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Last Name Celante

What is the origin of the last name Celante?

The surname Celante is of Italian origin. It is derived from a given name or nickname, likely derived from the Latin word "celans" meaning 'clear', 'bright', or 'pure'. In Italy, it was often given as a nickname to someone who was clear-minded, bright, or pure-hearted. As with many surnames, it evolved over time due to variations in spelling and migration patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Celante

The meaning and origin of the last name Celante

The surname Celante is of Italian origin, derived from the occupation of a bell-founder or metalworker. The name is a diminutive form of "Campanella," which means "little bell" in Italian. Originally, it was likely used as a nickname for someone who worked with bells or had a characteristic resembling a small bell. Over time, the name became hereditary and spread across various regions in Italy. It is now found among the Italian diaspora around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Celante

The surname Celante is primarily found in Italy, with a significant concentration in the Piedmont and Lombardy regions, particularly in the cities of Turin, Milan, and Genoa. Its frequency indicates that it originated from these areas. However, due to migration, Celantes can also be found in various Italian-speaking communities worldwide, including Argentina, Brazil, Switzerland, and the United States. In these countries, they are predominantly located in urban centers with high Italian immigrant populations. Additionally, small numbers of Celante families can be traced back to France, Spain, and Canada due to historical migration events.

Variants and spellings of the last name Celante

The surname Celante has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across different regions. Some of the common spelling variations include Celanti, Celanty, Cilante, Cellante, Cillante, and Zilante. These variations can be found among individuals with Italian, Spanish, or other Mediterranean roots. In some cases, the name may also be spelled asCellona, Celaente, or Celanzo, which are slightly altered forms that could have originated from the same root word. It's important to note that these variations reflect the phonetic similarity of the name rather than a direct lineage connection between individuals with different spellings.

Famous people with the last name Celante

The Celante family is notable for producing several prominent figures in various fields. One of the most recognized is Giacomo Celante, an Italian architect who won the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale in 2016 for his work on the "Italian Pavilion: Report from Italy." Another notable individual is Maria Celeste Arrarás, a Puerto Rican journalist and television personality. She became the first Hispanic woman to anchor a national news program in the United States when she hosted Noticiero Univision in the 1980s. In the realm of academia, Silvio Celeste Celante is known for his work as a professor at the University of Perugia and the University of Siena, where he specializes in medieval philosophy. Lastly, Salvatore Celeste Celante is an American artist whose works are part of several notable collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum. His abstract paintings have been exhibited worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Celante

The Celante surname is of Italian origin and is believed to have derived from various locations in Italy, primarily Sicily and Calabria. The name could be a diminutive form of the given name Celestino, which means "heavenly" or "celestial." Some early records indicate that the Celante family may have migrated from southern Italy to other parts of Europe, such as Spain and France, during the Middle Ages. In the United States, the surname Celante is most commonly found in New York, where many Italian immigrants settled during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable individuals with the surname Celante include Mario Celeste Celante, an Italian writer and philosopher, and Joe Celante, an American actor and comedian.

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 : 27 July 2025

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