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Last Name Cozzolino

What is the origin of the last name Cozzolino?

The surname "Cozzolino" is of Italian origin. It is a variation of the more common Italian surname "Cozzone," which derives from the Latin word "cox(a)" meaning hip or buttock and the diminutive suffix "-one." Over time, the suffix "-one" was modified to "-olino," resulting in the formation of the surname Cozzolino. It is important to note that the distribution of the surname Cozzolino is primarily concentrated in central and southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, Puglia, and Calabria. However, it is also found in other parts of the country and among Italian diaspora communities worldwide.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cozzolino

The meaning and origin of the last name Cozzolino

The surname Cozzolino is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Cocco, which was a diminutive of the Latin name Gaius or Caius. The name Cocco was originally used as a nickname for someone who had red or curly hair, as it comes from the Italian word "cocco" meaning 'bud' or 'shell', and was also used to describe someone with a round or plump face. Over time, this name evolved into the more common modern spelling of Cozzolino, likely due to regional dialect variations and phonetic changes. It is most commonly found in Southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Calabria, Sicily, and Apulia, where it is often associated with the agricultural and fishing communities that have populated these areas for centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cozzolino

The surname Cozzolino is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the regions of Apulia and Campania, where it originates from medieval Italian feudal families who were often olive oil producers or artisans. A significant number of Cozzolinos can also be found in other parts of Southern Italy and Sicily. Over time, due to migration, the name has spread to other countries with large Italian diaspora communities, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Uruguay, and the United States, particularly in cities like New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cozzolino

The surname Cozzolino exhibits various spelling and pronunciation variations due to historical and regional factors. Some common variants include: Cosolino, Cozolino, Cuzzolino, Cozolini, and Costolino. These variations can be attributed to differences in Italian dialects, phonetic transcriptions by non-Italian scribes, or changes over time due to assimilation with local customs. It is also worth noting that this surname has roots in Southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Calabria and Apulia, where the Italian language may differ slightly from standard Italian. These variations should not be considered as indicating separate individuals or families but rather different ways of spelling the same name within the same family or region.

Famous people with the last name Cozzolino

The Cozzolino surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. Among them is Antonio Cozzolino (1681-1753), an Italian painter known for his religious and historical works during the Baroque period. Another significant figure is Anna Maria Cozzolino (born 1940), an American physicist specializing in plasma physics, who has made considerable contributions to the understanding of magnetically confined plasmas at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. In the world of music, there's Giuseppe Cozzolino (born 1962), an Italian musician and composer of film and television scores, notably for the popular TV series "The Sopranos." Lastly, there's Alessandro Cozzolino (born 1970), a talented Italian actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, gaining recognition for his roles in "La stanza del figlio" and "The Young Montalbano." These individuals exemplify the diversity and accomplishments of those bearing the Cozzolino surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Cozzolino

The surname Cozzolino originates from Italy and is primarily found in the regions of Campania, Apulia, and Lazio. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name "Cozza," which was a diminutive form of the Greek name "Kosmas" or the Latin name "Cosmas." The first recorded usage of the surname Cozzolino can be traced back to the late Middle Ages in Italy, with documentation of people bearing this name in the 13th and 14th centuries. As many Italian families emigrated during the 19th and 20th centuries, the Cozzolino lineage expanded across Europe, North America, South America, and Australia. Notable individuals with the surname Cozzolino include artists, politicians, scientists, and military personnel throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 10 June 2025

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