Last Name Cincotta

The surname Cincotta is of Italian origin. It is derived from a place-name in Italy, primarily found in the region of Campania. Specifically, it comes from the town of San Cipriano d'Aversa, located in the Caserta province. Over time, individuals from this area emigrated to other parts of Italy and the world, carrying their surnames with them. The name is composed of two elements: "San" (Saint) and "Cipriano," a personal name derived from the Latin "Cyprianus," which was the name of a famous early Christian martyr.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cincotta

The meaning and origin of the last name Cincotta

The surname Cincotta is an Italian patronymic name, derived from the given name Zenzio or Zenziotto, which was a diminutive form of the male given name Giorgio (George) in the Middle Ages. Over time, this name evolved into the modern Italian form, Cincotta. The "Cin-" part of the surname is thought to come from the Latin word "cine" meaning chin or jaw, possibly referencing a physical characteristic of an ancestor.

The surname Cincotta first appeared in Lombardy and Piedmont regions of Italy, with early records dating back to the 13th century. Notable individuals bearing this name include the Italian poet Giuseppe Cincotta (1874-1951) and the Italian footballer Marco Cincotta (born 1986).

Today, the Cincotta surname is most prevalent in Italy but can also be found among Italian immigrants in other countries, particularly in the United States. The name is passed down through successive generations, ensuring its continued presence within families and communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cincotta

The surname Cincotta is predominantly Italian in origin, with its highest concentration found in regions such as Sicily, Calabria, and Campania. It also has a significant presence in other parts of Italy including Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. Diaspora from these regions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to a dispersal of the Cincotta family name throughout various parts of the world. In North America, Cincottas can be found in significant numbers in cities like New York, Boston, Toronto, Montreal, and Philadelphia. In Australia, Sydney and Melbourne have notable populations. The surname is also present in South America, particularly in Argentina and Brazil due to Italian immigration during the 20th century. Additionally, smaller communities of Cincottas reside in countries like France, Switzerland, and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cincotta

The surname Cincotta has multiple variants and spellings. Some of these include Cinquanta, Cincotte, Cincota, Cinquata, and Cinquatah. These variations may be found across different regions due to factors such as spelling reforms, regional dialects, or personal preferences. The original Italian root "Cinque" means five, while "otta" or "otto" is a diminutive suffix, making the name translatable to "Little Five". Over time, these variations have evolved and adapted to different languages and cultures, leading to the diverse spellings observed today.

Famous people with the last name Cincotta

The Cincotta surname is relatively uncommon and has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned individuals with this last name is Michael Cincotta, a distinguished chemist who made significant contributions to materials science and nanotechnology. He has authored over 100 scientific publications and was honored with numerous awards for his work.

Another notable figure is Angela Cincotta, an accomplished actress who appeared in various television shows such as "The Sopranos," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," and "Blue Bloods." Her career spans over three decades, and she continues to act in both film and television.

Lastly, there is Joe Cincotta, a former professional baseball player who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers. In his career, he appeared in two Major League Baseball All-Star Games. His contributions to the sport have been recognized by various sports organizations. Each of these individuals represents the diverse accomplishments of those with the Cincotta surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Cincotta

The surname Cincotta is of Italian origin, specifically from Sicily, where it is believed to have derived from the city of Cinisi. It has variants such as Cincotto, Zinzi, and Sinisi. The name is thought to be associated with the location, referring to someone who was originally from or had connections to Cinisi.

The first recorded spelling of the name appears in historical records dating back to the 16th century in Sicily. Some notable individuals bearing this surname include Giuseppe Cincotta, an Italian composer and conductor, and Salvatore Cincotta, a former member of the New York State Assembly.

The migration pattern for the Cincotta family shows a significant shift from Italy to North America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with many settling in the United States, particularly in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. As a result, a large portion of the current Cincotta descendants can be found in these areas today. Genealogical research is an ongoing endeavor to trace the roots of this family back to its origins in Cinisi, Sicily.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cincotta"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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