Rossi
An Italian surname meaning “red-haired” or “ruddy,” from the nickname *rosso* (“red”).
The #1,348 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 11,792 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Rossi is the plural or family form of the Italian nickname *rosso*, meaning “red” or “ruddy.” It was originally applied to someone with red hair, a reddish complexion, or sometimes a ruddy appearance. The ultimate root is Latin *russus* / *rubicundus* in the broader Latin word-family for red.
History
Rossi is one of the most common surnames in Italy, especially in central and northern regions. As with many Italian surnames in -i, the form can imply “the Reds” or “the family of the red-haired one.” It has spread widely through Italian migration and is now also well represented in the Americas and other Italian diaspora communities.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Because it is so common, Rossi is often treated in Italy much like “Smith” or “Brown” in English-speaking countries.
From the historical record
“SPICER. O. Fr. espicier. What we now call a grocer, because, ivter alia, he deals in figs (f/rossi), the French call an ejncier, or spicer, because he sells spices, &c. SPICKERXELL. A corruption of Spl- guruell.”
— Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom