Surname Rizzo - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Rizzo Lineage: A Deep Dive into Ancestral Roots using iGENEA DNA Test

A dive into ancestral past using iGENEA DNA test enriched me with insights layered with historical contexts and geographical ties. Results traced my surname Rizzo back to the Southern regions of Italy, unfolding connections to defined hair characteristics, diverse migrations, and instilled cultural practices. My paternal line revealed a predominant North African lineage, while my maternal showcased a European heritage.

W. Rizzo

Rizzo: What does the surname Rizzo mean?

The last name Rizzo is an Italian surname derived from the Latin word "riccius", which means "curly". It is believed to have referred to individuals with curly or wavy hair. It is believed to have originated in the regions of Abruzzo, Campania, and Calabria, and is common throughout Italy.

The surname is believed to have been established in Italy since at least the 12th century, and it is still quite common today. It is also quite popular in countries with Italian immigrant populations, such as the United States, Argentina, Canada, and Brazil.

Rizzo is a patronymic surname, which means it is passed down from the father to the children. It is derived from the given name Rizzo, which is derived from the given name Rigo, which was derived from the Latin name Riccius.

Today, the last name Rizzo is associated with strength, courage, and determination, traits that have been associated with the Italian people for centuries. It is also associated with a long and proud Italian heritage, filled with culture, tradition, and strength.

Rizzo: Where does the name Rizzo come from?

The last name Rizzo is commonly seen in Italy, the United States, and Canada. The surname is derived from Italian origins, with many members of the Italian diaspora bringing the name with them when they immigrated to new countries. In the US, it is quite a unique surname, with the 2000 census reporting only 0.003% of the population bearing the surname.

Today, it is most often concentrated in urban areas in the United States such as New York City and New Jersey. According to MyHeritage’s family records, the highest concentrations of Rizzo are found in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Florida. However, Rizzo’s are found throughout the US with many family members crossing over the country lines in search of a better life.

The Rizzo family is known to have a strong sense of pride and ancestry, evidenced by their strong ties to Italy. There is a small community of Rizzo in Italy, predominantly found in the region of Calabria. The name is also widely popular in South America, especially Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, likely due to the large number of Italian immigrants who moved there during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The name Rizzo is known to carry history, heritage, and a deep sense of pride. Though the last name is relatively rare in the United States, it is known for its uniquely Italian origins and deep-rooted cultural ties.

Variations of the surname Rizzo

The surname Rizzo is thought to ultimately have derived from the Latin word ‘rica’, meaning ‘rich’. This Latin root has survived throughout multiple parts of the world, manifesting in numerous variations of the Rizzo surname.

In Italy, the Rizzo surname is found in the form Rizio, Rizzino, and Rizzotti. In addition, alternate spellings of the Italian Rizzo include Rissi, Rizzi, and Ricci. Across Europe, the surname may also appear under similar versions, such as Risco or Rizolo in Portugal and Spain, or Resch and Retsch in the German area.

In the United States, the Rizzo surname is particularly pronounced in both Italian-American and Hispanic-American populations. Common variants of the Rizzo surname in the United States are Risso, Rico, and Reces. Further adaptations, such as Rican, Ricano, or Rizal, may also be seen in Hispanic areas with large Rizzo lineages and communities.

The Rizzo surname derives from the Latin root ‘rica,’ meaning ‘rich’, and is found in numerous manifestations around the world. In Europe, the Rizzo surname typically appears in the forms of Risco, Rizolo, Resch, or Retsch, while in the United States the surname may take the form of Risso, Rico, Reces, Rican, Ricano, or Rizal.

Famous people with the name Rizzo

• Sophia Rizzo: Sophia Rizzo is an actress whose works include the hit film The Coming and the HBO series Succession.
• Olivia Rizzo: Olivia Rizzo is a TV journalist who has also been featured in shows on the Investigation Discovery Channel and FYI from A+E networks.
• Rich Rizzo: Rich Rizzo is a retired professional baseball player who played for the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and Florida Marlins.
• Bob Rizzo: Bob Rizzo is the owner of Rizzo Productions, a stage show production company. He has choreographed shows on Broadway including Fame, In the Heights, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
• Jackson Rizzo: Jackson Rizzo is the vocalist of the hardcore punk band, Coliseum. He has also been featured in the bands KRS and COZ.
• Michael Rizzo: Michael Rizzo is a celebrity chef and restaurateur. He's had his own TV show, The Michael Rizzo Show, as well as making regular appearances on the Food Network.
• Devin Rizzo: Devin Rizzo is a musical artist who is popularly known for being the frontman of the alternative rock band, Companies.
• Mary Rizzo: Mary Rizzo is a fashion designer whose creations have been worn by celebrities such as Sofia Vergara, Rachel Zoe, and Angelina Jolie.
• Alan Rizzo: Alan Rizzo is an expert skyrocketeer that has appeared on various TV shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live, and MythBusters.

Other surnames

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