Farrugia

Farrugia is a family name with a theoretical etymology based in both Latin fellus and Semitic faruj, first found in Malta, Calabria and Sicily.^[1] In the Maltese language the word farruġ refers to a cockerel (a young rooster).^[2] It has been exported by immigration to places including the United States, United Kingdom (specifically Wales and England), Australia, Canada and France. Spelling variations of this family name include Farruggia, Farruġa, Ferrugia and Ferruggia.

Origin

Early on, individuals with this family name (or some variant) moved to the island of Malta, neighbouring Sicily. Many settlers were recorded from the end of the 19th century in the great migration from Italy to the New World. Usually arriving at Ellis Island they settled in the eastern seaboard.

The Medieval Maltese hamlet of Ħal Farruġ^[3] was so named because of the large concentration of families there with the surname. However due to economic and social growth, many individuals have dispersed to other parts of the country or have emigrated.

Farrugias in Early History

• Pietro Farrugia, a nobleman from Villabianca, appointed Judge of the Praetorian Court in 1761, later promoted to the office of Judge of the Supreme Court, in 1772.

• Caterina Farrugia, Queen of Sicily in the early 19th century.

• Natalie Farrugia, Mistress to the Grand Master Adolph von Hompesch in the late 18th century.

Notable Farrugias

Maltese and Maltese-descent

• Angelo Farrugia - Politician
• Tyrone Farrugia (1989- ) - Footballer
• Daniel J. Farrugia - Mayo Clinic researcher
• Ray Farrugia (1955- ) - Football coach
• Joseph Farrugia - Footballer
• Mario Farrugia - Footballer
• Joseph Farrugia - Bishop of the Votivkirche in Vienna, Austria
• Emanuel Farrugia - Consultant engineer on the Channel Tunnel project
• Charles Farrugia - All American Basketball Player (1946-)
• Spiro Farrugia - (1948- )Vietnam Veteran Bronze Star Recipient
• Joseph Farrugia - Hollywood Screenwriter.
• Carmel Joseph Farrugia (Charles) - Eks M.L.P. Parliamentary Candidate 1992-2002, The Maltese pioneer of Satellite T.V. for Malta,Libya, Tunisia and Egypt.

Panama

• Louis J. "The Farruj" Farrugia (1952- ) - Reader in Inorganic Chemistry at University of Glasgow
• Luis Humberto "El Mago" Farrugia (1919–1991) Hall of Fame Racing Horse Trainer

References