The name Rizzo is of Italian origin and means "son of Rico." It is derived from the Italian surname Riccio, which was traditionally given to a child whose father had red hair or resembled a hedgehog due to his round face and spiky hair.
The use of Rizzo as a given name is quite rare, but it has been used in some cases. One notable example is actor Joe R. Lansdale, who wrote under the pen name "Joe R. Lansdale," leading many people to believe that Rizzo was his real last name. However, his birth certificate shows that his legal surname was actually Lansdale.
There are no significant historical figures or famous individuals with the given name Rizzo. The name is more commonly found as a surname in Italy and among Italian Americans.
In popular culture, the name Rizzo has been used infrequently but memorably. For example, it appears in the song "Rizzo's Way" by American musician Tom Waits, and there was a character named Dominic Rizzo in the television series "The Sopranos." However, these references have not significantly impacted the usage or perception of the name as a given name.
Overall, while Rizzo is not a particularly common or well-known name, it has an interesting Italian origin and meaning. Its rarity may contribute to its uniqueness and appeal for those who choose to use it as a given name.
The name Rizzo has been given to a total of 42 babies in the United States over the period from 2016 to 2023. During this time, the number of births with the name Rizzo fluctuated each year. In 2016 and 2018, there were 7 births each year, while in 2017 there were 10 births. The year 2019 saw a slight decrease to 5 births, before increasing again to 6 births in 2022. Most recently, in 2023, the number of births with the name Rizzo was back up to 7.
While these statistics show that the name Rizzo is not one of the most popular choices for parents in the United States during this time period, it is clear that there is still a consistent and steady demand for the name each year. It's interesting to note that the number of births with the name Rizzo has been higher than average in some years, such as 2017 when there were 10 births. Overall, these statistics provide insight into the trends and patterns surrounding the use of the name Rizzo in the United States over time.