Last Name Vaccaro

The surname Vaccaro has Italian origins and is derived from the occupational name "Vaccaro" or "Vaccari," which refers to a dairy farmer or cheese maker. The name comes from the Latin word "vacca," meaning cow, and was commonly used in regions such as Sicily and southern Italy, where dairy farming played a significant role in the local economy. Over time, people with this surname may have migrated to other countries, particularly during periods of European colonization and mass migration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vaccaro

The meaning and origin of the last name Vaccaro

The surname Vaccaro originates from Italy and is derived from the occupation of a vinegar maker, known as "vinaiato" or "acetificatore" in Italian. The name is a diminutive form of the word "vino," which means wine in English, and "aceto," meaning vinegar. The occupational surname Vaccaro developed during the Middle Ages when people began to adopt names that identified their trade or profession. The family name was particularly common in southern Italy, especially in regions such as Sicily and Calabria. Today, it is one of the most common Italian surnames worldwide, with many Vaccaros tracing their roots back to these historical regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vaccaro

The surname Vaccaro is primarily distributed across Italy and its diaspora, particularly in regions such as Campania, Sicily, Abruzzo, Calabria, and Molise, reflecting its origins from southern Italy. In Italy, it ranks among the top 200 most common surnames. The name also has a significant presence in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States, due to large-scale Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In Argentina, Vaccaro is particularly prominent in the provinces of Buenos Aires and Santa Fe, while in Brazil it is most common in the states of São Paulo and Paraná. Furthermore, small communities carrying the surname can be found in other parts of the world such as Canada, Australia, and various European countries, due to continued migration from Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vaccaro

The surname Vaccaro has several variations and spelling derivatives due to translation and transcription errors over time. Some common variants include: Vacarro, Vaccarr, Vaccari, Vaccarino, Vaccarelli, Vaccarino, Vaccarone, and Vacca. These variations may be found in different countries, with Italian being the most common origin. The name is derived from the Italian vocabulary, where 'vaccaro' means cowherd or cattleman. It's important to note that these variations might exist due to regional differences, surname changes over time, or individual preferences, making it crucial to consider context when encountering them.

Famous people with the last name Vaccaro

Prominent individuals with the surname Vaccaro include:

1. Philip Vaccaro (1922-2014), an American artist known for his vibrant, figurative paintings that were popular in the mid-20th century.

2. Frank Vaccaro (born 1958), an American pop surrealist painter who is a member of the Lowbrow art movement and is known for his detailed and fantastical works.

3. Joe Vaccaro (1941-2016), an Italian-American sculptor and painter who was influential in the development of the Pop Art movement in Italy during the 1960s and 1970s.

4. Giorgio Vaccaro (born 1935), an Italian composer, conductor, and pianist who has worked extensively in opera, film scores, and chamber music.

5. Joseph Vaccaros (1877-1962), a prominent American architect known for designing numerous buildings in the New York City area during the early 20th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Vaccaro

The surname Vaccaro originates from Italy and is derived from the Latin vocabulary word "vaccarius," meaning cowherd or dairy farmer. This occupational name was common among individuals who worked with cattle, especially during the Middle Ages when land ownership was not as widespread. The Vaccaro family can be traced back to southern Italy, specifically to the region of Naples and the island of Sicily. Notable figures bearing the last name include Giuseppe Vaccaro, a renowned Baroque sculptor from the 18th century, and Francesco Vaccaro, an accomplished operatic tenor in the early 20th century. The surname Vaccaro has also spread to other countries with significant Italian immigrant populations, such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vaccaro"
• 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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