ferraro

Ferraro is a surname of Italian origin. It is borne by individuals of Italian descent around the world and is associated with families that emigrated to various countries during modern migrations. The name is generally considered to have an occupational or descriptive origin, potentially tied to metalworking or iron-related trades, though exact etymology can vary by region and family history.

In terms of distribution, Ferraro is found both in Italy and among Italian communities abroad. It is relatively well represented in North and South American populations, particularly in the United States and Argentina, reflecting historical waves of Italian immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Notable people with the surname include Geraldine Ferraro (1935–2011), an American attorney and politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives and, in 1984, became the first woman to appear on a major party’s national presidential ticket as a vice presidential candidate (Mondale-Ferraro). Beyond this, the name appears across various fields and countries, often reflecting the broader Italian diaspora.

See also discussions of Italian surnames and their geographic spread can provide context for Ferraro, as many such names reflect historical occupational or regional origins.