Surname Otrassi - Meaning and Origin

Otrassi: What does the surname Otrassi mean?

The last name Otrassi is an intriguing and unique surname that is possibly of Italian origin. It is believed to have been used as a toponymic surname, taken from the name of a location in Italy.The name Otrassi is derived from the Latin term "ota rappis," which translates to "on the rocks," referring to an area which was bordered by rocks or stony cliffs. This would have made it a perfect place for shelter from bad weather, or a strategic stronghold.

The word Otrassi has also been derived from the Middle Latin word uberrasse, which means 'turning stones', or stones that form a small whirlpool. This whirlpool could have been found in the river or a close harbor. The family name Otrassi would then be a reference to ancestral origin of this area.

There are variants of the surname in other parts of Italy, including Italy's northern border area with the Austria-Hungary region. Here, the surname is found as Ottrasi, Otrassini, Otravia, and Otravio. It may be linked to local words linked to rugged land or fortification.

It's possible that the family name Otrassi ultimately originates from distant places, including Austria or the northern Italian region known as Veneto. The name certainly holds an interesting and long history behind it.

Otrassi: Where does the name Otrassi come from?

The last name Otrassi is most prevalent in Italy today, especially in the north. It is also common in Argentina, Chile, and other Latin American countries that have a Venezuelan diaspora, particularly in Caracas. In the United States, the highest concentrations of people with the last name Otrassi are found in Florida, New Jersey, and California.

The origin of this surname is uncertain, though it is believed to be derived from an Italian or Spanish word like otros (others) or otrera (tower). Some speculate a connection to ancient Italian nobility, with the name originating from the Latin word for emperor, imperator. However, this is uncertain.

The most common spelling of Otrassi is also found as Otrasio, Otrasi, Otracca, and Ottrasi. Sometimes, it is hyphenated, such as Otra-ssi or Otra-si.

Though the last name is not as common as it once was, the coat of arms of the Otrassi family can still be found in Venice and other parts of Italy. The Otrassi Blue family crest is a griffin-style lion, which represents strength and courage. This motto may come from the Latin phrase, "Virtus in actione."

Despite its decline, the name is still heard in Italy and with the expansion of the Latin diaspora, may become increasingly more common in Spanish-speaking countries and the United States.

Variations of the surname Otrassi

The surname Otrassi is a variant of the Italian surname Atti or Attias. It is an occupational surname derived either from the Italian verb “attare,” meaning “to weave,” or from the Middle Latin “attious,” meaning “belonging to the priest.” The surname is also commonly spelled Odassi, Ottrassi, Ottressi, and Odrassi.

Other Italian variant spellings include Ottarri, Attarri, Attarris, Attarrii, Ottarrii, Otrasci, Ottrisi, and Otrecci. Some of these spellings have been Anglicized to “Otrease.” Additionally, some Italian-American immigrants to America anglicized the name and spelled it as “Ottressi” or “Ottery.”

Jewish variants of Otrassi exist as well. The Yiddish spelling is Atrash, while Additionally, the Jewish surname “Attie” is derived from the Otrassi/Atti surname. It is the most common form of Otrassi among Jewish people. The Polish spelling is Acierski and the Hungarian spelling is Attie.

Given the popularity of the surname and its variants, it has become widely dispersed around the world. One of the more unusual variants is the French spelling, “Attrain,” which has since been Anglicized to “Attray.” Variant spellings have also been observed in Germany and Switzerland.

In conclusion, the Italian surname Otrassi is the most common variant of the surname and is often spelled with variant spellings including Atti, Ottarri, Attarri, and Otrasci. Anglicized versions of the surname are also common, with both British and American spellings, such as Otrease and Ottressi. Additionally, variations can be found among Jewish, French, German and Swiss populations.

Famous people with the name Otrassi

• Melissa Otrassi: an American actor and producer.
• Elizabeth Otrassi: a well-known model and TV host.
• Marisa Otrassi: a former professional athlete and entrepreneur.
• Tim Otrassi: a songwriter and musician.
• Ettore Otrassi: an Italian painter and sculptor.
• Daniel Otrassi: a French director and producer.
• Angelo Otrassi: an Italian actor and comedian.
• Michael Otrassi: a New York-based attorney and philanthropist.
• Shannon Otrassi: a British singer-songwriter and producer.
• Federico Otrassi: an Argentinian fashion designer.

Other surnames

Otrassy