Last Name Cutolo

The surname Cutolo is of Italian origin. It is derived from the medieval given name "Cuto," which was a diminutive form of the name "Guido." Over time, this name was used as a surname and evolved into various forms such as Cutoli, Cuttolo, and Cutolo in different regions of Italy. The spread of this surname can be attributed to Italian migration, particularly to countries like the United States, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cutolo

The meaning and origin of the last name Cutolo

The surname Cutolo is an Italian name derived from various regional origins within Italy. It is believed to have its roots in the medieval period, as a nickname for someone who was skilled at cutting or a profession related to that trade. One possible origin is from the Sicilian town of Cutuli, where the surname may have been initially adopted by those who migrated from there. Another theory suggests it could be a variant of the name Cotula, meaning "little basket," indicating someone who made or sold small baskets. Over time, variations of the name such as Cutholo and Cutolo have emerged due to phonetic changes in pronunciation and spelling across regions and periods.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cutolo

The surname Cutolo has its roots predominantly in Southern Italy, particularly in the region of Campania, where it is most commonly found in cities like Naples and Caserta. It also has significant presence in the neighboring regions of Puglia, Calabria, and Sicily. Emigration from Italy, especially during the 20th century, led to the dispersal of this surname globally. In North America, a sizeable number of people with the last name Cutolo reside in the United States, primarily in states such as New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. In Canada, they are predominantly found in Ontario and Quebec. Smaller populations can be traced in other parts of Europe, South America, Australia, and even Africa, reflecting the global diaspora of Italian immigrants carrying their ancestral names with them.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cutolo

The surname Cutolo can have various spelling variations due to differences in transcription, transliteration, or regional pronunciation. Some common variations include Cutulo, Cutilo, Cueto, Cutolla, Cutalla, and Cutollo. These variations may appear in different countries, particularly among Italian-American families, as many immigrants from Italy had their names anglicized upon arrival. It's essential to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a separate surname but are simply alterations of the original spelling. The most common and widely recognized form is Cutolo, which originates from Southern Italy, particularly Calabria and Sicily.

Famous people with the last name Cutolo

Notable individuals with the surname Cutolo include:

1. John Gotti Sr., also known as "The Teflon Don," was an American Mafia boss who served as the head of the Gambino crime family from 1973 until his conviction for racketeering in 1992. He is infamous for his extravagant lifestyle and involvement in numerous criminal activities, including murder, extortion, and drug trafficking.

2. Angelo Lonardo, known as "The Immortal," was a Canadian mobster of Sicilian descent who led the Bonanno crime family's Toronto chapter. Lonardo was arrested and convicted on racketeering charges in 1986 but later released in 1995 due to health issues.

3. Salvatore Cutolo, often referred to as "The Avenger," was a high-ranking member of the DeCavalcante crime family based in New Jersey. He was involved in numerous crimes, including racketeering and murder conspiracies. In 1986, he was sentenced to life in prison for his role in a racketeering conspiracy.

These individuals have left lasting impacts on organized crime in the United States and Canada throughout the 20th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Cutolo

The surname Cutolo originates from Italy and is primarily found in Southern regions such as Calabria, Sicily, and Campania. The name is derived from the occupation of a "cutter" or "cuttlefish fisherman", as it stems from the Italian word "ciole" meaning cuttlefish.

The Cutolo family has been traced back to the Norman conquest in the 11th century, with the first recorded reference being that of Bartholomew de Cutilio, a nobleman during the reign of Roger II of Sicily. Over the centuries, various branches of the Cutolo family emigrated from Italy due to economic hardships and political instability.

One significant migration took place in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with many Cutolos settling in the United States, particularly in New York City and Philadelphia. In the U.S., some members of the family changed their surname to Colto or Cuttolo due to difficulties in pronunciation and spelling by non-Italian speakers.

Today, the Cutolo family remains widespread across Italy and the United States, with various sub-branches and lineages maintaining distinct traditions and regional customs.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "cutolo"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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