Surname Rossi - Meaning and Origin

Rossi Lineage: A Glimpse into Ancient Mediterranean Migration Patterns via iGENEA DNA Test

The findings from my iGENEA DNA test reveal an intriguing European lineage related to the surname Rossi. Tracing predominantly to Italy, with influences from Spain and France, the Rossi lineage has proven to be extensive and geographically diverse. Hence, the surname offers compelling insight into ancient migration patterns and a unique genetic makeup.

Y. Rossi

Rossi: What does the surname Rossi mean?

The surname Rossi is of Italian origin and is derived from the word "rosso" meaning "red". This name was often given as a nickname to someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. It is the most common surname in Italy, particularly in the Northern and Central parts of the country. While "Rossi" is the plural form of "rosso" and literally translates to "reds", it was often used in names to refer singularly to the characteristic of one person. Over the centuries, as people moved around and families grew, the last name Rossi spread not just throughout Italy but also to other countries, leading to its wide use today. It's notable to mention that people carrying this surname are not necessarily related since the name originated independently in different places.

Rossi: Where does the name Rossi come from?

The last name Rossi is most commonly found in Italy and is also quite prevalent in other parts of Europe, notably Switzerland and France. Statistics show that more than half a million people in Italy have the surname Rossi, making it the fifteenth most frequent surname in that country.

The Rossi name can also be found in significant numbers in the United States of America. At the last census in 2020, over 29 thousand Americans had the Rossi surname, with the states of New York, New Jersey, California, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts having the highest concentrations of that surname.

Further afield, the Rossi name is also widespread in Latin America, Australia and Canada. In Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, Rossi is amongst the top 25 most common surnames. In Australia it is among the top 100 surnames. In Canada, it is among the top 175 most popular surnames.

Clearly, the Rossi last name is a well-traveled name, having made its way from Italy to many other parts of the world. No matter where you find Rossi, it is most likely to signify a family connection to Italy.

Variations of the surname Rossi

The surname Rossi is an Italian surname of patronymic origin, meaning “son of”. It is a very common name in Italy, but can also be seen in other parts of the continent, such as France and Spain. There are several spelling variants, derived from different regional dialects, which can include Rosi, Rosso, Rosai, Rosetti, Rossetti, Rosetti and others. In addition, due to the various ways that patronymic names changed depending on the region of origin – by either adding a suffix or changing the pronunciation – the surname may also appear as Rossini, Ross marti, Rossi martinelli, Rossano, Rossato, Rossanelli, Rosson and a multitude of other variants. There are even some examples of the same family having a variety of different surnames, depending on where they lived or which branch of the family they belonged to.

Famous people with the name Rossi

• Paolo Rossi: An Italian footballer who rose to fame in 1982 when he scored six goals winning the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
• Valentino Rossi: An Italian seven-time Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing World Champion.
• Bob Rossi: An American filmmaker.
• Alexander Rossi: An American Formula One race driver.
• Alessandro Rossi: An Italian former cross-country skier.
• Francesco Rossi: An Italian house music producer and DJ.
• Lucia Rossi: An Italian opera singer.
• Elisabetta Rossi: An Italian actress.
• Giovanni Rossi: An Italian Baroque composer.
• Raffaella Rossi: An Italian singer-songwriter.
• Marcelo Rossi: A Brazilian singer, composer and Catholic priest.
• Joel Rossi: A professional ice hockey player from North America.
• Julian Rossi: An American pop singer-songwriter.
• Nick Rossi: An American drummer.
• Claudio Rossi Marcelli: An Italian artistic director, visual artist and graphic designer.
• Ada Rossi: An Italian sculptor and painter.
• Christian Rossi: An American professional wrestler.
• Ferdinando Rossi: An Italian painter of the Neoclassic period.
• David Rossi: A fictional character in the TV series Criminal Minds.
• Enrico Rossi: An Italian politician and President of Tuscany.

Other surnames

RossRossaRossackRossasRossbachRossbacherRossbergRossbergerRossdeutscherRosseRosseelRosselRösselRossellRosselotRosserRossetRosseterRossethRossettRossettiRossettoRossewigRosshartRosshirtRossierRossigerRossignolRossingRössing