Last Name Capone

The last name "Capone" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name "Capone," which originated as a nickname from the Italian word "capone," meaning "big" or "head."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Capone

The meaning and origin of the last name Capone

The surname Capone is of Italian origin and is associated with the notorious American mobster, Al Capone. The name Capone is derived from the Italian word "capo," which means "head" or "chief." It is believed to be a nickname or occupational surname, suggesting that the original bearer may have held a position of authority or leadership within their community. The exact origin of the Capone surname is not well-documented, but it is predominantly found in southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Campania and Calabria. Al Capone, born in Brooklyn, New York, was one of the most infamous gangsters of the Prohibition era and is often referred to as "Scarface." Despite the criminal connotations associated with the name, many individuals with the surname Capone are law-abiding citizens who bear no relation to Al Capone or organized crime.

Geographical distribution of the last name Capone

The last name Capone is primarily found in Italy, specifically in the southern regions of Sicily and Calabria. These regions have historically been associated with the Capone family name and are considered the ancestral home of most individuals with this surname. In Sicily, the Capone name is particularly concentrated in the province of Palermo and the city of Bagheria. In Calabria, the city of Cosenza and surrounding areas have a significant population of individuals with the Capone surname. Due to migration patterns, the Capone name has also spread to other parts of the world, such as the United States. In the US, the highest numbers of individuals with the last name Capone can be found in states like New York, New Jersey, and Illinois, particularly in cities like New York City, Chicago, and Newark, where Italian immigrant communities have historically settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Capone

The last name Capone can be spelled and pronounced in various ways due to regional accents, immigration, and transliteration. One common variation is Caponi, which reflects the Italian plural form, or Capona, representing a different pronunciation. The letter 'e' at the end can be replaced with 'i', 'y', or 'a', creating alternate spellings such as Caponi, Capony, or Capona. Moreover, regional accents and dialects may influence the pronunciation, resulting in variations like Cah-pone or Kuh-pone. In some cases, the 'C' might be replaced with a 'K', leading to Kapone or Kaponi. Additionally, as people migrate and settle in different countries, names may be adapted to fit new languages. For instance, the name Capone can turn into Capôn in Portuguese, Capón in Spanish, or Čapone in Czech. Therefore, the variations and spellings of the last name Capone are extensive, reflecting the diversity and evolution of language across different cultures and regions.

Famous people with the last name Capone

Al Capone is undoubtedly the most infamous member of the Capone family, known as one of America's most notorious gangsters during the Prohibition era. Alphonse Gabriel "Al" Capone was the leader of the Chicago Outfit and gained notoriety for his involvement in organized crime activities, including bootlegging, gambling, and racketeering. His rise to power and control over criminal enterprises made him a symbol of the American gangster. The exploits and eventual imprisonment of Capone have been extensively portrayed in popular culture, perpetuating his legacy as a prominent figure in American criminal history. While Al Capone remains the most well-known figure bearing the Capone surname, his brothers, Ralph James Capone and Salvatore Capone, were also linked to organized crime but to a lesser extent.

Genealogical research on the last name Capone

The surname Capone, most commonly associated with the notorious gangster Al Capone, has its roots in Italy. The Capone family traces its origins to the southern region of Campania, specifically the towns of Angri and Sant'Antonio Abate. The name is believed to derive from the Italian word "capone," meaning a type of fish known as a bass. Migration patterns show that members of the Capone family began emigrating to the United States in the late 19th century, primarily settling in the city of Chicago. It was there that Al Capone and his brothers gained notoriety during the Prohibition era. Despite their criminal activities, other Capone families led respectable lives in various parts of the United States. Today, descendants of the Capone family can be found across the country, many of whom have distanced themselves from their infamous relative and carry on the family name in diverse professions and walks of life.

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