Last Name Chiappazzo

The surname Chiappazzo is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Lombardy. It is a habitational name derived from the place name "Chiappazzo" in the province of Pavia. This place name has its roots in pre-Roman times and is believed to be related to the Celtic tribe known as the Insubres who inhabited much of modern northern Italy during the Iron Age. The term "Chiappazzo" may have derived from the Celtic word for "fortified hill." Over time, Italian surnames evolved as a way for people to identify themselves uniquely, particularly in areas where population densities were high and people lived in rural communities with limited mobility. As a result, occupational surnames, like Chiappazzo, became common. In this case, the surname may have originally referred to someone who came from the village of Chiappazzo or was associated with it in some way.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Chiappazzo

The meaning and origin of the last name Chiappazzo

The surname Chiappazzo is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Giacopo (James) or Jacopo (Jacob), which was popular among Christians due to the biblical figures Saint James the Greater and Saint James the Lesser. The suffix "-azzo" is a diminutive ending commonly used in Italian names, often indicating endearment or affection. Over time, this name has evolved and can now be found with various spellings and variations across different regions of Italy. The specific origin of the surname Chiappazzo can be traced to specific localities within Italy, as many Italian surnames are geographically indicative, reflecting where the original bearer once lived or worked.

Geographical distribution of the last name Chiappazzo

The surname Chiappazzo is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. It originates from the town of Chiapazza, located in the province of Novara in Piedmont. Over time, it has been spelled with slight variations such as Chiazzola, Chiazzano, and Chiazza. Emigration from Italy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to the dispersal of individuals bearing this surname to various parts of the world, notably North and South America, Australia, and some European countries like Switzerland and Germany. In the United States, the highest concentrations of Chiappazzo descendants can be found in states with a strong Italian American population such as New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and California.

Variants and spellings of the last name Chiappazzo

The surname Chiappazzo has several variations and spellings in different regions and over time due to phonetic transcription errors and local dialects. Some common variants include Chappaz, Chappato, Chapazz, Chapazzi, Chapazzo, and Shapazzo. In some cases, the name may also be found with diacritical marks such as Chiappazzo (Italian), Cheppazo (Spanish), or Cheppazzo (French). Additionally, there may be regional variations in spelling based on local pronunciation, such as Shiapazzo in certain Italian dialects. It's essential to note that surnames can change over time due to factors like migration and assimilation, leading to multiple spellings of the same name.

Famous people with the last name Chiappazzo

Notable individuals with the surname Chiappazzo include:

1. Marco Chiappazzo - An Italian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Udinese Calcio. He has represented Italy at various youth levels and made his senior international debut in 2016.

2. Paolo Chiappazzo - An Italian former long-distance runner who specialized in the marathon. He competed in the event at the 2004 Summer Olympics, finishing in 53rd place with a time of 2:18:29.

3. Federico Chiappazzo - A professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Italian Serie B club SPAL. He began his career with Parma Calcio and has also played for clubs like Novara, Modena, and Triestina.

4. Simone Chiappazzo - An Italian cyclist who currently rides for the Bardiani CSF Faizanè team. He has competed in several Grand Tours and has achieved notable results in stage races such as the Giro dell'Emilia and the Giro di Lombardia.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, primarily in sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Chiappazzo

The Chiappazzo surname is believed to have originated from the region of Piedmont, Italy, specifically from the towns of Chiavasso and Chivasso. The name is derived from the locality where the family resided or held lands. The earliest known record of the Chiappazzo family dates back to the 12th century in these towns. Over time, members of the Chiappazzo family migrated to other parts of Italy and Europe, such as Switzerland and France, due to economic and political reasons. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Chiappazzos immigrated to the United States, primarily settling in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and California. The surname has various spellings including Chiapazzo, Chiappazza, and Chiappace, reflecting the variations that often occur during the transcription of names by different scribes over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "chiappazzo"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends