Cortazzo

Cortazzo is a surname of Italian origin. It is believed to be derived from a regional or topographical name. Etymologically, it likely stems from a diminutive of corte, meaning "court" or "farmyard," possibly indicating someone who lived near a small court, farm, or within a smaller area of a larger estate. The suffix "-azzo" is often augmentative or pejorative, but in some cases, can simply indicate a place or person associated with the root word. Thus, Cortazzo could denote someone from a "large court" or "large farmyard," or potentially, in less common usage, someone associated with a poor or neglected court.

The surname is primarily found in Italy, with occurrences also noted in countries with significant Italian diaspora populations, such as Argentina, the United States, and Brazil.

Variations of the name, though less common, might include Cortazza or Cortazzi. Genealogical research is often required to trace the specific history and origins of individuals bearing the Cortazzo surname.