Last Name Zucca

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zucca

The meaning and origin of the last name Zucca

The surname Zucca is an Italian patronymic name derived from the word "zucca," which means 'pumpkin' in English. This surname is often associated with Northern Italy, particularly regions like Lombardy and Veneto. It was likely originally used as a nickname for someone who was large or round-faced, resembling a pumpkin, or possibly for someone whose facial features were considered characteristic of the region where pumpkins are grown. The name may also have been given to someone born in autumn, when pumpkins are harvested, or to a person who had red hair (as pumpkins often have orange color). The use of food-related surnames is common in Italy and other Mediterranean countries, reflecting the importance of agriculture and seasonal produce in their history and culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zucca

The surname Zucca, of Italian origin, is predominantly distributed across the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy in Northern Italy, where it is most densely concentrated. Significant numbers of people with the name can also be found in Tuscany and Veneto. Outside of Italy, the distribution of Zucca is relatively low but noticeable in countries with Italian immigration history such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. In particular, the provinces of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, and Córdoba in Argentina have a substantial number of people bearing this surname due to historical Italian migration waves. The name's geographical dispersion reflects the historical movement patterns of Italian populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zucca

The surname Zucca has several variations and spellings, including Zucchi, Zukka, Zuca, Zooka, and Zouka. These changes may arise due to regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or personal preference. Some notable individuals with the name or its variations include:

1. Fabio Zucca (born 1962), Italian footballer
2. Luciano Zucca (1874–1942), Italian writer and poet
3. Silvia Zucchi (born 1982), Italian astronaut candidate
4. Andrea Zukka, American artist known for his work in public art
5. John Zouka (born 1960s), Congolese-American businessman and philanthropist

Famous people with the last name Zucca

The Zucca surname is shared by several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent is Giuseppe Zucca (1836-1911), an Italian composer and conductor who was instrumental in popularizing opera in Italy during the late 19th century. Another well-known figure with this name is Alessandro Zucca, a 20th-century Italian scientist who made significant contributions to the field of geophysics, particularly in seismology. In the world of sports, there is Stefano Zucca, an Italian footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs in Italy and Switzerland throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Lastly, in the realm of art, we find Giorgio Zucca (1867-1945), an Italian sculptor and medallist who was renowned for his figurative works and won numerous international awards during his career. These individuals serve as a testament to the diverse talents and accomplishments of those bearing the Zucca surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Zucca

The surname Zucca is of Italian origin, primarily found in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. It is derived from the Italian word for "zucchini," a type of squash. The family name is thought to have been given to an individual who was known for cultivating or selling this vegetable.

Historically, the Zucca family can be traced back to the Medieval period, with records showing that they resided in various towns and cities across northern Italy. Notable individuals bearing the name include the Renaissance artist Francesco Zucca and the 19th-century mathematician Carlo Giuseppe Zucca.

Throughout history, the Zucca family migrated to other parts of Europe, particularly France and Switzerland, and eventually reached the Americas during the colonial period. In the New World, the name has been recorded in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. Today, the Zucca family continues to thrive and expand across various regions around the globe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zucca"
• 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 : 11 June 2025