The surnames Marchisi and Marchisio have their origin in Italy, specifically in the regions of the north, Marchisio being the more common and specific to Piedmont, while Marchisi is extremely rare and is found mainly in the Milan area. Both surnames derive from the medieval name Marchisius, itself an archaic or dialect variant of the title Marchese (marquess). This name arose as a mark of honour and prestige, based on the political office of the same name, similar to other medieval names such as Principe, Imperatore or Senatore.

An example of the use of the name Marchisius is found in a document of the Codice Diplomatico della Lombardia Medioevale of 1186, at Meda, in the Milan area, where a Marchisius Cotta is mentioned. Although it is unlikely, in some cases the surname could derive directly from the title of marquess, whether to indicate the position of the ancestor or some kind of relation with a marquess.

Marchisio is the more common form and has a vast epicentre in Piedmont, with important concentrations in Turin and Cuneo, and lesser presences in Asti and Alessandria. This surname is also found, to a lesser degree, in Liguria and Lombardy, owing to migratory flows. The surname Marchisio has noble antecedents in the families Marchisio of Fossano, Marchisio of Saluzzo and Marchisio of Dronero.

Derived surnames and their features

• Marchisi: extremely rare, found mainly in the Milan area.
• Marchisio: more common, with a vast epicentre in Piedmont, especially in Turin and Cuneo, and a lesser presence in Asti and Alessandria. It is also found in Liguria and Lombardy.