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Last Name Conigliaro

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What is the origin of the last name Conigliaro?

The surname "Conigliaro" is of Italian origin. It derives from the word "coniglio," which means rabbit in Italian. This surname was often given to someone who was compared to a rabbit or to someone who lived near a place where rabbits were found. Like many Italian surnames, it was originally a nickname and became a hereditary name over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Conigliaro

The meaning and origin of the last name Conigliaro

The surname Conigliaro is of Italian origin, derived from the word "coniglio," which means rabbit in Italian. This surname was likely given to individuals who lived near a location where rabbits were plentiful or to those who had a profession related to rabbits. The name may have been used as a nickname for someone who resembled a rabbit, perhaps due to physical characteristics or behaviors. The use of animal-derived surnames was common in Italy, especially during the Middle Ages, as a way to distinguish individuals within communities. Today, Conigliaro is a relatively uncommon name but can be found among Italian immigrants and their descendants around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Conigliaro

The surname Conigliaro, of Italian origin and meaning "rabbit," is primarily concentrated in countries with significant Italian-American populations, such as the United States and Canada. In the U.S., it is most prevalent in New England states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, due to the high immigration from Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Within these regions, cities with a strong Italian-American presence, such as Boston, Providence, and New Haven, show a higher concentration of this surname. In Canada, Ontario and Quebec also have notable occurrences of the Conigliaro name, reflecting the broader trend of Italian immigration to North America. Additionally, smaller concentrations can be found in Italy itself, particularly in the regions of Abruzzo, Molise, and Campania, where it originated.

Variants and spellings of the last name Conigliaro

The surname Conigliaro has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects over time. Some common versions include:

1. Conigliaro: The most standard English spelling, derived from the Italian word for rabbit ('coniglio') and the diminutive suffix '-aro'.
2. Cunighan or Cunningham: These spellings represent a possible Anglicized adaptation of the original Italian name.
3. Connolly: A variation that may have originated due to pronunciation similarities between Italian "conigliaro" and Irish "Connolly".
4. Contaldo: A variant that could be a misinterpretation of the Italian word for rabbit in the Tuscan dialect ('contaldi'), with '-aro' added as a suffix.
5. Coniglieri: A less common variation, possibly arising from misspellings or regional pronunciations.
6. Coniglioarro: Another infrequent version that includes an additional "-r" at the end of the name.

Famous people with the last name Conigliaro

Jimmy (1946-2010) and Tony Conigliaro (1945-1990), both notable figures in Major League Baseball (MLB), hail from the same family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, they became brothers and renowned baseball players, known for their impressive careers with the Boston Red Sox. Jimmy played as a catcher for the Red Sox and other teams between 1965-1978. Tony, on the other hand, was a prolific left fielder who made his MLB debut in 1964 at the age of just 19 years old. Known as "Tito," he is remembered for breaking Babe Ruth's record for home runs by a rookie and for his resilience after suffering severe eye injuries. Despite their shortened careers due to health issues, both Jimmy and Tony Conigliaro have left lasting impacts on baseball history.

Genealogical research on the last name Conigliaro

The Conigliaro surname is primarily Italian, originating from various regions such as Abruzzo, Molise, and Campania. It is derived from the occupational name "conigliaro," meaning "rabbit trapper" or "rabbit herder." One of the most notable individuals with this last name is Tony Conigliaro, a professional baseball player who played for the Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball. He gained recognition for breaking multiple records and being named the American League Rookie of the Year in 1965. Other prominent figures with the surname include Giovanni Conigliaro, an Italian politician, and Joe Conigliaro, a composer and jazz musician. The Conigliaro family can be traced back to the 16th century, with documented records showing their presence in various parts of Italy for generations.

Last name distribution maps

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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.

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