First found in Sicilia or Sicily an island in the Mediterranean, a part of Italy. The original inhabitants were Sicels. The Greeks colonized the island in 735 B.C. and Phoenician settlements began in 6th century. The Carthaginians arrived in 410, followed by the Romans. After the decline of Rome, the island was under the power of the Saracens. Then in 1057, Sicily was conquered by the Normans. The time of conquest is said to be Sicily's brightest hour, having made the Sicilians the leading Maritime power in the Mediterranean and King Roger of Sicily one of Europe's greatest kings. In those ancient times only persons of rank, the podesta, clergy, city officials, army officers, artists, landowners were entered into the records. To be recorded at this time, at the beginning of recorded history, was of itself a great distinction and indicative of noble ancestry.

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More about the Riccardi History...

Please remember that this page is only a small extract of our complete history that includes:

• Ancient origin of the name (usually pre-1100)
• Known spelling variations
• Early movement of the family name during the Middle Ages
• Noteworthy bearers from the 1500-1600s
• First settlers to North America
• Notable contemporary bearers of the name
• A description and/or full color picture of the Coat of Arms, Crest, and Motto (where available)

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: William Cardino, who came to Ontario in 1871; Vincenzo Ricciardi, who came to New York, NY in 1893; Giuseppe Ricciardi, who settled in New York, NY in 1893.

For more information on the last name Riccardi, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.