Riccio
An Italian surname meaning “curly” or “curly-haired,” often originally a nickname.
The #7,937 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 74,057 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Riccio is an Italian surname based on the word riccio, meaning “curly,” “curly-haired,” or “hedgehog.” As a surname it most likely began as a nickname for someone with curly hair, a bristly appearance, or a prickly temperament. The word goes back ultimately to Latin roots connected with sharp or rough texture.
History
The surname is well established in Italy and is especially common in southern and central regions, though it is found across the country. Like many Italian surnames formed from personal nicknames, it could arise independently in more than one family. It also appears in Italian communities abroad, including the United States through immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
In Italian, riccio can refer both to curly hair and to a hedgehog, which is why the surname can carry a vivid double sense.
From the historical record
“Ricci 593. Riccio 593, 675. Ricdag 291. Rieh 255, 688 Richard 498, 568. Richardet, -dot 191. Richards 128, 568.”
— Die Personennamen, insbesondere die Familiennamen