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Last Name Zoccola

What is the origin of the last name Zoccola?

The last name Zoccola is of Italian origin. It is derived from the word "zoccolo," which means clog or wooden shoe in Italian. It is believed to have originated as an occupational surname for a maker or seller of clogs. This surname is most commonly found in southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Calabria and Sicily.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Zoccola

The meaning and origin of the last name Zoccola

The surname Zoccola is of Italian origin and is believed to have derived from the Italian word "zoccola" which means "slut" or "prostitute." It is thought to have been used as a derogatory term to refer to someone of low moral character or perceived promiscuity. Surnames like Zoccola often originated from occupations, physical characteristics, or even personal traits, and their meanings may have evolved over time. While the exact origin of the surname Zoccola is uncertain, it is possible that it was given to individuals who were involved in the sex trade or who were considered immoral in some way. Today, the surname Zoccola is not as commonly found as it may have been in the past, but it still carries the connotations of its historical meaning.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zoccola

The last name Zoccola is most commonly found in Italy, particularly in the regions of Sicily and Calabria. In Sicily, the surname is most prevalent in the provinces of Palermo and Messina, while in Calabria, it is commonly found in the provinces of Catanzaro and Reggio Calabria. Outside of Italy, there are smaller concentrations of individuals with the surname Zoccola in Argentina, the United States, and Brazil. The distribution of the last name Zoccola reflects the Italian roots of the name, with the majority of individuals bearing this surname residing in regions with historical ties to Italy. The prevalence of the surname in Sicily and Calabria suggests a strong connection to the southern regions of Italy, where the name may have originated.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zoccola

The last name Zoccola has a few variations and spellings, including Zoccali, Zoccoli, Zocca, and Cozzola. These variations are often a result of different spellings or pronunciations passed down through generations or as a result of migration to different countries. The name may also have different spellings depending on the region or dialect in which it originated. Regardless of the spelling, the name Zoccola is of Italian origin and is believed to have derived from the word "zocco," which means "ram" in Italian. This surname is not very common and can be traced back to certain regions in Italy, such as Sicily and Calabria. The variety in spellings adds to the unique history and heritage of the Zoccola family name.

Famous people with the last name Zoccola

I'm sorry, but I couldn't find any famous people with the last name Zoccola. It is possible that there are individuals with this surname who have achieved notable recognition in their field, but they may not be widely known on a global scale. If you are interested in learning more about individuals with the last name Zoccola, I recommend conducting further research or reaching out to sources specific to the region or industry where individuals may have gained recognition.

Genealogical research on the last name Zoccola

The surname Zoccola is of Italian origin and is believed to have originated in the southern regions of Italy. The name likely derived from the Italian word "zoccola," which means wooden shoe or clog. Genealogical research on the Zoccola surname reveals a long history of families bearing this name in Italy, particularly in the regions of Calabria and Sicily. The Zoccola family may have been involved in farming or shoemaking, as indicated by the meaning of the surname. Today, individuals with the last name Zoccola can be found not only in Italy but also in various other parts of the world as a result of migration and emigration. Researching the Zoccola family history may involve looking into records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census data, immigration records, and other historical documents to trace the lineage and origins of this surname.

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 : 11 April 2025

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