Bicchieri

Bicchieri is an Italian surname derived from the Italian word bicchiere, meaning "drinking glass." It is an occupational surname, originally given to a person who made or sold glasses. The name is part of a tradition of Italian surnames based on trades, such as Ferrari (blacksmith) or Sartori (tailor).

History

The Bicchieri family traces back to medieval Italy, particularly known in the Piedmont region. The earliest recorded bearer is Guala Bicchieri (c. 1150–1227), a papal diplomat and cardinal. He is recognized for founding the Abbey of San Nicolò in Vercelli and serving as a trusted envoy for Pope Innocent III. His relative, Emilia Bicchieri (1238–1314), was an Italian Dominican nun who later saw veneration in the Catholic Church.

Notable Bearers

Other prominent individuals include Cristina Bicchieri (born 1950), an Italian-American philosopher and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, known for her work in social ethics and game theory. The surname also appears in cultural references, with occasional descendants now settled across Europe and the Americas.

Variants

A related surname is Bucchieri, which may reflect a spelling variation specific to southern Italian dialects.

• Meaning: Drinking glasses (occupational)
• Origin: Italian
• Type: Surname
• Usage Regions: Italy, predominantly Piedmont