Last Name Ciaravola

The surname Ciaravola is of Italian origin. It derives from a location named "Ciara Vale" or "Valle della Ciara", which was a valley or area associated with a particular tree called "ciara" in Southern Italy, particularly in regions like Calabria and Apulia. Over time, people living in this area took the name of their place of origin, and thus, the surname Ciaravola came into existence.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ciaravola

The meaning and origin of the last name Ciaravola

The surname Ciaravola originates from Italy, specifically within the Apulia region, where it is most prevalent. The name can be traced back to medieval times and has Latin roots, deriving from "chiaro avolere," which translates to "clear away" or "to make clear." This suggests that an individual bearing this surname may have been associated with a role that involved clarifying or resolving issues in the community. Over time, as families migrated, the spelling and pronunciation of the name varied slightly, resulting in different regional variations such as Chiaravalle, Ciaramella, and Ciaravola. Today, the Ciaravola surname can be found among Italian-American communities, reflecting the history of emigration from Italy to North America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ciaravola

The surname Ciaravola is predominantly Italian, originating from the southern regions, particularly Calabria and Sicily. It is also found in smaller numbers in Campania and Apulia. The distribution of this surname reflects the historical migration patterns from these areas to other parts of Italy and abroad, with significant communities in America, Australia, and Canada, particularly in urban centers such as New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Toronto, and Sydney. In the United States, the highest concentration of the Ciaravola surname can be found in New York State, specifically in cities like New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. In Australia, the largest communities are located in Melbourne and Sydney. This geographical dispersion indicates a rich history of Italian emigration, with the Ciaravola family name being an important part of these migrant communities worldwide.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ciaravola

The surname Ciaravola has several spelling variants due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include: Ciaravolo, Ciaraola, Ciarella, Ciarla, Ciarlaola, Chiaravola, Chiaravolo, Charavola, Carravola, Carraval, Carraulo, Carravolo, Carraula, and many others. These variations may also be found in different languages such as Italian (the original language), Spanish, Portuguese, French, or English. It's important to note that the correct spelling can depend on various factors, including regional dialects, historical records, or personal preference. However, the most common and widely recognized form is Ciaravola.

Famous people with the last name Ciaravola

The Ciaravola surname is associated with several notable individuals across various fields. In music, Salvatore Ciaravola is renowned as a violinist and conductor, who served as the concertmaster for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In sports, Troy Ciaravola, born in 1980, is a professional soccer player who played for teams such as FC Dallas and New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer. Notably, he won an MLS Cup with the Red Bulls in 2008. In politics, Vincent John Ciaravola was an American politician who served as the Mayor of Scranton, Pennsylvania, from 1964 to 1973. Lastly, in academia, Donna Marie Ciaravola is a professor and author, whose research focuses on political communication, gender, and public opinion at the University of California, Santa Barbara. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements associated with the Ciaravola surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Ciaravola

The surname Ciaravola originates from Italy and is primarily found in the regions of Sicily and Calabria. The name has several possible origins; it may be derived from "Ciara", a diminutive form of the female name "Ciara," or it could be related to the Italian word "ciarare" meaning "to chatter" or "gossip," suggesting an individual known for their talkative nature. Historically, many Ciaravolas were involved in agriculture and fishing industries due to their geographical locations. Notable figures bearing this surname include musicians such as saxophonist Jerry Ciaravola and drummer Frankie Ciaravola, as well as actors like Tony Ciaravolo. The diaspora of the name extends to other countries, particularly the United States and Canada, due to immigration waves in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "ciaravola"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends