Last Name Cacciola

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cacciola

The meaning and origin of the last name Cacciola

The surname Cacciola is an Italian name derived from the occupation of a hunter or a trapper, specifically one who uses snares (caccia means hunt or trap in Italian, while ola is a diminutive suffix). It is thought to have originated as a nickname for someone who was particularly skilled at hunting. The name may also be found spelled as Cacchio, Cacciaro, or Cacciatori. Notable figures with the surname Cacciola include Italian composer and conductor Francesco Caccia (1580-1626), and American basketball player Chris Cacciola (born 1973).

Geographical distribution of the last name Cacciola

The last name Cacciola is predominantly Italian in origin and is most commonly found in regions such as Campania, Abruzzo, Molise, and Calabria in Southern Italy. However, it also has a significant presence in other Italian-speaking regions like Lombardy, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna. Beyond Italy, the Cacciola surname can be found in various Italian communities worldwide, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States, due to Italian immigration waves throughout history. The name is less frequent but still exists in other countries such as France and Switzerland, reflecting historical migrations and cultural exchanges between these regions and Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cacciola

The surname Cacciola has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variants include:

1. Cacciaola - this is one of the most commonly found Italian versions, which is phonetically equivalent to Cacciola but uses a different orthography.
2. Caccola - This spelling may be seen in some Italian-American families as a result of anglicization or transcription errors.
3. Cacciala - This variant, similar to Cacciola, is found in some Italian-speaking regions.
4. Cacciuolo - An alternative spelling from southern Italy, where the 'o' at the end of the name can represent a short 'o' sound (as opposed to the long 'o' in Cacciola).
5. Cacciaioli - A less common variant that may be found in Italian genealogical records, representing an elongation of the final syllable.
6. Kaczyola - This spelling may appear among Eastern European families with Italian ancestry, as a result of language and cultural influences from their host countries.

Famous people with the last name Cacciola

Notable individuals with the surname Cacciola include:

1. David Cacciola - An American professional basketball player who played for the University of North Carolina and briefly in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is best known for being the tallest player to ever play college basketball, standing at 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm) tall.

2. John Cacciola - An American former professional football player who played as a defensive end for the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL). He was a first-round draft pick by the Jets in 1986.

3. Anthony Cacciola - A Canadian actor known for his roles in television series such as Trauma, Rookie Blue, and Designated Survivor. He has also appeared in several films including The Art of War and Saw V.

4. Giulio Cacciola - An Italian conductor and musicologist who was the director of the Verona Philharmonic Orchestra from 1987 to 2005. He is known for his performances of operas by composers such as Rossini, Bellini, and Donizetti.

5. Frank Cacciola - An American actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows since the late 1940s. Some of his notable roles include parts in The Godfather, Taxi Driver, and Raging Bull.

Genealogical research on the last name Cacciola

The surname Cacciola originates from Southern Italy and is of Occitan origin. It derives from the Old French "chasaliere," meaning "keeper of the game reserve." Over time, it evolved into various forms such as Cassolari, Casolaro, Casoliere, and finally Cacciola in Italian. The surname is primarily found in regions like Calabria, Sicily, Campania, and Puglia, where it was originally given to individuals who were tasked with managing the local game reserves or huntsmen. Notable figures bearing this name include Giuseppe Cacciola, an Italian mathematician, and Alessandro Cacciola, a professional footballer from Italy. Genealogical research suggests that the Cacciolas may have migrated to other countries, particularly the United States, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cacciola"
• 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 : 27 July 2025