Gauci is a

surname In some cultures, a surname, family name, or last name is the portion of one's personal name that indicates one's family, tribe or community. Practices vary by culture. The family name may be placed at either the start of a person's full name ...

in use mainly in the Republic of Malta belonging to one of the most ancient and noble families on the island. It originates from the word ''Għawdxi'' (; meaning ''Gozitan''), in reference to a man from

Gozo Gozo (, ), Maltese: ''Għawdex'' () and in antiquity known as Gaulos ( xpu, 𐤂𐤅𐤋, ; grc, Γαῦλος, Gaúlos), is an island in the Maltese archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is part of the Republic of Malta. After t ...

. According to the ''Dictionary of American Family Names'', 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

. 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. 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.

Notable people

* Darren Gauci (born 1965), Australian jockey * Kylie Gauci, Australian wheelchair basketball player *

Marika Gauci Marika is a feminine given name of Polish, Greek, and Japanese origin. It has its origin in the Hungarian and Greek nickname for Maria, or its Silesian diminutive "Maryjka". Marieke is the Dutch and Flemish equivalent. Marika is also a Fijian giv ...

,(born 1971), Anglo-greek-Welsh, singer, chef and author *

Maxim Gauci Maxim Gauci (11 February 1774 – 3 November 1854), born Massimo Gauci, was a Maltese lithographer and painter who was active in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. He was an early exponent of lithography for botanical illustration. Life ...

(1774–1854), English lithographer *

Miriam Gauci Miriam Gauci (born 3 April 1957) is a Malta, Maltese operatic soprano, particularly associated with lyric Italian roles. Life and career Born in Malta, where she began her voice training, she completed her studies in the ''Conservatorio Giuseppe V ...

(born 1957), Maltese opera singer * Natalie Gauci (born 1981), singer in Australia of mixed Maltese and Italian descent *

Paul Gauci Paul Gauci ( fl. 1830s-1860s), was a lithographer of Maltese extraction, carrying on a business in London with his father, Maxim Gauci, and brother, William. The firm, located at 9 North Crescent, Bedford Square, was among the leading lithograph ...

(fl. 1830s–1860s), Maltese-English lithographer *

Redento Maria Gauci Redento Maria Gauci, O. Carm. (27 December 1920 – 10 February 1978) was a Maltese Carmelite bishop who became the Prelate of Chuquibamba in Peru. Gauci was born on in Valletta Malta on 27 December 1920. In 1943 he was ordained a priest of the O ...

(1920–1978), Maltese Carmelite bishop *

Reuben Gauci Reuben Gauci (born 28 October 1983) is a former Maltese footballer who last played for Birkirkara as a goalkeeper. Honours ;Marsaxlokk *Maltese Premier League (1): 2006–07 ;Birkirkara *Maltese Premier League (1): 2012–13 1 (one, unit, ...

(born 1983), Maltese footballer * Dennis Mark Gauci (born 1984), Maltese Entrepreneur * Tony Gauci (1944-2016), Maltese shopkeeper and witness for the prosecution in the Lockerbie case

References

{{surname, Gauci Maltese-language surnames Toponymic surnames