Ferraro
An Italian surname usually linked to ironworking or a smith’s trade.
The #2,903 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 24,990 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Ferraro is an Italian surname built on the word for “iron,” ultimately from Latin ferrum. In Italian naming, it likely began as a byname for someone who worked with iron—especially a blacksmith or metalworker—or who was associated with iron goods. It is closely related to other Italian surnames from the same root, such as Ferrari.
History
The surname is especially common in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities, including in the United States. Like many occupational surnames, it may have arisen independently in more than one place where ironworking was a notable trade. The best-known modern bearer is likely former U.S. senator and vice-presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro, which helped bring the name wider recognition in America.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Ferraro shares the same ancient iron root as the English word “ferric.”