The surname Ciminelli is of Italian origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from the town of Ciminna in the Palermo province of Sicily. In medieval Italy, many people took their names from the places where they lived or hailed from, as a way to identify themselves and their families. The surname Ciminelli is common among Italian-American families who immigrated to the United States from Sicily.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Ciminelli
The meaning and origin of the last name Ciminelli
The surname Ciminelli is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Cimino, which was a medieval diminutive of the Byzantine Greek name Kimon or Chrysanthos (meaning golden-flower). Originating from the Lombard region in Italy, the name likely emerged during the Middle Ages as a way to distinguish individuals with the same first name. The name spread throughout Italy and other Italian-speaking regions due to migration and colonization over time. It is most common today in northern Italy, particularly in cities such as Milan, Genoa, and Bologna.
Geographical distribution of the last name Ciminelli
The surname Ciminelli has its origins from Italy and is primarily concentrated within that country. Specifically, it is most prevalent in the northern regions such as Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. Outside of Italy, significant numbers of people bearing the name can be found in countries with large Italian immigrant populations like the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Uruguay. In the U.S., cities such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago have high concentrations of individuals with the last name Ciminelli due to historical immigration from Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, there are smaller groups in Australia, France, Switzerland, and other European countries where Italians have emigrated over the years.
Variants and spellings of the last name Ciminelli
The surname Ciminelli has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include Ciminelli, Ciminelli-Durso, Cinaminelli, Chiminelli, Chimminelli, Cyminelli, and Ziminelli. These variations may appear in different countries or regions as a result of phonetic changes or cultural influences. In some cases, the surname may have been shortened or altered to fit local naming conventions. For example, in Italy, where the name originates from, it is often written as Ciminelli-Cavaliere or Ciminelli-Signore when combined with a title. The variations serve as interesting insights into how a surname can evolve over generations and across borders.
Famous people with the last name Ciminelli
Notable individuals sharing the surname Ciminelli include:
1. Anthony Ciminelli (born 1943), an American businessman who served as CEO of Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation and was indicted in the Trump-Ukraine scandal.
2. Anna Ciminelli (born 1967), a Canadian actress known for her roles in television series like "The Eleventh Hour" and "The L Word."
3. Michael Ciminella (born 1945), an American politician who served as a member of the New Jersey Senate from 2008 to 2016.
4. Giuseppe Ciminelli (1867–1929), an Italian sculptor and medallist, whose works include the Statue of the Republic in Rome's Campidoglio.
5. Luigi Ciminelli (1893–1960), an Italian tenor who performed leading roles at La Scala and other major opera houses.
These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as business, politics, entertainment, and the arts.
Genealogical research on the last name Ciminelli
The Ciminelli surname originates from Italy, specifically Sicily, where it is believed to have derived from the city of Ciminna or the region of Palermo. Records indicate that the name was first documented during the Middle Ages, around the 12th century. The name is an inhabitation-type surname, meaning that it was likely given to individuals who lived near a place called Ciminna.
Over time, the Ciminelli family migrated across Europe, with significant populations settling in France and Germany during the Middle Ages, followed by waves of immigration to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In America, the majority of Ciminellis settled in cities such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
Throughout history, notable individuals with the surname Ciminelli have made significant contributions to various fields including politics, art, and education. For instance, Alfredo Ciminelli was a prominent Italian industrialist and art collector, while in the United States, Anthony J. Ciminelli served as the Mayor of Scranton, Pennsylvania for three terms.
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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