Puccini
An Italian surname possibly derived from the occupational term "puccio" or "pucchio" meaning chicken keeper.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 617 Americans carry the last name Puccini. That puts it at #41,359 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.18 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 555,518 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Puccini 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
617
1 in 555,518
Census rank
#41,359
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.2
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
526
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 526 bearers of the surname Puccini in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.18 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 41359th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Puccini, the largest self-reported group is White at 88.2%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (11.2%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Puccini
The surname Puccini is of Italian origin and traces its roots back to the Renaissance period. It is believed to have originated in the region of Tuscany, particularly in the city of Lucca. The name is derived from the Italian word "puccio," which means "pungent" or "bitter," likely referring to a personal characteristic or occupation associated with the original bearer.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Puccini can be found in the 14th century, when a family of musicians and composers from Lucca began using the name. This family played a significant role in the development of Italian Renaissance music.
A notable member of the Puccini family was Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), one of the most renowned Italian composers of operas. His works, such as "La Bohème," "Tosca," and "Madama Butterfly," have become beloved classics and have influenced generations of composers and performers.
Another individual of historical significance was Vincenzo Puccini (1712-1785), an Italian architect and engineer who designed several notable buildings in Lucca, including the Church of San Frediano and the Palazzo Puccini.
In the realm of literature, Antonio Puccini (1876-1926) was an Italian poet and dramatist known for his works that explored themes of social commentary and human nature.
Moving beyond the artistic sphere, Aurelio Puccini (1915-1986) was an Italian politician who served as a member of the European Parliament and played a significant role in the development of European integration policies.
Additionally, the name Puccini has been linked to various place names in Italy, such as the town of Puccini in the province of Lucca, which likely derived its name from the surname itself.
Throughout history, the surname Puccini has maintained a strong association with the arts, particularly music and architecture, as well as contributions to literature and politics. While the name originated in a specific region of Italy, it has since spread and gained recognition worldwide, thanks to the enduring legacies of notable individuals who have carried this surname.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Puccini
Among Census respondents with the surname Puccini, the largest self-reported group is White at 88.2%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (11.2%).
The bar chart below shows how Puccini 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 Puccini surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White88.2%
- Hispanic or Latino11.2%
- Unknown or suppressed0.6%
Year on year
2000 vs 2010 Census
How has the Puccini 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 | 2000 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #38,644 | #41,359 | -7.0% |
| Count | 538 | 526 | -2.2% |
| Per 100K | 0.20 | 0.18 | -10.0% |
Between the 2000 and 2010 Census, the number of Puccini bearers went from 538 to 526 (-2.2% change). The surname moved down 2,715 positions in the national ranking, going from #38,644 to #41,359.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Puccini
FAQ
Puccini surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Puccini?
The surname Puccini holds position #41,359 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 617 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.18 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Puccini surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Puccini, the largest self-reported group is White at 88.2%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (11.2%). 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.