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Last Name Zarro

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What is the origin of the last name Zarro?

The surname Zarro is of Spanish and Italian origin. It is derived from the word "zarza" which means bramble or blackberry bush in Spanish, or "saracino" which means little Saracen (Moor) in Italian. It was often given to someone who lived near a thorny thicket or to a person with dark complexion, as Moors were traditionally associated with dark skin. The name has been adopted by families of various ethnicities around the world due to historical migration patterns and cultural assimilation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zarro

The meaning and origin of the last name Zarro

The surname Zarro has origins rooted in both Italian and Spanish cultures. Derived from the Latin word "castrum" meaning "castle," it is believed to have been given to a person who lived near or was associated with a castle, possibly as a landmark identifier. The spelling variations of this surname, such as Zarro, Sarro, and Sarró, reflect its prevalence in these two Romance languages. In Italy, the name is most commonly found in the regions of Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, and Apulia. Meanwhile, in Spain, it can be found predominantly in Andalusia. Over time, the distribution of the Zarro surname has spread globally due to migration patterns and historical events. Today, individuals bearing this name can be found across various countries, preserving its rich heritage and connections to the past.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zarro

The surname Zarro is predominantly distributed across Mediterranean regions, particularly Spain and Italy. In Spain, it is most common in the provinces of Granada, Malaga, and Cordoba, where it is often found among the Morisco population who were forcibly converted to Christianity during the Reconquista period. The name also appears frequently in other Spanish-speaking regions such as Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Mexico due to historical migration patterns. In Italy, Zarro is most common in the southern regions of Calabria, Apulia, and Basilicata. The distribution of this surname outside of these areas is relatively low, but some occurrences have been recorded in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil due to Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zarro

The surname Zarro can have various spellings and pronunciations, depending on regional differences, family traditions, and historical transcriptions. Common spelling variations include Zaro, Zarr, Sarro, Sarroh, Sarroo, Sarrou, Sarro, Sarra, Sarrah, and Sarru. Each of these versions may originate from different parts of the world or be adopted by families over time due to factors such as immigration, assimilation, or phonetic interpretation. The root of this name is likely Italian, where it means "black" or "dark," but it can also have Arabic origins, meaning "strong" or "powerful." In any case, the diverse spellings and potential cultural influences make for an interesting exploration into the family histories associated with the surname Zarro.

Famous people with the last name Zarro

Notable individuals with the surname Zarro include:

1. John Zarro (born 1946), an American actor and singer, best known for his role as Jethro Bodine on the CBS television sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies".

2. Carmelo Zarro (1879-1950), an Italian painter, was one of the most prominent Sicilian Expressionists. His works often depicted scenes from everyday life in Sicily.

3. Vincent J. Zarro (1944-2016), an American politician and lawyer who served as a Member of the New York State Assembly for the 57th district, representing parts of Westchester County.

4. Toni Zarro (born 1984), an Italian actress, known for her roles in various Italian television series such as "Don Matteo" and "Un medico in famiglia".

5. Joseph P. Zarro (1926-2007), a prominent American labor leader, served as the International President of the United Steelworkers of America from 1983 to 2005.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning acting, painting, politics, and labor activism.

Genealogical research on the last name Zarro

The surname Zarro is believed to have Italian origins, specifically from the region of Apulia (Puglia), where it is recorded as early as the 13th century. In medieval times, the name was often associated with the landowners and nobles in this agricultural area. One notable historical figure with the surname Zarro is Bartolomeo Zarro, a 15th-century Neapolitan poet and jurist. The name spread to other Italian regions such as Calabria and Sicily during the Middle Ages, where it remains relatively common today. Emigration from Italy in the 19th and 20th centuries brought the Zarro family name to various parts of Europe, the Americas, and Australia. In recent times, genealogical research has revealed connections between several Zarro families across different continents, highlighting the widespread dispersal of this Italian surname.

Last name distribution maps

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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.

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