Find out how popular the last name Rifici is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Rifici.

Rifici, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Rifici surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Rifici in America

Rifici is the 144908th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Rifici surname appeared 105 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Rifici.

The history of the last name Rifici

The surname Rifici has its origins in Italy, specifically from the southern regions such as Sicily. The name is believed to have emerged during the Middle Ages, around the 13th to 15th centuries, a period marked by the proliferation of surnames in Italy. It is speculated that Rifici could be derived from a profession, personal characteristic, or place of origin. One plausible theory traces the name to the Italian word rifacimento, meaning "reconstruction" or "reformation," suggesting that the original bearers of the name might have been involved in such activities.

Rifici appears in historical records and manuscripts, particularly in the regions of Sicily and Calabria. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name dates back to the 14th century within local tax records and church registers. In a 1371 manuscript from Palermo, a Giovanni Rifici is listed as a contributing member of the local guild of craftsmen. This early reference highlights the surname's presence and potential connection to artisanal or constructive professions.

In the 15th century, another significant mention of the name can be found in the records of the Kingdom of Naples. A 1475 document lists a Domenico Rifici as a landowner in the region of Calabria. This individual was noted for his agricultural contributions, indicating that members of the Rifici family were also engaged in farming and land management, further diversifying the occupational roots of the surname.

By the 16th century, the Rifici family had become more prominent. Francesco Rifici (1501–1562), a merchant and explorer from Messina, documented trade routes between Sicily and Northern Africa. His journals, now archived in the Palermo State Library, provide invaluable insights into the commercial activities of the period. Francesco's endeavors significantly contributed to the understanding of Mediterranean trade dynamics, cementing the Rifici name in the annals of history.

In the 18th century, the surname appears again with cultural significance. Maria Antonia Rifici (1723–1794), a renowned poet from Catania, gained recognition for her compelling verses inspired by the natural beauty of Sicily. Her collected works, published posthumously in 1802, remain an essential part of Italian literary heritage. Maria's poetry often reflects the socio-political landscape of her time, providing a nuanced perspective on life in 18th century Sicily.

Another notable figure bearing the Rifici name was Luigi Rifici (1830–1905), an influential figure in the Italian unification movement. Luigi was a member of the Red Shirts under Giuseppe Garibaldi and played a crucial role during the Expedition of the Thousand in 1860. His memoirs, published in 1875, offer first-hand accounts of the military strategies and patriotic fervor that characterized the Risorgimento, the movement for Italian unification.

Throughout history, the surname Rifici has been associated with various professions and regions within Italy. From artisans and landowners to poets and revolutionaries, the Rifici name encapsulates a rich tapestry of contributions to Italian culture and society.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Rifici

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Rifici.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Rifici was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Rifici was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Rifici, please contact us.

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