Last Name Copertino

The surname Copertino is believed to have Italian origins. It's a locative surname derived from the town Copertino, located in the province of Lecce in Apulia, southern Italy. People from this town may have taken the name as an identifier of their place of origin. However, it's important to note that surnames often evolved during centuries of migration and historical changes, so there might be variations in the origins and meanings of names like Copertino.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Copertino

The meaning and origin of the last name Copertino

The surname Copertino is of Italian origin and is believed to be derived from a place name, specifically a small town named Copertino located in the province of Lecce, Apulia, Italy. The town's name is thought to have originated from the Latin word "coperto" or "covered," likely referring to the area's natural groves that provided shade and cover. The surname was therefore likely originally given as an occupational name to someone who lived near such a covered place, or perhaps a nickname for someone who was shrewd or protective, like a person who covered their tracks. Over time, the surname Copertino spread beyond Italy due to migration and has become common in various parts of the world today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Copertino

The surname Copertino is predominantly found in Southern Italy, specifically in the province of Lecce, Apulia region. It originates from the town of Copertino, which is famous for its Miracle of the Sun in 1532. Over time, individuals with this surname have migrated and are now also found in various parts of Italy, as well as other countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Spain, and the United States. In these nations, Copertinos can be found predominantly in urban centers with large Italian-descended populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Copertino

The surname Copertino has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across languages. Some common spelling variants include Copertino, Copertino, Copartino, Cupertino, Coperchiano, Cuperchio, and Cuperciano. These variations may arise from minor phonetic alterations or regional dialects. Additionally, some individuals with this name may have slightly different spellings as a result of personal preferences, errors in documentation, or changes due to migration. Regardless of spelling, the surname Copertino is believed to originate from Cuperna in Sicily and is traditionally associated with Italian ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Copertino

Notable individuals with the surname Copertino include:

1. Giuseppe Maria Copertino (1583-1632), an Italian Catholic priest and stigmatist, who is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. He is known for his mystical experiences, including the stigmata, which occurred in 1608.

2. Vincenzo Copertino (born 1956), an Italian composer and conductor. He has composed over 300 works, ranging from chamber music to operas. His most famous work is the opera "La vergine degli angeli," which won the International Opera Competition of the Hans Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Austria in 2010.

3. Mario Copertino (born 1956), an Italian footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He spent most of his career at SSC Napoli, where he won two Serie A titles and one Coppa Italia. Copertino also earned 17 caps for the Italian national team, participating in the 1982 FIFA World Cup.

4. Carmelo Copertino (born 1960), an Italian-American artist and sculptor. He is known for his large-scale public art installations that explore themes of identity, culture, and history. Some of his most notable works include "The Sentinel" in Dallas, Texas, and "Liberty's Torch" in Los Angeles, California.

Genealogical research on the last name Copertino

The surname Copertino originates from the Southern Italian region of Apulia, specifically the town of Copertino in the province of Lecce. Its origins can be traced back to the 16th century, during the Spanish domination of Italy. The name is believed to have derived from the occupation of the first bearer, who may have been a maker or seller of coverings for religious items, such as altar cloths or vestments. Over time, the Copertino family spread beyond their original hometown and can now be found in various parts of Italy and other countries due to migration during the 19th and 20th centuries. Notable figures with the surname include Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (also known as Padre Pio), a Capuchin friar and stigmatic, who was born in Pietrelcina but lived much of his life in San Giovanni Rotondo, where he founded the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "copertino"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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