The surname Cilenti is believed to have origins from Italy, particularly the region of Calabria. It's a toponymic name, derived from places named "Cilento" or "Cirò".
The region of Cilento in Campania and Cirò in Calabria were both important areas during ancient Roman times. The name is thought to have been derived from the Greek word "kyllin" meaning boar, due to the presence of wild boars in those regions. Over time, the spelling evolved into various forms such as Cilenti, Cilento, Cirillo, and Ciriello among others.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Cilenti
The surname Cilenti is an Italian name derived from a place name. It likely originates from the town of Cilento, a historical region located in the province of Salerno in southern Italy. This region has been inhabited since ancient times and was part of various civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans. The name "Cilento" is thought to derive from the Greek word "Kilikos," which refers to the citizens of the city of Tarsus in Cilicia, Asia Minor. Over time, as people migrated or moved away from their ancestral homes, they often took their place names with them, thus creating surnames like Cilenti. The surname has since been spread throughout Italy and other parts of the world due to Italian immigration.
Geographical distribution of the last name Cilenti
The surname Cilenti is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the southern regions such as Campania and Calabria. Campania, located along the Tyrrhenian Sea, is home to several towns with high concentrations of individuals bearing the name Cilenti, including Caserta, Salerno, and Avellino. In Calabria, the largest concentration can be found in the province of Catanzaro, specifically in the cities of Lamezia Terme and Gioiosa Ionica. Additionally, there are significant Italian-American communities with individuals carrying the surname Cilenti, primarily in areas with a high density of Italian immigrants, such as New York City and Boston.
Variants and spellings of the last name Cilenti
The surname Cilenti has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription, translation, and regional pronunciation over time. Some of these variations include Cilenti, Cellenti, Celentano, Cellante, Cellanti, Celentano, Celentis, and Chilenti. These variations can be found among individuals from Italy, where the name is most commonly originated. The name Cilenti can be traced back to the medieval period in Italy, derived from the word "cellula," meaning small room or cell, due to its association with monastic origins. Each variation represents a unique branch of the family tree, reflecting the migration and dispersal of people carrying this surname over centuries.
Famous people with the last name Cilenti
Notable individuals sharing the surname Cilenti include:
1. John Cilenti - An American character actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, such as "The Sopranos," "The Wolf of Wall Street," and "Ray Donovan."
2. Laura Cilenti - A British actress who has worked on stage, screen, and radio, best known for her roles in BBC's "Doctors" and the film "Kill List."
3. Michael Cilento - An American film editor who has worked on movies like "The Hateful Eight," "Django Unchained," and "Inglourious Basterds." He has been nominated for three Academy Awards for Best Film Editing.
4. Salvatore Cilenti - A British actor of Italian descent, known for his roles in the BBC series "Ripper Street" and the Netflix movie "Enola Holmes."
5. Stefano Cilenti - An Italian film director and screenwriter, notable for directing the critically acclaimed films "Dove Siamo Stati" and "La Settima Giornata."
Genealogical research on the last name Cilenti
The Cilenti surname originates from Southern Italy, specifically the region of Calabria. It is believed to have derived from the Latin term "Cilentum," which referred to the ancient Greek territory of Elea or Velia. The Cilenti family can be traced back to the Norman conquest of Sicily in the 12th century, where they were feudal lords. Notable bearers of this surname include the Italian mathematician Girolamo Cilento (1804-1879) and the American musician and composer Tony Cilento (born 1953). The Cilenti family has also been historically associated with the town of Palermo in Sicily, where they were prominent members of the aristocracy. The name is most prevalent in Italy but can also be found in other countries with significant Italian diaspora populations such as the United States and Australia.
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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