PERUZZI
Peruzzi
Origin and Meaning Peruzzi is an Italian surname with roots in the historic city of Florence. The name is believed to have originated from the Italian word "peruzzo," meaning "curly-haired," possibly referring to a physical feature of an ancestor bearing the surname.
History The Peruzzi family rose to prominence in medieval Florence, known for their involvement in banking, trading, and political affairs. One of the most notable figures from the Peruzzi clan was the Florentine merchant and banker, Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici (1360–1429). He founded the Medici Bank, which became one of the most influential financial institutions in Europe during the Renaissance.
Legacy The Peruzzi name is associated with wealth, power, and cultural patronage in the history of Florence. The family's contributions to the banking industry and their support for the arts and architecture have left a lasting impact on Italian and European history.
Distribution While the surname Peruzzi originated in Italy, it can also be found among families of Italian descent in other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom. Over the centuries, individuals bearing the surname have migrated and settled in different regions, contributing to the diversity of the global Peruzzi diaspora.
Notable Individuals
- Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici: Founder of the Medici Bank and patriarch of the powerful Medici family.
- Alberto Peruzzi: Italian artist known for his contributions to the field of sculpture during the Renaissance.
- Maria Peruzzi: Contemporary British-Italian author renowned for her works in historical fiction.
There are approximately 56 people named Peruzzi in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Peruzzi.