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Last Name Cribari

What is the origin of the last name Cribari?

The surname Cribari is of Italian origin. It is derived from a place name, most likely from the town of Cribaro, located in the province of Vicenza, region of Veneto in Italy. The name Cribaro is believed to have roots in pre-Roman times and is thought to be related to the term "cervo" which means 'deer' in Italian, suggesting that it was named for a local topographical feature or landmark resembling a deer. Over time, as families migrated or settled elsewhere, they took their surnames with them, allowing descendants to maintain some sense of identity and connection to their place of origin. This is a common pattern seen in the development of many Italian last names.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cribari

The meaning and origin of the last name Cribari

The surname Cribari is of Italian origin, specifically from regions such as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. It derives from the occupation of a "cribatore," which means "one who sifts or sieves" in Italian. This could refer to someone who worked in a flour mill, where wheat was sifted to separate the grain from the husks. Over time, this occupational name became hereditary and was passed down through generations of Cribari families. The name is also found as Cribario or Cribarini in some regions. Like many Italian surnames, it reflects the agricultural and industrial history of the country.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cribari

The last name Cribari is predominantly found in Italy, specifically in regions such as Tuscany and Liguria. It is derived from the Latin "criba" meaning sieve or sifter, suggesting an occupation related to this tool during the Roman era. The name has also been recorded in Switzerland, particularly in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, due to historical migration patterns. Small numbers of individuals with the surname Cribari can be found in Brazil, primarily in the state of São Paulo, as a result of Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the United States, the name is concentrated in states like New York, California, and Florida where significant numbers of Italian immigrants have settled historically.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cribari

The surname Cribari has several variations and spellings across different regions and periods. Some common spelling variants include Cribary, Cribarie, Criberi, Cribarrio, Cribario, Cribar, Cribarr, Cribbary, Cribbari, and Cribbario. These variations are likely due to changes in spelling conventions over time and regional dialects. It is important to note that the correct spelling of a surname may depend on its original Italian origin, where it was commonly pronounced as "Cribari". However, various other spellings have become popular through migration, assimilation, or transcription errors. The diversity in spelling reflects the rich history and cultural exchange of the name Cribari across different parts of the world.

Famous people with the last name Cribari

The Cribari family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Giorgio Cribari (born 1941), an Italian mathematician and computer scientist who played a crucial role in the development of computer graphics and visualization techniques. His work has been instrumental in advancing the field of scientific computing. Another well-known figure is Paolo Cribari (1892-1976), a Swiss composer, conductor, and music educator. He was a key figure in the revival of Baroque music during the 20th century and served as the director of several prestigious music institutions. In the realm of sports, Giuseppe Cribari (1958-2017) was an Italian football player who played for various clubs including Lazio, Fiorentina, and Atalanta. He also represented the Italian national team in the 1982 FIFA World Cup.

Genealogical research on the last name Cribari

The surname Cribari is believed to have originated from the region of Liguria, Italy. The name can be traced back to the medieval era and is thought to have been derived from a place or occupation related to "crivo," which means sieve in Italian. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Giovanni Cribari, who lived during the 13th century in the commune of Sassello, Liguria. The Cribari family emigrated from Italy and spread across Europe and the Americas over several centuries. Notable members include Alessandro Cribari, an Italian naval officer who served under Napoleon Bonaparte, and Leonardo Cribari, a Brazilian architect known for his work on the construction of the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro. The Cribari family continues to be found primarily in Italy, Brazil, and Switzerland today.

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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