The surname Tassara is of Italian origin, specifically from the northern regions of Italy. It is believed to have originated in the late medieval period, around the 13th or 14th century. The name is thought to be derived from the Italian word "tassara," which means "tax collector" or "tax farmer." This suggests that the surname may have initially referred to an individual or family involved in the collection or administration of taxes.

The earliest recorded instances of the surname Tassara can be traced back to the 14th century in various historical documents and records from the regions of Lombardy and Veneto. One notable example is found in the archives of the city of Verona, where a certain Giacomo Tassara is mentioned in a deed dated 1376.

In the 15th century, the name appears in several historical manuscripts and chronicles from the city of Milan and its surrounding areas. One such reference is found in the "Cronaca di Milano" (Chronicle of Milan), written by Bernardino Corio in the late 15th century, which mentions a family named Tassara residing in the city.

During the Renaissance period, the surname Tassara gained prominence in various Italian city-states and regions. One notable individual was Girolamo Tassara, a renowned jurist and legal scholar who lived in the 16th century (born around 1520, died after 1590). He authored several influential works on civil and canon law, including "De Decretis" and "De Privilegiis Clericorum."

Another prominent figure was Carlo Tassara, a Genoese nobleman and diplomat who lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries (born around 1570, died after 1630). He served as the ambassador of the Republic of Genoa to various courts in Europe, including those of Spain and France.

In the 18th century, the surname Tassara was widespread throughout northern Italy, particularly in the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. One notable individual from this period was Giovanni Battista Tassara, a renowned architect and engineer who lived in Turin (born in 1735, died in 1811). He was responsible for the design and construction of several prominent buildings and structures in the city, including the Church of San Carlo and the Palazzo delle Segreterie.

As for place names or older spellings, the surname Tassara may have connections to the Italian town of Tassara, located in the province of Parma, in the region of Emilia-Romagna. However, the exact relationship between the surname and the place name is not entirely clear.

It is worth noting that while the surname Tassara has a long and rich history in Italy, it has also been adopted and used by individuals and families in other parts of the world, particularly in regions with significant Italian immigration, such as North and South America.