| ![Show Contents]() Pecora History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Italy From the ancient and picturesque Italian region of Venice emerged a variety of distinguished names, including the notable surname Pecora. Although people were originally known only by a single name, it became necessary for people to adopt a second name to identify themselves as populations grew and travel became more frequent. The process of adopting fixed hereditary surnames was not complete until the modern era, but the use of hereditary family names in Italy began in the 10th and 11th centuries. Italian hereditary surnames were developed according to fairly general principles and they are characterized by a profusion of derivatives coined from given names. Although the most traditional type of family name found in the region of Venice is the patronymic surname, which is derived from the father's given name, local surnames are also found. Local names, which are the least frequent of the major types of surnames found in Italy, are derived from a place-name where the original bearer once resided or held land. Often Italian local surnames bore the prefix "di," which signifies emigration from one place to another, but does not necessarily denote nobility. The Pecora family lived in the Pecorara valley, where the Pecora family held vast lands and resided in an elegant feudal manor. Early Origins of the Pecora familyThe surname Pecora was first found in the city of Piacenza, which lies almost on the border between Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. Records are found with Marco, Guisengo, Albrigono and Vitore Pecoraria in 1160. This family took their name from the Pecorara valley, over which they had some possession. Early History of the Pecora familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pecora research. The year 1223 is included under the topic Early Pecora History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Pecora Spelling VariationsIn comparison with other European surnames, Italian surnames have a surprising number of forms. They reflect the regional variations and the many dialects of the Italian language, each with its own distinctive features. For example, in Northern Italy the typical Italian surname suffix is "i", whereas in Southern Italy it is "o". Additionally, spelling changes frequently occurred because medieval scribes and church officials often spelled names as they sounded rather than according to any specific spelling rules. The spelling variations in the name Pecora include Pecora, Pecori, Peguri, Pecorella, Pecorelli, Pegoretti, Pecorino, Pecorini, Pegorin, Pecorai, Pecoraro, Pecorari, Pecoraria, Pegoraro and many more. Early Notables of the Pecora familyProminent among members of the family was - Iacopo del Pecora, a 14th century Tuscan poet who wrote love sonnets and many works with prevalent spiritual themes...
- Famous in Piacenza during the 13th century was Cardinal Giacomo Pecoraria, also Bishop of Palestrina and one of the most loyal supporters of Popes Gregorio IX and Innocenzo IV against the forces of Em...
Pecora RankingIn the United States, the name Pecora is the 11,984th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1 Migration of the Pecora familyA look at the immigration and passenger lists has shown a number of people bearing the name Pecora: Agata Pecoraro, aged 2, who arrived at Ellis Island, in 1897; Agustino Pecoraro, aged 7, who arrived at Ellis Island from Palermo, in 1900; Alfonso Pecoraro, aged 20, who arrived at Ellis Island from Fisciano, Italy, in 1909.
| Contemporary Notables of the name Pecora (post 1700) | + |
- William Thomas Pecora (1913-1972), American geologist
- Tom Pecora, head coach of men's basketball at Hofstra University
- Santo Pecora (1902-1984), American jazz trombonist
- Ferdinand J Pecora (1882-1971), American lawyer, judge, and Chief Counsel to the United States Senate Committee on Banking and Currency
- James Joseph Pecora, American Republican politician, Candidate in primary for Michigan State House of Representatives 57th District, 1974 2
- Frank A. Pecora, American politician, Member of Pennsylvania State Senate 44th District, 1979-94; Democratic Candidate for U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania 18th District, 1992 2
- Ferdinand Pecora (1882-1971), American Democratic Party politician, Member, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 1934-35; Justice of New York Supreme Court 1st District, 1935-50 2
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