Last Name Cagnolo

The surname Cagnolo is of Italian origin. It is derived from a number of possible sources. 1. One possibility is that it originates from the Italian word "cagnolo," meaning little dog. As surnames often were associated with occupations, physical characteristics, or place names in the Middle Ages, it is possible that an individual may have been named Cagnolo due to a liking for dogs or because their appearance was reminiscent of a dog. 2. Another possibility is that the name Cagnolo could be derived from the Italian region of Lombardy, where the town of Cagnolo di Cadoneghe exists. It's possible that individuals bearing this surname may have originated from this area and adopted the place name as their own. 3. The name Cagnolo can also be a variant of other Italian surnames such as Canale or Cagnoli, which are derived from occupations related to water management (e.g., canal building) or place names.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cagnolo

The meaning and origin of the last name Cagnolo

The surname Cagnolo is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Cagno, a diminutive form of the personal name Carlo (Charles) or Carlino. It's believed to have originated as a nickname for someone with a small build, resembling a young calf, as 'cagnolo' means 'little dog' in Italian. The use of animal-derived surnames was common in medieval Italy, reflecting the rural and agrarian environment of the time. Over the centuries, the name has been variously spelled as Cagnol, Cagnoli, Cagniolo, Cagnoletto, and Cagnoletti, among others, depending on regional variations and specific family lineages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cagnolo

The surname Cagnolo is primarily found in Italy and Switzerland, with significant concentrations in both countries' northern regions. In Italy, it is most prevalent in the Piedmont and Lombardy regions, reflecting the historical migration patterns from the Italian Alps to the urban centers of Milan and Turin. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other Italian regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol. In Switzerland, the surname is predominantly found in the canton of Ticino, which borders Italy's Piedmont region, and to a lesser extent in Graubünden, another canton with close ties to Italy due to its location near the Italian Alps. Smaller communities bearing the Cagnolo name can also be found in other countries with significant Italian diaspora populations, such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cagnolo

The surname Cagnolo has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration, regional pronunciations, and changes over time. Some common variations include Cagnolo, Cagnol, Cagnoletto, Cagnoli, Cagnola, Cagno, Cagna, and Cagnoletti. These variations may originate from geographical locations or changes in the family name during migration or assimilation. It is essential to note that these variations reflect the diversity of the Italian language and its regional dialects. Additionally, it's possible for individuals with similar-sounding surnames to have different origins and lineages.

Famous people with the last name Cagnolo

Notable individuals with the surname Cagnolo include:

1. Angelo Cagnolo (born 1947), an Italian politician who served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies from 1983 to 2006.

2. Giuseppe Cagnoli (1885-1963), an American sculptor known for his works such as "The End of the Trail," a statue depicting a Native American on horseback, which is widely recognized and replicated.

3. Pietro Cagnolo (1874-1940), an Italian violinist, composer, and conductor who was the founder of the Chicago Opera Association and the Chicago Civic Opera Company.

4. Stefano Cagnolo (born 1965), an Italian musician, composer, and music producer best known for his collaborations with artists like Jovanotti and Vasco Rossi.

These individuals have made significant contributions in politics, art, music, and opera, demonstrating the versatility of the surname Cagnolo across various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Cagnolo

The surname Cagnolo originates from Italy and is commonly found in northern regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. Its origins can be traced back to medieval times, with the name deriving from the occupational term "cagnolo," which means "little dog" or "groom" in Italian dialects. Over time, the surname Cagnolo spread across Italy and other European countries due to migration. In some cases, variations of the name may have emerged as a result of phonetic spelling changes during the transcription process. Notable figures bearing this surname include the Italian composer Antonio Cagnoli (1806-1893) and the Swiss historian Giovanni Battista Cagnoli (1746-1826). Genealogical research on the Cagnolo family can be found in various archives, particularly in Italy, but also in records of Italian communities in other countries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "cagnolo"
• 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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