Surname Croce - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Croce: What does the surname Croce mean?
The last name Croce is of Italian origin and it directly translates to "cross" in English. The name could possibly be derived from a nickname for someone who lived near a prominent cross symbol, either a crossroads or a wayside cross. It could also be a symbolic name for someone who carried a cross in processions or played the part of Christ in a passion play. The name might also be an occupational name for a maker of these symbols or for a bearer of a cross or staff in ecclesiastical processions. Another possibility is that it could be a habitational name derived from any of various places named with this word. Famous people with this surname include the American singer-songwriter Jim Croce.
Order DNA origin analysisCroce: Where does the name Croce come from?
Croce is an Italian surname, derived from the medieval Italian word 'croce', which means 'cross'. Historically, this name was typically given to individuals who lived near a cross symbol, generally a crossroad or perhaps a significant religious cross.
Italy is considered the origin of the surname Croce, and names deriving from specific geographical features or landmarks were common during the Middle Ages in this region. This naming tradition often served to identify where a family lived or originated from.
Today, the surname Croce remains most common in Italy, the country of its origin. Within Italy, regions with a particularly high prevalence of the Croce surname include Lombardy and Calabria. Additionally, it's also fairly common in other countries with a significant Italian diaspora such as the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and Canada. It is important to note that although it is more common in these regions, the Croce surname can be found all around the world due to global migration.
Variations of the surname Croce
The surname Croce, generally of Italian origin, has several associated variants and similar surnames. Variations include Croci, Croco, Crocetti, and Crociani. Its Latin root 'Crux' or 'Cruci', meaning cross, has further extended its reach into surnames like Delcroix, De la Croix, Cruce, Cruciani, and Cruces.
The nickname or personal name 'Croce' could also be transformed into family names such as Crocetti, Cruickshank or Cruick. Analogous surnames from the term 'cross' in different languages also include Cross (English), Kreuz (German), Cruz (Spanish and Portuguese), Croix (French), and Kereszt (Hungarian).
The meaning or occupation attached to a surname also allows for additional variations. Indexing or transcription errors over time and migration can further spawn variations in the spelling of the surname. Depending on dialect and region within Italy, variance in pronunciation and spelling may also occur.
However, it is important to keep in mind that surnames similar in spelling or pronunciation may not have similar origins, as they might be connected to different cultures or languages. Therefore, investigate the history and origin of a surname for a comprehensive understanding.
Famous people with the name Croce
- Jim Croce: A prominent American singer-songwriter, Croce was known for his unique folk-rock sound in the '60s and '70s. Some of his most famous songs include "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown", "Time in a Bottle", and "I Got a Name".
- Ingrid Croce: She is an American author, singer-songwriter, and restaurateur. Ingrid was the wife of Jim Croce and they often collaborated on music. After Jim's death, she started a restaurant in his memory.
- A.J. Croce: The son of Jim and Ingrid Croce, A.J. Croce is also a renowned American singer-songwriter. He crosses genres, encompassing blues, folk, and pop. He has recorded several albums, and his music has appeared in films and television shows.
- Matteo Croce: He is an Italian writer and cartoonist, known for his dystopian and satirical work.
- Jacopo de' Pazzi: His real name was Jacopo de' Pazzi Croce. He was a part of the powerful Pazzi family, which led a failed plot against the Medici rulers of Renaissance Florence.