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Last Name Ciraolo

What is the origin of the last name Ciraolo?

The surname Ciraolo is of Italian origin. It is derived from the occupational name "ceraiolo," which comes from the Latin word "cerer," meaning "wax." In medieval times, individuals who were involved in the craft of making and selling candles or other wax products would often take on occupational surnames as a way to identify their profession. Over time, the name evolved into its current form: Ciraolo.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ciraolo

The meaning and origin of the last name Ciraolo

The surname Ciraolo is an Italian name that is primarily found in Southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Calabria and Sicily. It is derived from the occupation of a "ciriale," a person who was responsible for maintaining and repairing millstones used in flour mills during medieval times. The term "ciriale" comes from the Latin word "circus," meaning circle or wheel, which refers to the circular shape of these stones. Over time, the surname has been spelled in various ways including Ciraulo, Ciraolo, Cirauli, and others, due to regional dialects and scribal variations. The name Ciraolo is relatively uncommon outside of Italy but maintains a strong cultural identity among Italian-Americans with roots in Southern Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ciraolo

The surname Ciraolo is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the southwestern region of Piedmont and the central region of Lazio. Specifically, it is concentrated in the provinces of Asti, Alessandria, and Caserta. The name's origins can be traced back to the medieval town of Ciriacoi, located near Asti. Over time, the surname has been spelled as Ciraolo, Ciraulo, and other variations due to phonetic changes and regional dialects. While most Ciraolos reside in Italy, there are also significant populations in Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, particularly in areas with high Italian immigrant populations like New York City.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ciraolo

The surname Ciraolo has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors, and natural evolution over time. Some common variants include Ciraulo, Ciarulo, Ciarlaolo, Ciraollo, Ciraulo, Ciriolo, and Cyraulo. These variations stem from the Italian origin of the name, where the 'C' is pronounced as a hard 'ch' sound, similar to the English word "church." The 'I' in Ciraolo is long and rhymes with the 'e' in "me." Other less common variants might arise due to immigration or assimilation processes. It's essential to remember that the correct spelling of a name can be subjective and may vary based on individual preference or family tradition.

Famous people with the last name Ciraolo

Notable individuals with the surname Ciraolo include:

1. Alessandro Ciraolo - An Italian film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his work on movies like "Amore" and "Un'estate ai Caraibi."
2. Franco Ciraolo - A renowned Italian botanist who made significant contributions to the study of plant physiology, particularly in photosynthesis and biochemistry. He was a member of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei.
3. Giuseppe Ciraolo - An Italian conductor and musicologist recognized for his work in opera and symphonic repertoire, as well as his contributions to music education.
4. Luca Ciraolo - A popular Italian journalist and author known for his writing on various topics such as politics, culture, and social issues. He has published several books, including "Il colore del tempo" and "La bella figura."
5. Marzia Ciraolo - An Italian actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the popular series "Don Matteo." She is also known for her work as a voice actress.

Genealogical research on the last name Ciraolo

The Ciraolo surname originates from Italy and is primarily found in regions such as Sicily and Campania. It is believed to have derived from the occupation of a ceramist or potter, as "cera" means wax and "ola" refers to oil, possibly indicating someone who worked with clay or ceramics.

The earliest documented record of the Ciraolo family can be traced back to the 13th century in Sicily, where Nicola Ciraolo appeared in official records in 1268. Over the centuries, various branches of the Ciraolo family migrated to other parts of Italy and later, to foreign countries due to political unrest and economic hardships.

Some notable individuals with the surname Ciraolo include Giuseppe Ciraolo, an Italian physician who made significant contributions to obstetrics and gynecology in the 19th century; and contemporary American opera singer, Sondra Radvanovsky, whose maternal great-grandfather was born with the surname Ciraolo.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 27 July 2025

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