Surname Rosso - Meaning and Origin
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Rosso: What does the surname Rosso mean?
The last name Rosso is of Italian origin and is derived from the word "rosso," which means "red" in Italian. It was likely originally an occupational surname for someone who worked in the production of red dye, such as from madder root, which was used in cloth or in decoration. It could also have been a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. In some cases, it may be patronymic, meaning that it is derived from a father's name, such as Rossini—literally meaning "son of Ross[o]."
The name Rosso is most common in Italy, but has spread to other countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, Brazil, and France. In the U.S., it has been especially popular in New York and New Jersey.
The name most likely evolved from an Italian name, which itself was derived from the Latin word "rosso." This same root gave rise to the primarily armorial surname Rossi, which appears in other parts of Europe, including France, Germany, and Austria.
In Italian culture, the color red is considered a symbol of strength, courage, and passion. It is associated with life, and is historically the traditional color of the Roman Empire, as well as the Catholic Church throughout Italy. Given its long history as a cultural symbol in Italian society, it's not surprising that the name Rosso has become a popular surname in many parts of the world.
Order DNA origin analysisRosso: Where does the name Rosso come from?
The last name Rosso is a common surname of Italian origin, found in families living in Italy, South America, and other countries where Italian emigration has taken place. In Italy, the Rosso surname is most widespread in the regions of Campania, Lazio, Lombardy, and the autonomous Aosta Valley.
In South America, the name is found in Venezuela, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Peru. It is believed that these Rosso families can trace their roots to early Italian emigrants. In the United States, Rosso is found in diverse states, originating in the several waves of immigration from Italy.
In the United Kingdom, Rosso is especially common in London and other counties with high Italian immigration. It is also present in France, where the name is especially found in areas where Italian immigrants settled during the 1920s and 1930s.
In countries like Belgium, Canada, and the Netherlands, Rosso is found mainly due to Italian immigration in the 1960s and 1970s. This means the surname should not be particularly hard to find in any of these countries given the spread of the name throughout the world in the present day.
Variations of the surname Rosso
The Rosso surname has many variants and spellings, as well as associated surnames that have the same origin. The spelling variants of the surnames include Russo, Rousso, Rossa, Rossetti, Rossini, Ruci, Ruzzo, Ruzzi and Ruzzolone. These can be found in various Italian dialects.
The origin of the surname Rosso is mainly Italian, as well as other areas with Italian communities like Argentina, Brazil, and some areas of France andVEurope. It is believed to have been derived from several Latin place-names, particularly ‘rusus’ meaning red or reddish; reflective of an ancestor who had a red complexion, or perhaps had dwellings abounding with a particular tree or shrub with a red flower. Alternatively, the surname may be derived from the Latin ‘rossum’ meaning ‘like a rose’.
Other surnames of Italian origin which likely derive from Rosso include Rosina, Rosaria, Rossano, and Rosano. Associated surnames include Reuss, Reusser, Reusswig, Reusser, and Reussman. Many of these surnames are found in Europe, particularly in Germany.
In the United States, Russo is the most common spelling variant; followed by Rousso, Rossa, Rossetti, and Ruzzi. Together, these five variants account for more than 80 percent of the Rosso surname in America. Other variants can also be found in immigrant communities in the U.S.A, including Rossini, Ruci, and Ruzzolone. Whether based on the Latin origin, or derived from other surnames, each of these variants of Rosso are linked together by a common history.
Famous people with the name Rosso
- Nicola Rosso: Italian cycling racer.
- Robert Rosso: Canadian actor and producer.
- Cathy Rosso: French model and actress.
- Mark Rosso: American reality TV star and actor.
- Paulo Rosso: Brazilian footballer.
- Michele Rosso: Italian singer-songwriter.
- Pino Rosso: Italian artist.
- Dan Rosso: Canadian actor and stunt coordinator.
- Nicholas Rosso: American actor and musician.
- James Rosso: Hollywood producer and screenwriter.
- Felipe Rosso: Chilean musician and artist.
- Angela Rosso: American actress.
- Martin Rosso: Argentine footballer.
- Carlo Rosso: Italian TV host and actor.
- Giuliano Rosso: Italian fashion designer.
- Joaquin Rosso: Cuban-American actor and producer.
- Claudio Rosso: Chilean musician and producer.
- Angela Marie Rosso: Canadian film, television, and stage actress.
- Tony Rosso: American stuntman and actor.
- Juan Rosso: Argentinian saxophonist and composer.