This Italian surname of RACCIO was of the baptismal group of surnames meaning 'the son of Pietro' a name meaning 'rock'. The name was extremely popular throughout Christian Europe in the Middle Ages, as it had been bestowed by Christ as a byname on the apostle Simon bar Jonah, the brother of Andrew. The name was chosen for its symbolic significance, is a translation of the Aramaic 'kefa' meaning a rock. St. Peter is regarded as the foundling father of the Christian church, and in Christian Germany in the 14th century was the most frequent given name. In England the vernacular form of Piers was usual at the time when surnames were being assumed. The origins of Italian surnames are not clear, and much work remains to be done on medieval Italian records. It seems that fixed bynames, in some cases hereditary, were in use in the Venetian Republic by the end of the 10th century. The typical Italian surname endings are 'i' and 'o', the former being characteristic of northern Italy. The singular form 'o' is more typical of southern Italy. At first the coat of arms was a practical matter which served a function on the battlefield and in tournaments. With his helmet covering his face, and armour encasing the knight from head to foot, the only means of identification for his followers, was the insignia painted on his shield, and embroidered on his surcoat, the draped and flowing garment worn over the armour. A notable member of the name was Pietro Martire Vermigli (Pietro Martyr) born in 1500, the Florentine reformer. He became Augustinian canon and abbot at Spoleto and Naples. He became very unpopular with his order in 1541, owing to his rigour, and he was sent to Lucca as prior. There he came under the influence of the Spanish reformer Juan de Valdes, and soon fell under the suspicions of the Inquisition, and he fled to Zurich in 1542. In 1547 he went to England, and was professor of divinity at Oxford (1541-53). His 'Loci Cummunes' was printed in London in 1575. He died in 1562. The associated coat of arms is recorded in Rietstaps Armorial General. Registered in Italy. (Pietra) |
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