Last Name Cislaghi

The surname Cislaghi is likely of Italian origin. It derives from a location near Lake Como, Italy. Specifically, it is thought to originate from the town of Cislago, located in the province of Varese. The suffix "-ghi" or "-ghiis" indicates that the name was originally given as a locative surname to someone who came from Cislago.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cislaghi

The meaning and origin of the last name Cislaghi

The surname Cislaghi originates from Italy, specifically Lombardy, a region known for its rich history and diverse naming traditions. The name Cislaghi is believed to be a topographic surname, derived from the Latin term "cis," meaning on this side, and "lago," lake. It could have been given to someone who lived near or on the eastern shore of a lake, distinguishing them from those living on the western side, denoted by the surname Ongarato (meaning on the other side). As with many Italian surnames, Cislaghi has evolved over centuries due to factors such as regional dialects, migrations, and changes in official documentation. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon yet distinctive surname among the Italian diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cislaghi

The surname Cislaghi is predominantly found in Italy, specifically in the northern regions such as Lombardy and Piedmont. These areas are historically associated with the Milanese and Turinese states, respectively, where the name may have originated from local villages or towns. Cislaghi is a toponymic surname derived from places named Cisla (meaning 'this side of' in Latin), which could be found throughout these regions. Over time, individuals bearing the name Cislaghi may have migrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas, particularly during periods of mass emigration from Italy in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, there are significant Cislaghi populations outside of Italy, primarily in countries with a high Italian-American or Italian-Canadian population such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cislaghi

The surname Cislaghi has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical changes. Some of these variations include Cislagi, Cisalghi, Cisalgo, Cisalghe, and Cisalchi. These variations may stem from slight misspellings or adaptations over time, reflecting differences in pronunciation or spelling conventions in different regions or periods. It's essential to note that while these variations might appear significantly different, they generally originated from the same root name.

Famous people with the last name Cislaghi

Notable individuals with the surname Cislaghi include:

1. Roberto Cislaghi (born 1947), an Italian politician who served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies and Senate of the Republic of Italy. He was also Minister for Public Works in the government led by Romano Prodi from 2006 to 2008.

2. Elena Cislaghi (born 1974), an Italian violinist. She has performed with various orchestras around the world and won the prestigious Paganini International Violin Competition in 1990, at the age of just 15.

3. Franco Cislaghi (born 1958), an Italian entrepreneur who co-founded and serves as the CEO of D'Ieteren Auto Italia S.p.A., a subsidiary of the Belgian D'Ieteren Group, one of Europe's largest automotive distributors.

4. Giuseppe Cislaghi (1879-1962), an Italian painter and decorator, known for his contributions to the restoration of several important historical buildings in Italy. His work can be found in sites like the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in Orvieto and the Cathedral of St. John Lateran in Rome.

Genealogical research on the last name Cislaghi

The Cislaghi surname is primarily Italian, originating from the regions of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. Historically, the name is associated with towns such as Caslago and Isola di Fondra, both located in the province of Como, Lombardy. The name likely derives from these places, with "Cis" referring to the side or region of, and "Laghi" meaning lakes, suggesting an original inhabitant residing near a specific lake. The Cislaghi family can be traced back to the 16th century, with documented records showing the presence of individuals bearing this surname in Milan during that time. The lineage is characterized by migration patterns, with various branches spreading across Italy and other European countries due to historical events such as wars and economic opportunities. Notable figures with the Cislaghi name include Antonio Cislaghi, an Italian painter, and Giuseppe Cislaghi, a Swiss politician of Italian descent.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "cislaghi"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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