Surnames and Their Origins – November

This issue’s surnames is the first one with those beginning with the letter R.

RABOTTINI – This surname derives from the regional word “rabotino, rabbottino,” meaning a carpenter’s plane. It indicates ancestors that used this tool in their work. Surprisingly, it is not a very common surname. It is present in only 10 regions, mostly in Abruzzo, and sparsely at that. Its variations are even less present and in fewer regions. Variations: Rabottino, Rabotini.

RAIMONDO – This surname derives from the German first name Raimondo, consisting of “ragin,” meaning decision inspired by the Gods and “munda,” meaning protection. It is present in 19 regions, mostly in Piemonte and least in Val d’Aosta. The only region that has no registered families with that surname is Abruzzo. Variations: Ramondo, Remondo, Ramundo, Ramunni, Ramondelli, Ramondino, Rimondini.

RANALLI ­– This surname derives from the first name Rinaldo of German origin. It is present in 18 regions, mostly in Abruzzo. It is not present in Val d’Aosta and Friuli Venezia-Giulia. Variations:  Ranallo, Rainaldi.

RAINIERI – This surname derives from the medieval first name Raneri. It is present in 15 regions, mostly in Emilia-Romagna.  Variations: Raniero, Rainieri, Raineri, Raneri, Renieri, Renier, Rinero.

RAPINO – This surname derives from the comune of Rapino in the Abruzzese province of Chieti. It indicates origin of the surname. It is present in only nine regions, obviously with largest number of families with the surname Abruzzo.

RASTELLI – This surname derives from the Latin word “rastrellus,” meaning rake. It is present in 19 regions, mostly in Emilia-Romagna. It is not present in Molise. Variations: Rastrelli, Rastello, Rastiello, Rastro.

REALE ­– This surname derives from the word Italian word “re,” meaning king. It is present in all 20 regions.  It is most prevalent in Sicilia and least registered in Val d’Aosta. Variations: Reali.

RACCHIUTI – This surname derives from the Italian word “orecchio,” meaning ear. It is possible that it is a nickname to indicate a person with large ears. It is most present in Abruzzo. Variations: Recchiuto Ricchiuto Ricchiuti Recchia.

REMIGIO – This surname derives the first name Remigio, which in turn derives from the Latin “remedium,” meaning medicine. It is present in nine regions, mostly present in Abruzzo. Variations: Remigi, Remigia

RENZI – This surname derives the first name Lorenzo.  This surname is present in 19 regions. In many regions in very large numbers. It is most prevalent in Lazio and least present in Basilicata. The only region where it is not registered with vital statistics is Val d’Aosta. Variations: Renzetti Renzo.

RIZZO – This surname is derived from the Italian adjective “Riccio,” meaning curly (hair). The name alone, without including its variations, numbers close to 20,000 families in Italy’s 20 regions. It is most present in Sicily and least present in Molise. Variations: Ricci, Riccio, Rizzi, Rizza, Risso, Riccelli, Ricciarelli, Riccetti, Riccini, Riccioli, Ricciolino, Ricciulli, Ricciotti, Riccioni, Ricciuto, Ricceri, Riccitiello, Rizzello, Rizziello, Rizzetti, Rizzetto, Rizzini, Rizzoli, Rizzola, Rizzotti, Rizzoni, Rizzone, Rizzari, Rizzato, Rizzieri, Rizzuti, Rissolo.

In the next issue, the surname feature will focus on surnames related to the Christmas holiday season.