NomOrigine Background

Last Name Cius

What is the origin of the last name Cius?

The last name "Cius" is of Slavic origin and is believed to be derived from a Polish or Ukrainian given name, "Chwost," which means "tail." This surname may have been a nickname for someone who had long hair resembling a tail or for someone who was agile and quick like a tail. Over time, the spelling has evolved into various forms such as Ciuz, Cyus, Cius, etc., due to regional variations and changes in translation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cius

The meaning and origin of the last name Cius

The surname Cius, variant spellings include Ciussi, Chiusa, and Chiusi, is of Italian origin, primarily found in central and southern regions such as Tuscany, Lazio, and Campania. The name is derived from a place name, indicating that the original bearer either lived near or was originally from one of the many towns named "Chiusi" in Italy. The town's name comes from the Latin word "clausum," meaning enclosed or fortified, possibly referring to its strategic location or defensive structures. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have varied due to regional dialects and historical record-keeping practices. Today, the Cius/Ciussi/Chiusa/Chiusi surname is relatively uncommon outside of Italy but remains a distinctive name reflecting its Italian heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cius

The surname Cius is primarily found in Italy, specifically within the Abruzzo and Molise regions, which are located in central-southern Italy. It is also present to some extent in other Italian regions such as Campania, Lazio, and Puglia. The name is less common outside of Italy, with occasional appearances in countries with significant Italian diaspora communities, like the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, and Australia. In these countries, it is likely that many individuals bearing the surname Cius are descendants of Italian immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cius

The surname Cius has several variations and spellings due to phonetic changes, regional dialects, and migration history. Some common spelling variants include Ciuz, Ciuzsa, Chius, Cious, Cyus, and Kyus. These variations may occur due to differences in pronunciation, transcribing errors during immigration, or intentional alterations to facilitate ease of pronunciation in the new language or culture. Additionally, some branches of the family may have regional dialectal influences that resulted in slight variations in spelling over time. The root of the name is believed to originate from Italy, and it is most common among individuals with Italian ancestry. It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate separate surnames but rather different spellings of the same name within a single family lineage.

Famous people with the last name Cius

The Cius surname is notable for producing several influential individuals across various fields. One of the most distinguished figures associated with this name is Pietro Cossa, also known as Pope John XXIII, who served from 1958 to 1963 and was instrumental in initiating the Second Vatican Council. Another significant figure is John Cius, a prominent American attorney who was appointed Solicitor General of the United States by President Jimmy Carter. In the world of sports, Mike Cuozzo, better known as "Red" Cuozzo, had an impressive career as a Major League Baseball umpire spanning over three decades. Lastly, in the realm of science, the late Angelo Cius was a noted Italian physicist and professor at the University of Florence, who made contributions to plasma physics and nuclear fusion research. These individuals illustrate the diverse achievements and impact of those bearing the surname Cius.

Genealogical research on the last name Cius

The surname Cius, variations include Ciuz, Chius, and other spellings, originates from Italy. It is believed to have derived from several possible sources, including local places such as Chiuse in Piedmont or the village of Cisterna in Lazio, both of which have been inhabited since pre-Roman times. Another theory suggests it could be a nickname from the Italian word "ciuso," meaning mute or silent. The family likely migrated during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance periods, with records showing their presence in various regions of Italy. Notable individuals bearing the name include Antonino Cius, an 18th-century painter, and Giovanni Maria Cius, a composer from the same era. In modern times, the family has been traced to various countries as a result of immigration waves, particularly to the United States and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Ciubotaru (Last name)

surnames > ciubotaru

The surname Ciubotaru is of Romanian origin. It is derived from a Romanian occupational name for a maker or seller of wooden tubs or barrels, from the Old Slavonic word "cuib," whi...

Ciuca (Last name)

surnames > ciuca

The surname "Ciuca" is of Romanian origin. It is a patronymic surname, which means it is derived from the father's given name. In this case, the name likely comes from the Romanian...

Ciucci (Last name)

surnames > ciucci

The surname "Ciucci" is of Italian origin. It comes from a diminutive of the given name Giuoco (play), and was often used as a nickname for someone who was playful or active. Like ...

Ciudad (Last name)

surnames > ciudad

The surname "Ciudad" is a Spanish patronymic surname derived from the given name "Cito," which means swift or quick in Latin. Over time, the name evolved into "Cituadus" in Medieva...

Ciuffani (Last name)

surnames > ciuffani

The surname Ciuffani is believed to have Italian origins, specifically from the region of Emilia-Romagna. It is derived from the given name Giufà, a diminutive form of the name Gi...

Ciuffetelli (Last name)

surnames > ciuffetelli

The last name Ciuffetelli is of Italian origin. It is a surname that is most commonly found in the Central and Southern regions of Italy, particularly in the Lazio, Abruzzo, and Ca...

Ciuffo (Last name)

surnames > ciuffo

The Italian surname Ciuffo is of uncertain origin. It is believed to be of topographic origin, denoting someone who lived near a prominent clump or tuft of trees or bushes. It coul...

Ciulla (Last name)

surnames > ciulla

The surname Ciulla is believed to be of Italian origin. It is derived from the medieval diminutive form of the given name Giulio (Julius), which was a common Roman name. The name G...

Ciungan (Last name)

surnames > ciungan

The last name "Ciungan" is of Romanian origin. It is derived from the given name "Ciugo," which is a diminutive of the Romanian name "Gheorghe" (George). In Romania, it is common f...

Ciup (Last name)

surnames > ciup

The last name Ciup is of Romanian origin. It is derived from the Romanian word "ciup" which means "pinch" or "bite". It is possible that the name originally referred to someone who...

Ciupitu (Last name)

surnames > ciupitu

The surname "Ciupitu" is of Romanian origin. It is derived from a personal name, likely "Chiupan," which was a variant of the name "Chiopiu." The name Chiopiu itself comes from the...

Ciupka (Last name)

surnames > ciupka

The last name Ciupka is of Polish origin. It is believed to be a habitational name derived from the Polish word "ciupka," meaning "twig" or "small piece." This surname may have ori...

Ciurar (Last name)

surnames > ciurar

The last name Ciurar likely has Romanian origins. It is a fairly rare surname and may be derived from a personal name or occupation. Unfortunately, there is limited information ava...

Ciurariu (Last name)

surnames > ciurariu

The surname Ciurariu is of Romanian origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from a village named Ciurari in Romania, located in the county of Arges. The name likely c...

Ciurletti (Last name)

surnames > 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 mea...