Last Name Colangelo

Learn more about the origin of the last name Colangelo

The meaning and origin of the last name Colangelo

The surname Colangelo is of Italian origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the Italian word "Cola," which means "Nicholas." The suffix "ngelo" is a diminutive form used to denote "son of." Therefore, Colangelo translates to "son of Nicholas" in English. The name Nicholas derives from the Greek name "Nikolaos," which combines the terms "nike," meaning "victory," and "laos," meaning "people." As a result, Colangelo can also carry the connotation of someone connected to victory or has characteristics associated with triumph. The surname Colangelo is fairly common in Italy, particularly in the southern regions, such as Campania, where it originated. Over the centuries, many individuals with the surname Colangelo migrated to other parts of Italy and even abroad, leading to its presence in various communities worldwide. Today, Colangelo serves as a reminder of a family's ancestral ties to Nicholas or their association with the concept of victory.

Geographical distribution of the last name Colangelo

The last name Colangelo has a relatively concentrated geographical distribution. It originated in Italy and is most commonly found in the southern regions of the country, particularly in the southernmost part of the Apulia region, known as Salento. This area includes cities such as Lecce, Taranto, and Brindisi. The name is believed to have been derived from the Italian word "colombo," meaning "dove," and the suffix "-angelo," meaning "angel." Over time, some members of the Colangelo family migrated to other parts of Italy, such as Campania, Calabria, and Sicily. Additionally, there are also scattered instances of the name being found in other countries, particularly in regions with historical ties to Italy, such as the United States, Canada, and Argentina. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Colangelo is still closely tied to its Italian origins and mainly concentrated within specific regions of Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Colangelo

There are several variations and spellings of the last name Colangelo, each representing different regional influences or changes in pronunciation over time. Some common variations include Colangeli, Colangiello, Colangio, and Colangello. These variations often occur when families migrate to new regions or when different branches of the family adopt slightly altered name spellings. Additionally, the spelling of the name may also be influenced by immigration officers or record keepers who transcribed names based on phonetic interpretations. Depending on the country of origin and the migration history of a particular family, variations in spelling can be found. Despite these differences, all variations of the last name Colangelo likely originated from a common ancestor, and the name continues to be shared by families around the world.

Famous people with the last name Colangelo

Jerry Colangelo is a renowned American sports executive and entrepreneur. He is best known for his exceptional contributions to professional basketball. Colangelo, the former owner and executive of the Phoenix Suns, played a pivotal role in revitalizing the NBA franchise. He has also been actively involved in international basketball as the managing director of the USA Basketball Men's National Team, helping them achieve great success in various international competitions, including the Olympic Games. Additionally, Jerry Colangelo has made significant contributions to the growth and development of the game by serving as the chairman of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Board. With his expertise and dedication, he has become a highly influential figure in the basketball world, earning multiple accolades and establishing a lasting legacy.

Genealogical research on the last name Colangelo

The Colangelo surname is of Italian origin and can be traced back to the region of Campania in southern Italy. It is believed to have originated from the personal name "Cola," a diminutive form of the given name Nicola or Nicholas. The surname Colangelo is patronymic in nature, indicating descent from a male ancestor named Cola or Nicola. The family likely had its origins in a small village or town in Campania, where generations of Colangelo individuals lived and passed down the name through the years. Over time, some members of the Colangelo family migrated to other parts of Italy or even ventured abroad, spreading the surname to new regions. Genealogical research on the Colangelo name may involve exploring various records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, church registers, census data, and immigration documents to trace the lineage and uncover the family's historical journey.