Gauci

Gauci is a surname in use mainly in the Republic of Malta which originates from the word Għawdxi (pronounced [ˈaˤːw.dʃe]; meaning Gozitan), in reference to a man from Gozo.[1]

According to the Dictionary of American Family Names,[2] it originated in Italy, flourished in Malta and from Malta spread to the UK, US, Canada and Australia with the Maltese diaspora; this would be due to the immigration (and also exile) of large numbers of people from Italy to Malta, although the name still appears in Italy. However, according to Professor Joseph Aquilina, Malta's foremost specialist in Maltese etymology and author of the encyclopaedic Maltese–English Dictionary, the surname is a Maltese original formation, originating in the medieval notarial transcription of the word "Għawdxi", meaning Gozitan or from the island of Gozo. As such, "Għawdxi" is a nickname frequently given to Gozitans living or working in Malta. This origin would classify Italian holders of the surname as descendants of Maltese immigrants, rather than vice versa.

The surname is ultimately believed to be of French derivation and is of three distinct origins. Research suggests that this name is primarily derived from the French word "gauche" which is translated variously as "left, clumsy, crooked, and awkward". Applied as a nickname, "gauche" would indicate "one who was left-handed" or one who was considered "clumsy or awkward". Alternatively, Gauci may be derived from the pet name Gauche. The latter is a derivative of the ancient Germanic personal name Walho, from "wahl" meaning "stranger". It is also possible that in some instances, Gauci may be derived from the French place name Gauchi or Gauchy, which is located in Aisne. Names of French origin have been established on the island of Malta for many centuries (although in less numbers than those of Italian origin). Indeed, a Norman army conquered the island in 1090 while in 1798 Napoleon Bonaparte invaded and occupied the island during his Egyptian campaign, deposing the rule of the Knights.

Bearers of the surname Gauci belong to one of the most ancient and noble families of Malta. The family hold the title of Marquis of Ghajn Qajjed, first granted to Dr. Gerolamo Delicata by Grant Master Emanuel de Rohan-Polduc. In 1796, the "Feudal Tribute" is "a bouquet of flowers on the feast of St. Martin, Pope (13 November) every year". The title in 1981 was held by Rev. Fr. Dictor Formosa-Gauci S.J.,, who is also "Count of Santa Sofia". Other notable bearers of this name include Charles A. Gauci, fellow of the Malta Heraldic Society and archivist to the Imperial Paleologue family.

In 1548, Francesco Gauci built Gauci Tower to protect his family.[3]

Approximately 0.0001% of the US population has this surname.[4] According to Ancestry.com, the Gauci family name was found in the USA in 1920. In 1920 there were 3 Gauci families living in Massachusetts. This was about 33% of all the recorded Gauci's in the USA. Massachusetts and 1 other state had the highest population of Gauci families in 1920.