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Last Name Centrone

What is the origin of the last name Centrone?

The surname "Centrone" is of Italian origin. It is derived from a geographical or topographic name for someone who lived on a hilltop or in a central location. The term "centro" in Italian means center, and "one" is a suffix indicating the place where someone lived. This surname can also be found as Centroni or De Centrone, which are plural forms of the same name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Centrone

The meaning and origin of the last name Centrone

The surname Centrone is an Italian patronymic name, originating from the region of Southern Italy, particularly Sicily and Calabria. It is derived from the Latin term "centum," meaning one hundred, and the diminutive suffix "-one." This suggests that it was either a nickname for someone considered to be important or powerful (as if they were worth a hundred), or potentially a landowner who owned a property measuring about 100 square meters. Over time, as families migrated, the name Centrone became widespread among Italian-American communities in the United States and other parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Centrone

The surname "Centrone" is predominantly Italian in origin, with a concentrated distribution in regions such as Campania, Apulia, and Calabria, all located in Southern Italy. A significant number of people bearing the name Centrone can also be found in Sicily, another major Italian island. Emigration from these areas during the 19th and 20th centuries led to a diaspora of individuals with this surname to other parts of Europe, North and South America, and Australia. The highest concentration of Centrones outside of Italy is believed to be in Argentina, where Italian immigration was particularly strong. Additionally, there are smaller populations of people with the name Centrone in Canada, the United States, Spain, and France. It's interesting to note that the distribution pattern of this surname reflects historical migration trends from Southern Italy and Sicily, as well as subsequent diaspora events.

Variants and spellings of the last name Centrone

The surname Centrone has multiple spelling variants due to differences in pronunciation and transliteration over time. Some variations include Centeron, Centroni, Centroneo, Centroneo, Centroniello, Centronelli, and Centronio. These variants may appear with or without diacritical marks depending on the region and time period of origin. For example, Centrone (without diacritics) is common in Italian-speaking regions while Centroneo (with the acute accent on the "o") might be found among Italian immigrants who have maintained more traditional spelling practices. Additionally, regional dialects can influence spelling variations, such as Centroniello in certain areas of Italy. It's important to note that these variations do not necessarily reflect differences in family lines but rather changes in pronunciation and transcription over time.

Famous people with the last name Centrone

The Centrone surname has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Dominic Centrone, an American professional basketball player who played for teams such as the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). In the world of entertainment, John Centrone, an Italian-American actor, gained popularity for his roles in films like "The Godfather: Part II" and "Rocky III". Additionally, Giuseppe Centrone was a prominent figure in the history of the Italian Communist Party. Born in 1906, he served as a member of the Italian Parliament from 1948 to 1972. Moreover, Paul Centrone, an American politician and businessman, is known for his service as the Mayor of Mount Vernon, New York from 1955 to 1983. These individuals are testament to the diverse accomplishments of those bearing the Centrone surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Centrone

The surname Centrone originates from Italy and is predominantly found in the regions of Abruzzo, Calabria, Lombardy, and Puglia. Its etymology is believed to stem from two possible sources: either a personal name Centro (meaning center), or from the geographical term "centroni," which refers to small pieces or plots of land. The first recorded instance of the surname dates back to the late 14th century, with Bartolomeo de Centrone appearing in the records of the Republic of Genoa. Throughout the centuries, the Centrone family expanded across Italy and eventually emigrated to various countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. Notable individuals bearing the name include Giovanni Battista Centrone, an Italian sculptor from the Baroque period, and Frank Centrone, a professional boxer who was the World Lightweight Champion in the 1920s. The Centrone family's history reflects the broader experiences of Italian immigration during the 19th and 20th centuries.

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 : 10 June 2025

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