What is the origin of the last name Zaccheo?

The surname Zaccheo is of Italian origin. It derives from various given names that include Diminutive forms of Jacopo (James), Giacomo (James), or Giovanni (John) in Italian. These names were diminished to "Zacco" or "Zaccaria," which later evolved into the surname Zaccheo. The name is most commonly found in central and northern Italy, particularly in regions like Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zaccheo

The meaning and origin of the last name Zaccheo

The surname Zaccheo is of Italian origin, derived from the personal name Jacopo (James) or Giacomo, which is a variant of the Hebrew name Ya'akov, meaning "supplanter" or "he who follows." In medieval Italy, it was common for individuals to adopt occupational surnames as a way to identify themselves and their professions within communities. Over time, some families who originally bore the name Jacopo transformed its spelling due to regional dialects or scribal errors, giving rise to variations such as Zacchei, Zacchetta, Zacchia, and Zaccheo. The surname Zaccheo is particularly prominent in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zaccheo

The surname Zaccheo is predominantly Italian, originating from the central region of Emilia-Romagna, particularly in the provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia. However, it also has a significant presence in other regions such as Lombardy, Tuscany, and Umbria. Emigrants carrying this surname have dispersed globally, with substantial populations found in various parts of Europe, North America, South America, and Australia, as a result of Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Notably, Argentina and Brazil host large communities of Zaccheos due to significant Italian immigration to these countries. In the United States, the highest concentration of individuals with the surname can be found in New York, Illinois, and California.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zaccheo

The surname Zaccheo has several variations and spellings due to regional differences and transliteration over time. Some common variants include:

1. Zaccio
2. Zaccai
3. Zacchia
4. Zaccari
5. Zaccarelli
6. Zaccara
7. Zaccaro
8. Zaccarini
9. Zaccarin
10. Zaccaria
11. Zacheo
12. Zacco
13. Zachio
14. Zacchea
15. Zacchi
16. Zaccagni
17. Zaccagnini

These variations can be found in different parts of the world, particularly Italy and countries with significant Italian-American populations. It originates from the given name Giacomo, meaning supplanter or usurper, which was a popular name among early Christians.

Famous people with the last name Zaccheo

Notable individuals with the surname Zaccheo include:

1. Giuseppe Zaccone, an Italian operatic tenor who had a successful international career during the early part of the 20th century. He was known for his roles in numerous operas by composers such as Verdi and Puccini.

2. Marco Zaccheo, a professional footballer who plays as a defender for Italian club UC Sampdoria and the Italy national team. Known for his versatility and leadership skills, he has played in various positions throughout his career.

3. Giulio Zaccheo, an Italian conductor specializing in contemporary music. He is known for his work with ensembles like Ensemble Modern and the Lucerne Festival Academy Orchestra.

4. Elisabetta Zaccheo, an Italian actress who has appeared in numerous film, television, and theater productions since the 1970s. She is a multiple award winner and has been recognized for her contributions to Italian cinema.

Genealogical research on the last name Zaccheo

The surname Zaccheo originates from Italy and is believed to have derived from the given name Jacopo, a variant of Jacob, which means "heel holder" or "supplanter." Historically, it was common for Italian families to adopt occupational names, regional nicknames, or names based on personal characteristics. The Zaccheo family can be traced back to the medieval period in Tuscany, with early records showing a Niccolò di Zacchia from Volterra in the 13th century. In subsequent centuries, many members of the Zaccheo family migrated throughout Italy and beyond, particularly to other European countries during the Renaissance era and later to the Americas due to migrations in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable figures bearing the surname Zaccheo include Giuseppe Zaccheo, an Italian painter, and Gino Zaccheo, an Italian footballer.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names