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Last Name Cercone

What is the origin of the last name Cercone?

The surname Cercone is of Italian origin. It is derived from the word "cerco," which means "I seek" or "searcher" in Italian. This surname may have been originally given as an occupational name to someone who was a searcher, such as a professional searcher for fugitives or lost property. Alternatively, it may also have been a nickname for someone who was diligent and thorough, suggesting that they were always "searching" for something.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cercone

The meaning and origin of the last name Cercone

The surname Cercone is an Italian family name derived from the Southern Italian region of Apulia, specifically the provinces of Foggia and Bari. It's believed to have originated from the occupation of a craftsman who specialized in making or selling ceramic objects, with "cerco" being the Italian word for "I seek," referring to the search for materials needed for this craft. The name could also be associated with the geographical location, as some places in Apulia were known for their production of ceramics. Over time, the surname Cercone became common among families who either practiced or lived near such ceramic workshops, ultimately being passed down through generations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cercone

The last name Cercone is predominantly of Italian origin and has a concentrated distribution within Italy, particularly in the southern regions such as Apulia, Calabria, and Sicily. The surname also has a significant presence among Italian-American communities in the United States, specifically in states with high concentrations of Italian immigrants, such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Additionally, there are smaller communities with Cercone descendants in Canada and Australia, reflecting the diaspora of Italians to other countries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the distribution is not exclusive to these regions, and individuals bearing the name can be found across various parts of the world as a result of global migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cercone

The surname Cercone has several variations and spellings due to transcription errors and regional dialects over time. Some common variants include Corcione, Cercione, Circone, Carcone, Corzone, and Corsone. These variations may stem from the original Italian root "cerchio", meaning circle in English, and are typically found among people of Italian descent. Other less common variations might also exist due to further regional differences or errors during migration records. It is always advisable to consult historical records or genealogical databases for accurate and detailed information on individual family lineages.

Famous people with the last name Cercone

The Cercone surname is relatively uncommon, but there are several notable individuals bearing this name. One of the most recognized is Vincent Cercone, a Canadian composer and electronic music pioneer who has released over 25 albums since the 1980s. In the world of sports, Chris Cercone was a professional tennis player from Canada, reaching a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 46 in 1993. Additionally, Michael Cercone is an American television writer and producer, best known for his work on various animated series such as "Family Guy," "American Dad!," and "The Cleveland Show." In the realm of academia, Dr. Anthony J. Cercone is a renowned Canadian historian, specializing in the study of Ukrainian-Canadian history. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, reflecting the diverse talents and achievements associated with the surname Cercone.

Genealogical research on the last name Cercone

The surname Cercone is of Italian origin and is predominantly found among populations from southern Italy, particularly the region of Campania. Its etymology is believed to derive from the medieval Latin word "circonciso," meaning circumcised, which was often adopted by Jews who had converted to Christianity during the Middle Ages. Over time, the name has become common among Italian Catholics as well. Notable individuals with the surname Cercone include Nicola Cercone, a Canadian opera singer, and Giuseppe Cercone, an Italian politician. The family name can be found in various forms, such as Cerrone, Circone, or Serbone, depending on regional dialects and spelling variations over 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 : 27 July 2025

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