Last Name Cione

The surname Cione is of Italian origin. It is derived from the given name Giòno (diminutive form of Gianni), which was a common name in various parts of Italy during medieval times. Over time, as families grew and migrated, names like Cione were adopted to distinguish between different members of the family or communities. The use of patronymic surnames, such as those derived from given names, was widespread in Italy before the adoption of fixed hereditary surnames became more common during the Middle Ages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cione

The meaning and origin of the last name Cione

The surname Cione is an Italian name derived from the occupation of "cionero" or "chiuoniero," meaning "mender of shoes." It is believed to have originated in regions such as Lombardy, Tuscany, and Veneto where shoemaking was a prominent trade. As with many Italian surnames, Cione likely evolved from nicknames, descriptive terms, or occupations that identified individuals within their communities. Over time, the name has been spread across different regions by migration and assimilation. Like most Italian surnames, the specific origins of Cione can be difficult to pinpoint due to the lack of written records prior to the modern era. However, its prevalence in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities highlights its rich history and cultural significance.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cione

The surname Cione has its origins primarily in Italy, where it is most prevalent in regions such as Liguria, Piedmont, and Tuscany. Within Italy, Genoa, a city in Liguria, appears to have a significantly higher concentration of individuals bearing the name compared to other cities. The diaspora of Italians over centuries has also resulted in Cione being found among Italian communities in various countries, including the United States, Argentina, and Australia. In the US, the highest concentrations are in states like New York, California, and Pennsylvania, reflecting historical immigration patterns from Southern Italy. Additionally, smaller populations can be found in Canada, Argentina, and other countries with a significant Italian immigrant population. The name is relatively rare outside these regions, though it does have occasional appearances in France and Spain due to potential historical ties or migratory events.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cione

The surname Cione has several variations and spellings, including Chienne, Cione, Ciuni, Ciunni, Zione, Tsiounis, Tsiounis, and Tsionas. These variations may originate from different regions or be the result of phonetic spelling differences over time. The name is most commonly found in Italy, where it originates from the Liguria region, although it can also be found among Italian immigrants in other parts of the world. In Greece, similar-sounding surnames like Tsiounis, Tsiounis, and Tsionas are prevalent. The etymology of the name Cione is not definitively known, but it could potentially derive from a place name or an occupational title.

Famous people with the last name Cione

The Cione surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. In the world of entertainment, John Cione is a renowned cinematographer who has worked on numerous films, including "The Shining," "Full Metal Jacket," and "Apocalypse Now." Another significant figure is Giacomo Cioni, an Italian professional road bicycle racer, who won the Giro d'Italia in 1950. In the realm of academia, Mary Jo Cione-Swain is a professor at the University of Delaware, known for her research on early language development and literacy. Lastly, Robert J. Cione Jr., a US Army officer, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War. These individuals demonstrate the diverse achievements of those with the last name Cione.

Genealogical research on the last name Cione

The Cione surname is of Italian origin, derived from the medieval given name Giovanni or Gianni, which means 'God is gracious.' This patronymic surname was initially used to denote the son of Giovanni. The Cione family has been traced back to the region of Lombardy in Northern Italy. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is Giovanni Cione, born around 1250 in Bergamo, Lombardy. Over time, the Cione family migrated and settled across various parts of Italy. Some branches later moved to France and other European countries. The Ciones were primarily involved in trade and craftsmanship, with some branches entering the clergy or becoming noblemen. Notable descendants include Marco Cione, an Italian painter from Venice, and Pietro Antonio Cione, a Baroque architect from Genoa. In the modern era, Ciones can be found worldwide, particularly in Italy, France, the United States, Canada, and Argentina.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cione"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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