Last Name Costello

The surname Costello is an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Ostálaigh" or "Mac Ostálaigh." These Gaelic names are derived from the personal name Ostaalach, a byname meaning 'hospitable' or 'welcoming.' The family name was primarily located in Counties Galway and Mayo in western Ireland. Over time, as Irish families immigrated to other countries, particularly during the Great Famine of the 19th century, variations of the name Costello emerged, including Costelloe, Costello-Fermoyle, Costelow, etc., due to regional dialects and phonetic changes in pronunciation.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Costello

The surname Costello originates from Ireland, where it was originally an anglicized form of several Gaelic names such as Ó Ceannaisláine (descendant of Ceannaislán) or Ó Cústaidh (descendant of Cústaithe). The name is commonly found in counties such as Mayo, Sligo, and Donegal. Costello was often anglicized as a surname for families who had adopted the English language, particularly in urban areas during the Norman conquest of Ireland in the 12th century. Over time, the spelling variants of this name have included Costelow, Costill, Costelloe, and Costello-Walsh, among others. The Costello family, being of Irish origin, has a rich history that often intertwines with the tumultuous political and social events in Ireland, particularly during the era of British rule. Notable figures bearing the Costello surname include jazz musician Nat "King" Costello (known as Louis Armstrong in America), former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John Joseph Costello, and Irish politician Liam Cosgrave, among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Costello

The surname Costello is predominantly found in Irish-speaking regions, particularly in County Cork and County Waterford, reflecting its origins from the Gaelic Macostaolais or O Costa Olsa septs. Over time, it spread to other parts of Ireland, with significant concentrations also in Dublin and other urban centers. Emigration patterns during the Great Famine (1845-1852) led to a considerable dispersal of Costellos to the United States, primarily to areas such as New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia. Smaller populations can be found in Australia, Canada, and Britain, demonstrating the global diaspora of this Irish surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Costello

The surname Costello has various spellings and pronunciations, originating from Ireland. Some common variations include Costello, Costalow, Costelloe, Costelow, Costerlow, Costlarowe, Costlaw, Costlea, Costelwa, Costillo, and Costelow, among others. These variations may arise due to transliteration from the Gaelic language, regional dialects, or individual preference. In Ireland, it is primarily found in counties such as Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway, and Dublin. The name Costello is derived from the Irish "Ceann tSleibe", which translates to "head of the slope". It is a relatively uncommon name but carries a rich Irish heritage.

Famous people with the last name Costello

Notable individuals with the surname Costello include:

1. Brooke Costello, an American beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Louisiana USA 2016 and represented Louisiana at the Miss USA 2016 pageant. She also competed in Miss Universe 2017.

2. Jack Costello, a businessman who served as the CEO of Reynolds American Inc., a prominent tobacco company, from 2010 to 2018. He was instrumental in the company's acquisition by British American Tobacco.

3. Jazz musician and bandleader, Buddy Rich, born Bernard Richard "Buddy" Richtschein, legally changed his surname to Costello during World War II. Known for his technical skill, power, and speed, he is considered one of the greatest drummers in the history of jazz music.

4. Comedian and radio personality, Jimmy Costello, who gained fame as a cast member on the popular radio show, The Bob & Tom Show, from 1983 to 2017. He also had his own radio show, The Jimmy Costello Show, which aired from 2006 to 2014.

5. Christine Costello, an American politician who served as the mayor of Burlington, Vermont, from 2015 to 2019. She was the first openly lesbian woman to serve as mayor in Vermont's largest city.

Genealogical research on the last name Costello

The surname Costello is of Irish origin, derived from the Old Irish "Cois Téampaill," meaning "back of the temple" or "the hut at the back of the church." This name was originally a locative byname, indicating someone who lived near a church or monastery. The Costellos are believed to have originated in County Mayo, Ireland, where the Gaelic form of the name is "Mac an Tsaoilidhe," meaning "son of the physician." Some prominent individuals with this surname include comedian and actor Jack Costello, also known as Jack Benny; boxer and actor Buddy Ebsen; and baseball players Joe, Frank, and Billy Costello. The Costellos are predominantly found in Ireland, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Costello"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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.
Last updated : 10 June 2025

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