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Re: Mazzocchi ...Italian name
Apparently the origim of this surname is not very clear.
In Italy Mazzocchi is regional both in North o the country an in South, near Naples.
It is possible that it comes from a nickname like those mentioned or even from a dialect word: a venetian one: "mazoco" that is "head".
Another possibility is that this surname comes from an old latin name
"Mezochius", according to an italian site.
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A suggestion I've read goes for the "club" theory. According to this explanation Mazocho (sic) or Mazochus (sic) began as a byname, either for a craftsman whose work involved the use of a hammer, or a militiaman whose weapon was a club. From some such person or persons descend the Mazzocchi. All speculation of course.
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Thank you both!Sean
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