Carusi is a variant of the surname Caruso, derived from the southern Italian dialect word caruso or carusu, meaning "boy," "young lad," or "apprentice." The term was traditionally used to refer to young agricultural laborers and, in Sicily, to the young workers employed in sulfur mines.

According to E. Rossoni, the surname originated as a nickname identifying a young worker or apprentice. He notes that the term could also refer to young miners and proposes two possible etymologies: the Latin cariosus, interpreted in a figurative sense as "closely shaven" or "with sparse hair," and the Greek kara, meaning "head" or "shaven head." Both explanations relate to the historical custom of boys wearing their hair cut very short.

Surnames in Italy also notes that the Sicilian word carusu has been associated with the verb accarusare, meaning "to cut short" or "to prune," reinforcing the connection with youth and short-cropped hair.

Distribution

According to E. Rossoni, the surname is found in several areas of central Italy, including the province of Massa-Carrara and the territory between Pisa, Firenze, and Arezzo. Its principal concentration, however, is in Abruzzo and Lazio.

S. Galantini notes that Caruso is by far the most widespread form and is common throughout southern Italy, while Carusi is a less frequent variant.

Variants and Related Surnames

• Caruso is the principal and most widespread form of the surname.
• Carusio is a related variant derived from the same root.
• Carusello represents a diminutive form.
• Carusillo, according to Rossoni, is characteristic of the province of Foggia, particularly in Lucera, Volturara Appula, and Foggia.

Notes

Galantini documents the surname Caruso in Morro d'Oro during the 17th century, while the variant Carusi is recorded in the 18th century in Tortoreto, Colonnella, and Cellino.

Among the most famous bearers of the surname family is the celebrated tenor Enrico Caruso (1873–1921), born in Napoli.

The surname preserves the memory of an important social reality of southern Italy, where the term caruso identified young workers at the beginning of their working lives, particularly in agriculture and mining.