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Last Name Ciurletti

What is the origin of the last name Ciurletti?

The surname Ciurletti is believed to have Italian origins, specifically from the region of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. It is derived from the given name Ciriaco or Ciro, which means "lord" in Greek. Over time, it evolved into the surname Ciurletti. Italian surnames commonly originate from various sources such as occupations, geographical locations, patronage, or even personal attributes. The Italian system of hereditary surnames was established by a decree of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in 1158, although the use of surnames did not become widespread until several centuries later. Surnames like Ciurletti likely emerged during this period and were passed down from generation to generation as families moved around Italy and settled in different regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ciurletti

The meaning and origin of the last name Ciurletti

The surname Ciurletti is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name "Cirillo," which means "lordly" or "circular" in Latin. This name was often given to Christian children as a reference to Saint Cyril, who was a prominent figure in the early Christian Church.

The surname Ciurletti is found predominantly in central Italy, particularly in regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. Over time, various spelling variations have arisen due to differences in regional pronunciation and recording methods, including Cirlotta, Cirilli, Ciriotta, and Ciriotti.

The Ciurletti family can trace their roots back to the Middle Ages when personal names were often used as surnames for the purpose of identification. The name's spread across Italy is a result of migration patterns during this period, with many families moving in search of new opportunities or escaping economic hardship. Today, the Ciurletti family continues to be a prominent and vibrant part of Italian culture and society.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ciurletti

The surname Ciurletti is predominantly found in Italian-speaking regions, particularly in Central Italy, specifically in the Emilia-Romagna and Lazio regions. This surname has its roots in the town of Cervia in the Romagna region, which was inhabited by the Etruscans before the Romans, giving a historical context to the name. Migration from these areas led to the dispersal of the Ciurletti family name among Italian communities worldwide, with significant populations found in Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. In recent times, due to globalization and increased migration, the Ciurletti surname has also appeared in various other countries, though it remains most prevalent in Italy-descended communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ciurletti

The surname Ciurletti has various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in translation, transcription, and regional pronunciation over time. Some common versions include:

1. Chirletto
2. Cirletti
3. Ceurletti
4. Ciurlotto
5. Ciurliti
6. Cyurletti
7. Tzurlati (Greek variation)
8. Zurlatto (Italian-American adaptation)
9. Cyurletto (alternate spelling)
10. Chirletty (anglicized form)

These variations may have developed due to factors such as immigration, assimilation, or clerical errors in records throughout the centuries. It's essential for individuals with this surname to research their specific family history to understand any unique variations that might exist within their lineage.

Famous people with the last name Ciurletti

Notable individuals with the surname Ciurletti include:

1. Giuseppe Ciurletti (1924-2016), an Italian Roman Catholic priest, theologian, and author who served as the Rector of the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome from 1987 to 2003.

2. Antonio Ciurletta, a Canadian mathematician known for his work in combinatorics and statistical pattern recognition. He has made significant contributions to areas such as hypergraph theory, design theory, and extremal graph theory.

3. Fabio Ciurletti (born 1985), an Italian professional footballer who played as a midfielder for various clubs in Italy and abroad, including Bologna, Sassuolo, and Frosinone.

4. Paola Ciurletti (born 1960), an Italian journalist and television presenter, best known for hosting the Rai 3 news program TG3 from 2003 to 2017.

5. Enzo Ciurletta (born 1985), a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played in several minor leagues and the Italian Serie A. He is also known for his charity work, specifically focusing on children's hospitals.

Genealogical research on the last name Ciurletti

The surname Ciurletti is believed to have Italian origins, specifically from the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. One theory suggests that it derives from the occupation of a "ciurlo," a type of cart driver or chariot maker. Another hypothesis links the name to the word "ciliegia," cherry tree, possibly indicating a geographical location or profession related to cherries. The first recorded appearance of the surname was in the 13th century, with documents dating back to the commune of Reggio Emilia around 1260. Notable individuals with the Ciurletti name include Giuseppe Ciurletti, an Italian botanist and agronomist, and Emanuele Ciurletti, a professional footballer. Genealogical research reveals numerous branches of the family across Italy, as well as in other countries due to immigration, particularly to Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.

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 : 26 July 2025

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