Geraci Surname

The History of the Geraci Surname

The surname Geraci is a patronymic Italian surname that has its origins in the Sicilian region. It is derived from the personal name "Gherardi," which itself is a variant of the name Gerard, meaning "brave spear." The surname Geraci is believed to have been first used as a hereditary surname during the Middle Ages, when the practice of using surnames to distinguish between individuals became more common.

Origins in Italy

Italy has the highest incidence of the Geraci surname, with over 7,800 individuals carrying the name. The surname is most commonly found in the southern regions of Italy, particularly in Sicily. This is not surprising, given that Sicily has a long history of occupation by various civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish. The diverse ethnic and cultural influences in Sicily have contributed to the unique surnames found in the region, including Geraci.

It is believed that the Geraci surname may have first emerged in Sicily during the Norman period, when the island was ruled by the Norman Kingdom of Sicily. The Normans were known for their efficient administration and record-keeping, which may have contributed to the widespread use of surnames like Geraci to differentiate between individuals.

Spread to Other Countries

While the Geraci surname is most commonly found in Italy, it has also spread to other countries around the world. In the United States, there are over 5,000 individuals with the surname Geraci, indicating a significant Italian immigrant population in the country. The surname is also present in countries like France, Argentina, Belgium, Germany, Brazil, Canada, England, Wales, and many others, albeit in smaller numbers.

It is likely that the spread of the Geraci surname to other countries can be attributed to Italian emigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many Italians left their homeland in search of better economic opportunities and settled in countries like the United States, where the surname Geraci may have been preserved and passed down through the generations.

Notable Individuals with the Geraci Surname

While the Geraci surname may not be as well-known as other Italian surnames like Rossi or Ferrari, there have been notable individuals with the surname who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. One such individual is Salvatore Geraci, an Italian artist known for his vibrant and colorful paintings that capture the essence of Sicilian life and culture.

Another notable individual with the Geraci surname is Maria Geraci, an award-winning author known for her romantic fiction novels that have captured the hearts of readers around the world. Maria Geraci's works are known for their wit, humor, and relatable characters, making her a popular figure in the literary world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Geraci surname has a rich history and is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the Sicilian region. The surname has spread to other countries around the world, thanks to Italian emigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While the Geraci surname may not be as well-known as other Italian surnames, there have been notable individuals with the surname who have made significant contributions in various fields. Overall, the Geraci surname is a testament to the diverse and vibrant history of Italian surnames and their enduring legacy across the globe.

The surname Geraci into the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar occurs in the case of Geraci, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname which can be found in a lot of the countries of this globe. In the same way you will find nations in which certainly the thickness of men and women because of the surname Geraci is higher than in other countries.

The map of this Geraci surname

View Geraci surname map

The possibility of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Geraci on the planet, helps us a lot. By putting ourselves regarding the map, for a tangible country, we could understand tangible amount of people because of the surname Geraci, to acquire this way the particular information of all the Geraci that one can presently find in that country. All this also assists us to understand not only in which the surname Geraci originates from, but also in what manner the folks who are initially an element of the family that bears the surname Geraci have moved and moved. In the same way, you are able to see by which places they've settled and grown up, which explains why if Geraci is our surname, it appears interesting to which other nations associated with the globe it will be possible any particular one of our ancestors once moved to.

Nations with additional Geraci worldwide

  1. Italy Italy (7826)
  2. United States United States (5308)
  3. France France (725)
  4. Argentina Argentina (531)
  5. Belgium Belgium (252)
  6. Germany Germany (186)
  7. Brazil Brazil (185)
  8. Canada Canada (170)
  9. England England (82)
  10. Wales Wales (28)
  11. Venezuela Venezuela (23)
  12. Switzerland Switzerland (23)
  13. Spain Spain (22)
  14. Netherlands Netherlands (16)
  15. Paraguay Paraguay (16)