What is the origin of the last name Cialone?

The surname Cialone is believed to have Italian origins. It derives from the given name Giuliano, which means "youthful" in Latin. Over time, it evolved into various forms such as Gualtieri, Guiliani, and Cialone, particularly in regions like Puglia and Basilicata in southern Italy. Like many surnames, it was often used to distinguish individuals within a family or community.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cialone

The meaning and origin of the last name Cialone

The surname Cialone, derived from the Italian language, is an occupational name that originated from the Middle Ages. It is most commonly associated with individuals who were bell founders or casters in metalworking. In Italian, "cialone" can be translated as "bell founder" or "caster." The surname may have been given to a person who was involved in this specific trade or craft, reflecting their profession or the occupation of a family member from whom they inherited the name. The use of occupational names like Cialone became common during the Middle Ages as people started to migrate and settle in different regions, adopting new identifiers that distinguished them from others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cialone

The surname Cialone is predominantly of Italian origin, with the majority of its occurrences found within Italy. In particular, it is most common in the regions of Campania and Calabria, where it is one of the top 5,000 most frequent surnames. Outside of Italy, the name has also been documented in other Italian-speaking countries such as Switzerland and Argentina, due to historical migration patterns. In the United States, the surname Cialone can be found primarily in states with high Italian-American populations, including New York, Pennsylvania, and California. Furthermore, some instances of the name have been recorded in Canada, Australia, and South America, likely as a result of diaspora from the original Italian settlements.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cialone

The surname Cialone has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common spelling variants include Cialoni, Ciolone, Chalone, Calone, and Cialoni-Chiolone. These variations can be found among individuals of Italian descent, as the name is believed to originate from Southern Italy, specifically from the regions of Apulia and Basilicata. The name likely derives from the word "ciola" or "chiola," meaning "little hole" in Italian, possibly referring to a geographical feature such as a valley or a bay. Despite these variations, all spellings share the common root "Cialone."

Famous people with the last name Cialone

Notable individuals with the surname Cialone include:

1. Joe Cianci (born Joseph Cialone), an American politician who served as Mayor of Providence, Rhode Island for three terms from 1975 to 2002.

2. Frank Cianci (also known as Frankie C.), an American mafia associate and son of Joe Cianci, who was sentenced to life in prison for his role in a murder conspiracy.

3. Michael D. Cianci, an American attorney who served as the United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island from 1995 to 2001. He is also the son of Joe Cianci.

4. Gino Cianci, a Canadian ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams such as the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings.

These individuals have made significant impacts in various fields, including politics, law, and sports, demonstrating the diverse accomplishments of those bearing the Cialone/Cianci surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Cialone

The Cialone surname is an Italian one, originating from the southern region of Apulia. Historically, it is believed to be derived from the Latin "Caelionus," meaning "dweller by the big hill." The family name Cialone can be traced back to the 15th century, with a notable branch being found in the town of Altamura in the late 1600s. Throughout Italian history, many Cialones emigrated to various parts of the world due to economic hardships and political unrest, including North and South America, as well as Australia. In the United States, large communities of Cialone descendants can be found in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and California. Notable individuals with the Cialone surname include several politicians, business leaders, and artists in Italy and abroad. The Cialones have a rich history marked by resilience and cultural adaptation across multiple continents.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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