The surname Cicirello is of Italian origin. It is derived from a nickname for someone with curly hair, as "ciri" means "curls" in Italian and "-ello" or "-elli" are common suffixes used to form surnames in Italy. As with many surnames, the specific bearer of the name Cicirello may have taken on this designation to differentiate themselves from others in their community. The use of a descriptive nickname as a surname was particularly common among peasants and artisans during the Middle Ages when many people were identified by their profession, physical characteristics, or place of origin.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Cicirello
The meaning and origin of the last name Cicirello
The surname Cicirello is an Italian patronymic derived from the given name Ciriello, which means "little cirio" in Latin, referring to a candle or lighted taper. It was predominantly found in Southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Apulia and Campania. The spread of the Cicirello surname can be attributed to migration patterns from these areas, primarily to America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over time, various spelling variations have emerged due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects, such as Cisarrello, Cisarello, Zisarelli, or Zizarelli. The name is common among Italian-Americans and remains a significant identifier of Italian heritage within the diaspora.
Geographical distribution of the last name Cicirello
The last name Cicirello is predominantly found in Italy, particularly within the region of Campania and surrounding areas such as Naples and Caserta, which have historically high populations of Italian-Americans. It is also common in Sicily, another significant source of Italian immigration to North America. In the United States, Cicirello is most concentrated in states with a large Italian-American population, such as New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Additionally, there are significant numbers of individuals with this surname in other parts of the United States, particularly in California, Illinois, and Michigan, where Italian immigrants settled during various waves of immigration to the country. Beyond North America, smaller populations can be found in South America, Australia, and Europe.
Variants and spellings of the last name Cicirello
The surname Cicirello has several variations and spellings, reflecting its Italian origin. Some common versions include Cisciorello, Chisciorello, Ciccirelli, Cizcirello, and Ciccirelli. These variations can occur due to differences in transcription, regional dialects, or personal preferences when emigrating from Italy. Additionally, assimilation during the immigration process may result in slight modifications to the spelling. For instance, some branches of the family might use "Cisciorelle," "Chisiorelly," or "Sizcirelio" as their surname. It's essential to understand that these variations are all related and share a common ancestry, with the original Italian name likely being Cicirello.
Famous people with the last name Cicirello
Among individuals bearing the surname Cicirello, three notable figures have gained significant attention:
1. Vincent "Vinny" Ciccarelli - An American actor and stuntman, he is best known for his role as Johnny LaRue in the popular 90's TV series, "Married... with Children." Additionally, Ciccarelli has worked on numerous films and television shows, including "The Terminator," "Beverly Hills Cop II," and "The Flintstones."
2. Steven Cicirello - An esteemed mathematician, he is a Full Professor at Virginia Tech and an expert in algebraic geometry. His research focuses on moduli spaces of stable maps and Bridgeland stability conditions. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to the field.
3. Joe Cicarello - A former NFL player who played defensive tackle for the Houston Oilers from 1980-1987, he was a key member of the team that won Super Bowl XIX against the Dallas Cowboys in 1985. After his football career, Cicarello worked as a coach and scout for several NFL teams.
Genealogical research on the last name Cicirello
The Cicirello surname originates from Sicily, Italy, specifically the city of Palermo. It is derived from the Latin term "Cicerellus," meaning little chickpea, which was a common name for someone who sold or worked with these legumes. The Cicirellos are part of the larger Italian diaspora, many of whom emigrated to North and South America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to escape poverty and political instability in Sicily. The most common variants of this surname include Cicirelli, Cisarello, and Cicarelli. Notable individuals with this surname include boxer Arturo Gatti, singer Frankie Valli, and actor John Cicarelli. Genealogical research suggests that the Cicirellos share a common ancestry in Sicily but have diverse family histories due to the widespread migration of bearers of this name.
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