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Last Name Avigliano

What is the origin of the last name Avigliano?

The surname Avigliano is of Italian origin. It derives from a place name, specifically a small town located in the province of Avellino in the Campania region of Southern Italy. The town's name is thought to have come from Latin "ad villam glianorum," meaning "at the village of the almond trees." Over time, the surname has been spelled various ways, including Aviagliano, Aviglan, and Avigliana, among others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Avigliano

The meaning and origin of the last name Avigliano

The surname Avigliano is of Italian origin, specifically from the southern region of Campania. It derives from the town of Avigliano, located in the province of Avellino. The name of the town comes from Latin roots, with "avi" meaning bird and "glianus" referring to a small mountain or hill, thus creating a meaning like "little mountain of birds." Over time, this place name evolved into the surname Avigliano for individuals who originated or resided in that region. The surname is common among Italian immigrants and their descendants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Avigliano

The surname Avigliano is primarily concentrated in Southern Italy, particularly in the region of Campania. Specifically, it is most commonly found in and around the city of Avellino, for which it is named after. The name originates from the town of Avigliano, located in the province of Avellino, indicating a likely historical origin of the surname among its residents. Outside of Italy, there are significant populations of individuals with the last name Avigliano in North and South America, primarily in Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. In these countries, the surname is often spelled as "Avellan" or "Avellano", reflecting the phonetic translation of the Italian name into Spanish and Portuguese. Other regions with notable occurrences of the surname Avigliano include France, Australia, Canada, and Switzerland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Avigliano

The surname Avigliano has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. Some common variations include Abigliani, Avigliano-Gonzales, Aviglianu, Aviglianesi, Aviglianetta, Avigliano-Labate, and Aviglianotti. These variations may arise from differences in spelling conventions over time, or due to the influence of different languages and cultures. In Italian, the surname is typically written as "Avigliano," derived from the medieval Latin "Ad Vilginiacum" meaning "at the villa of Willigis." In some cases, there may also be variations in pronunciation depending on regional dialects or personal preferences.

Famous people with the last name Avigliano

Notable individuals with the surname Avigliano include:

1. Anthony Avigliano (1926-2018), an American mobster who served as acting boss of the Genovese crime family in New York City during the 1970s.

2. John Avigliano (born 1954), an American musician and record producer, best known for his work with The Smithereens.

3. Joe Avigliano (1921-1986), an American football player who played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL).

4. Lisa Avellino Avigliano (born 1957), an American scientist and astrobiologist, currently serving as the Chief Scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as organized crime, music, sports, and science.

Genealogical research on the last name Avigliano

The surname Avigliano originates from Italy and is primarily associated with the Apulia region, specifically the towns of Avigliano and Avigliano Irpino. The name derives from the Latin "ad villam" or "at villa," meaning "toward the village."

The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 12th century in the town of Avigliano, located in the province of Potenza. Over time, as Italians migrated for work and economic opportunities, the Avigliano family spread across various regions within Italy and later to other countries such as the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and Australia.

In the U.S., the largest concentration of individuals with the surname Avigliano can be found in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, many of whom are descendants of immigrants from Southern Italy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name has also evolved into various spelling variations, including Aviglian, Avigliani, and Avigliano-Ayala, due to phonetic differences when transcribing foreign names or assimilation into different cultures.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 26 July 2025

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