The surname Cilote is of Italian origin and is derived from a place name, specifically from the town of Cilento located in the Salerno province in southern Italy. In the Middle Ages, it was common for people to take their surnames from the places where they lived or had origins. Over time, variations in spelling such as Cilote, Cilotto, and others have arisen due to differences in translation, transcription errors, and regional dialects.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Cilote
The meaning and origin of the last name Cilote
The surname Cilote is primarily found among individuals of Spanish ancestry, particularly in Mexico. Its origins can be traced back to a geographical location or a topographic feature, as many Spanish surnames were originally given to distinguish individuals from specific places or physical features.
The name Cilote, specifically, is believed to have originated from the Nahuatl word "tzillotl," which means "stone" or "rock." It's possible that early bearers of this name lived near a prominent rock formation or used stone in their occupation. Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of the surname may have evolved as it was passed down through generations.
Geographical distribution of the last name Cilote
The surname Cilote is primarily concentrated in Mexico, with a significant number of bearers residing in the states of Oaxaca, Puebla, and Veracruz, suggesting it has roots in these regions. However, its distribution extends beyond these areas as well. In the United States, a substantial proportion of individuals with the surname Cilote can be found in California, Texas, and Florida, likely due to migration from Mexico. The surname is less common but still present in other parts of Latin America, such as Guatemala and Peru, reflecting possible spread during historical migrations or colonization events. In Europe, especially Portugal, there are a few cases of the name's occurrence, possibly originating from Mexican expatriates or immigrants. The geographical distribution of the surname Cilote suggests strong ties to Mexico, with notable dispersals in North America and some presence in Europe.
Variants and spellings of the last name Cilote
The surname Cilote can be found with various spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of the most common variations include:
These variants may be found in different regions, and some could have arisen due to phonetic changes or errors in spelling during immigration processes. It's essential to consider multiple spellings when researching genealogy or ancestry, as people with the same name might be linked by a common origin despite differences in how their surnames are written.
Famous people with the last name Cilote
The Cilote surname is not particularly common among globally recognized figures. However, there are some notable individuals with this name, albeit not as universally famed as others. One such person is Antonio Cilòte, an Italian football player who played for the Italian national team and several clubs in the 1950s and 1960s. Another individual is Drew Cilote, a U.S.-based professional baseball player who was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 2018. Lastly, there's Marcos Cilòte, a Brazilian musician known for his work as a drummer and percussionist, particularly with the band Ponto de Equilíbrio. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields of sport and music.
Genealogical research on the last name Cilote
The surname Cilote is primarily associated with Italy, specifically Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna regions. Historically, it's believed to be derived from various places named Cilotto or Cilot in these regions. One of the earliest known records of the name dates back to the 13th century in Lombardy, where a certain "Petrus de Ciloto" was mentioned. Over time, variations such as Cilotti, Cilotto, and Zilotti emerged due to spelling inconsistencies in early records. The family migrated to other parts of Europe and later the Americas during the 19th and 20th centuries, including countries like France, Switzerland, and the United States. Notable figures with this surname include Giovanni Cilotto, an Italian engineer, and Giovanni Battista Cilotti, a renowned violinist from Italy.
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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