-man event.

4. Matteo Urzi (born 1988), an Italian footballer who currently plays for Serie C Group A club Pro Vercelli as a midfielder. He has also represented Italy at youth levels.

Genealogical research on the last name Urzi

The surname Urzi originates from Italy and is primarily found in regions such as Sardinia and Liguria. The name is believed to be of occupational origins, derived from the Old Italian word "orzio," meaning "orchard-keeper." However, another theory suggests it might have originated from the medieval personal name Orzo, a diminutive form of Orso (bear).

The Urzi family has been documented in Sardinia since at least the 13th century. Notable members include the Urzi-Veneda family, who played significant roles in the politics and economy of the region during the Renaissance period. One notable figure is Girolamo Urzi Veneda, a prominent jurist and diplomat.

In modern times, the Urzi di Ardara branch has been traced back to the 15th century, with members emigrating from Sardinia to Argentina in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The family's history and genealogy continue to be researched and documented by various genealogical societies worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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