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Last Name Cuculo

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What is the origin of the last name Cuculo?

The surname Cuculo is of Italian origin. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name Cucolo, which was originally a byname for someone with a round face or large eyes. The name Cucolo itself comes from the Italian word "cuoco," meaning cook. Over time, the spelling evolved to Cuculo as a surname in various parts of Italy, particularly in regions such as Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Cuculo

The surname Cuculo is an Italian and Portuguese name that derives from the word "cuculo," which means "owl" in both languages. Its origins can be traced back to either Italy or Portugal, where the name was given to someone who resembled an owl in some way, perhaps due to their appearance, behavior, or profession related to owls, such as a falconer or taxidermist. The use of animal names as surnames was common in Europe during the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period, as they helped distinguish individuals within a community. Today, the surname Cuculo is predominantly found in Italy, Portugal, and regions inhabited by their diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cuculo

The surname Cuculo is predominantly Italian in origin, with the majority of its occurrences found within Italy. It is particularly concentrated in the central region of Umbria and the surrounding areas, including parts of Tuscany, Lazio, and Marche. The name is also present in smaller numbers throughout other regions of Italy. In addition to Italy, some Cuculo families are found in other countries due to migration, with significant populations in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States, mainly among Italian diaspora communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cuculo

The surname Cuculo has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common spelling variations include: Cucullo, Cukulo, Cuccolo, Cucchillo, Coquillo, Coculio, and Cocuello. These variations may be due to differences in pronunciation, regional dialects, or errors during transcription. It is also worth noting that some individuals with this surname may have changed the spelling over time due to immigration or assimilation. Regardless of the specific spelling, the surname Cuculo originates from Italy and is derived from the Italian word "cuculo," which means "owl" in English. This name could potentially be a nickname for someone who was considered wise or observant, like an owl, or it could refer to a real or mythical character with characteristics associated with an owl.

Famous people with the last name Cuculo

The Cuculo family is associated with several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of literature, Angelo Crescentini Cuculo (1894-1976), an Italian immigrant, authored popular works such as "The Last of the Red Hot Lovers" and "Booth Tarkington's Alice Adams." From the world of sports, Fabrizio Cuculo (born 1960) is an Italian football manager who has coached teams like Torino F.C., Hellas Verona F.C., and Cagliari Calcio. In the scientific community, biochemist Antonio Cuculo contributed to understanding protein folding and misfolding, particularly in relation to neurodegenerative diseases. Lastly, Giuseppe Cuculo (1920-1985) was a renowned Italian painter who exhibited extensively throughout Italy and internationally. His works are characterized by an expressive use of color and an exploration of figurative and abstract themes.

Genealogical research on the last name Cuculo

The surname Cuculo originates from Italy and is associated with various regions including Sicily, Campania, and Lombardy. It is derived from the Latin word "cuculus," meaning "owl," which may have been used to denote a person who was considered as shrewd or prudent. The Cuculo family can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where they were farmers, artisans, and merchants in their respective regions. Some notable figures with this surname include Pietro Cuculo, a renowned composer from Sicily during the Baroque era, and Luigi Cuculo, an Italian politician who served as Minister of Labor in the 1980s. The Cuculo clan has also been active in genealogy research to trace their lineage and maintain familial connections across Italy and abroad.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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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