The surname Passaretti is of Italian origin. It is a patronymic or plural form of a diminutive from the surname Passaro (a variant of Passero), which means “sparrow” in Italian and was likely used as a nickname for someone thought to resemble the bird in some way, such as being small, lively, or talkative.
The name is most prevalent in Italy (particularly in the Campania region) but is also found among Italian diaspora communities in the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. In the US, it ranks around 46,725th in popularity and is predominantly associated with people of European (Italian) ancestry.
Passaretti is relatively uncommon, with approximately 2,333 bearers worldwide as of recent estimates. It is most prevalent in Italy, where it ranks as the 47,667th most common surname, with concentrations in regions like Campania (about 58% of Italian bearers), Lazio (24%), and Marche (11%). Outside Italy, notable populations exist in:
– United States: Around 648 people, primarily in states like New York (historically high in the 1920s).
– Brazil: About 180 people.
– Canada: 75 people.
– Argentina: 73 people.
– Switzerland: 52 people.
In the U.S., individuals with this surname earn roughly 15.59% above the national average ($49,877 USD annually) and are slightly more likely to register as Democrats. In Italy, earnings are about 14.8% below the national average (€25,587 per year).
Historical Notes and Variations
Historical records trace Passaretti families through immigration, census data, and genealogical archives, with over 55,000 related documents available across platforms like FamilySearch. Variations may include Passaretto (a diminutive form in 18th-century Italy), Passaret or Passare (Anglicized versions in the 19th-20th centuries), or adaptations like Passeret in French-influenced regions. An alternative etymology suggests a link to the verb “passare” (to pass or cross), possibly denoting travelers or traders, though this is less commonly cited.