Last Name Ascierto

The surname Ascierto is of Italian origin. It is derived from various place names across Italy that share similar spellings such as Ascierto, Asciutto, and Asciuta, which are typically found in regions like Calabria, Basilicata, and Sicily. These names may have originally referred to a settlement or landmark characterized by dryness or barrenness. As with many surnames, it evolved from a descriptive nickname that was later inherited by the family line.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ascierto

The meaning and origin of the last name Ascierto

The surname Ascierto is an Italian name that has its roots in the Latin language. It is derived from the word "ascertus," which means "certain" or "established." In Italy, many surnames developed from professional roles, geographical locations, or personal attributes. However, for names like Ascierto, it's challenging to pinpoint a specific origin related to these categories as they do not have an obvious connection. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of names can change due to regional variations and migration patterns. Today, Ascierto is primarily found in Italian-speaking regions but may also be present among Italians who emigrated to other countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ascierto

The last name Ascierto is primarily distributed across several regions within Italy and has also been found in some parts of the United States due to Italian immigration. In Italy, it is most prevalent in the southern regions, particularly Basilicata and Calabria, although cases are also recorded in other areas such as Lazio, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna. In the U.S., concentrations of individuals bearing the surname Ascierto can be found primarily along the East Coast, with significant populations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida - all states that have historically received a high number of Italian immigrants. This suggests that the family originated from the Mezzogiorno (Southern Italy) before emigrating to North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ascierto

The surname Ascierto has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variants include Ascierti, Ascierti, Asciertoe, Ascerti, Asciertos, Ascierto, Asciert, Asciertois, Ascierte, Asciertosse, and Asciertoz. These differences in spelling can be attributed to factors such as regional dialects, phonetic transcriptions, and immigration-induced changes over time. It is important to note that while these variations exist, the original Italian surname is Ascierto, which is derived from the occupation "ascierto" meaning a person who collects taxes or duties.

Famous people with the last name Ascierto

Among the notable individuals with the surname Ascierto are:

1. Dr. Antonio J. Ascierto: He is an Italian oncologist and cancer researcher who has made significant contributions to the field of clinical oncology, particularly in the area of immunotherapy for various types of cancers. Dr. Ascierto serves as the Chief of the Division of Oncology at the National Cancer Institute of Naples, Italy, and is also an active member of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC).

2. Dr. Salvatore J. Ascierto: An American physician who is known for his work in the field of hematology-oncology. He has held positions at several prestigious institutions, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and New York University Langone Medical Center. Currently, he serves as the Chair of the Melanoma Program and Head of the Developmental Therapeutics Section at the National Cancer Institute in Naples, Italy.

3. Dr. Joseph A. Ascierto: An American physician who specializes in infectious diseases and HIV/AIDS treatment. He is currently a Professor of Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Throughout his career, Dr. Ascierto has contributed to numerous research studies and served as principal investigator on various clinical trials.

Genealogical research on the last name Ascierto

The surname Ascierto originates from Southern Italy, specifically the region of Calabria. It is derived from the medieval Italian given name "Ascertio," which means "certain" or "confirmed" in Latin. The name is believed to have been used as a nickname for someone who was reliable or certain in his actions.

Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved due to various factors such as regional dialects, handwriting styles, and migrations. Some common variations include Ascerto, Asciertoi, Asciertu, and Asscerto.

The earliest recorded instances of the surname date back to the late 1500s in Calabria, with prominent families like the Asciertos of Reggio Calabria and the Asciertos of Cosenza emerging during this period. The Ascierto family migrated to other parts of Italy and later abroad, particularly to countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States, where they continue to be represented today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "ascierto"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 25 July 2025

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