Macchio
An Italian surname derived from the Italian word "macchia", meaning a spot or stain.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 548 Americans carry the last name Macchio. That puts it at #46,314 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.16 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 625,464 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Macchio surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
548
1 in 625,464
Census rank
#46,314
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.2
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
460
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 460 bearers of the surname Macchio in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.16 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 46314th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Macchio, the largest self-reported group is White at 95.0%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (4.1%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Macchio
The surname Macchio originates from Italy, specifically from the northern regions of Lombardy and Piedmont. It is believed to have derived from the Italian word "macchia," which means "spot" or "stain." This name likely emerged during the medieval period, possibly as a descriptive nickname for someone with a distinctive birthmark or a profession involving staining or dyeing.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Macchio can be found in a 14th-century manuscript from the city of Milan, where a certain Giovanni Macchio was mentioned as a local merchant. Historical records also indicate that the name was present in the nearby town of Novara, where the Macchio family owned a winery during the 15th century.
In the 16th century, the Macchio name appeared in several legal documents from the region of Piedmont, indicating the family's involvement in various trades and occupations. One notable figure from this time was Bartolomeo Macchio, a respected lawyer and judge who served in the city of Turin from 1542 to 1588.
As the centuries passed, the Macchio name spread across Italy and beyond. In the 18th century, a famous military commander named Francesco Macchio fought in the Napoleonic Wars and received numerous honors for his bravery on the battlefield (1772-1842).
During the 19th century, the Macchio surname gained recognition in the world of arts and literature. Giacomo Macchio (1825-1892) was a renowned painter from Venice, known for his landscapes and portraiture. Additionally, Antonio Macchio (1848-1911) was a celebrated poet and playwright from Naples, whose works explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition.
In more recent times, the name Macchio has been associated with the entertainment industry. Ralph Macchio (born 1961) is an American actor best known for his role as Daniel LaRusso in the iconic film "The Karate Kid" and its sequels.
While census data from modern times can provide further insights into the distribution and prevalence of the Macchio surname, this detailed report focuses on the historical origins, notable figures, and the rich heritage associated with this Italian last name.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Macchio
Among Census respondents with the surname Macchio, the largest self-reported group is White at 95.0%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (4.1%).
The bar chart below shows how Macchio bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Macchio surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White95.0%
- Hispanic or Latino4.1%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Macchio surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #46,314 | #46,314 | 0.0% |
| Count | 460 | 460 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 0.16 | 0.16 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Macchio bearers went from 460 to 460 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #46,314 to #46,314.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Macchio
FAQ
Macchio surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Macchio?
The surname Macchio holds position #46,314 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 548 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.16 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Macchio surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Macchio, the largest self-reported group is White at 95.0%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (4.1%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.