Ricchetti

Ricchetti is an Italian surname, a diminutive form of Ricci. The root surname Ricci itself derives from the Italian word riccio, meaning "curly," from Latin ericius meaning "hedgehog"; thus, Ricci originated as a nickname for someone with curly hair, and Ricchetti carries the same connotation as a smaller or endearing variant.

Notable individuals bearing this surname include Alberto Ricchetti (born 1985), an Italian sprint canoer who competed in international events; Luciano Ricchetti (1897–1977), an Italian painter known for his works in the early 20th century; Pablo Ricchetti (born 1977), an Argentine soccer midfielder who played professionally in his home country; and Steve Ricchetti (born c. 1957), an American businessman and political advisor, founder of the lobbying firm Ricchetti Inc., who served as a staffer for President Joe Biden. The surname also appears in a variant form as Richetti, traced in historical records.

While geographically concentrated in Italy, the Ricchetti name has spread internationally through migration, with bearers in the Americas. It remains relatively rare, tied to the broader network of Italian surnames of topographic or nicknaming origin related to physical traits.

• Meaning: Italian diminutive of Ricci, meaning "curly"
• Language: Italian origin
• Type: Surname
• Regions: Italy, with diaspora such as the United States and Argentina