What is the origin of the last name D'Agostino?

The surname D'Agostino is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Agostino, a variant of the Latin Augustus, which means "great" or "majestic." It was adopted as a surname during the Middle Ages when the practice of using hereditary surnames became widespread in Italy. The "d'" at the beginning of the surname indicates that it belongs to someone, likely a son, with the given name Agostino. The name is most common in Southern and Central Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name D'Agostino

The meaning and origin of the last name D'Agostino

The surname D'Agostino is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Agosto, which means "in August" in Latin. It is commonly found among individuals born during the month of August. The 'd' before the surname indicates that it originated in southern Italy, specifically in regions such as Sicily or Naples, where the usage of the particle 'di' was common to denote nobility or locality. The name's popularity can be attributed to the prevalence of the month of August as a significant point in the agricultural calendar in medieval Italy, making it a popular choice for children born during that time. Over centuries, the D'Agostino family migrated from Italy to various parts of the world, particularly the United States and South America, where their surname has continued to thrive.

Geographical distribution of the last name D'Agostino

The surname D'Agostino is predominantly Italian in origin, with significant distributions within Italy and Italian-speaking regions such as Switzerland. It is most common in the southern region of Calabria, where it is traditionally associated with the city of Reggio Calabria. However, the surname is also present in other parts of Italy, including Lombardy, Campania, Sicily, and Tuscany. Beyond Italy, D'Agostino immigrants have dispersed globally, with notable communities found in Argentina, Brazil, the United States, and Canada. In the United States, the highest concentrations are in New York City, especially in neighborhoods like Brooklyn and Staten Island, due to historical immigration waves from Italy. The surname D'Agostino is also present in other countries, such as Australia and South Africa, reflecting the global migration of Italian families over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name D'Agostino

The surname D'Agostino has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include:

* De Agostino, Di Agostino, Da Agostino, Dagostino (with and without the apostrophe)
* Agostinelli, Agostinone, Agostini, Agostinozzi, Agostinaccio

These variations can be found in various countries, particularly Italy and its diaspora. The name D'Agostino is derived from the Italian words "da" meaning "from" or "belonging to," and "Agosto" meaning August, referring to a person born during the eighth month of the year. In some cases, the apostrophe in D'Agostino may have been added by English-speaking immigrants to distinguish the surname from Agostino, which is not a derivative of August but rather a separate name originating from the Latin term "agere" meaning to drive or lead.

Famous people with the last name D'Agostino

The D'Agostino family has produced several notable individuals, particularly in the fields of politics and sports.

Peter F. D'Agostino, born in 1936, was an American politician who served as a member of the Massachusetts Senate from 1981 to 2011. He was known for his advocacy on environmental and education issues.

In sports, the D'Agostino name is recognized through Olympians like Mary Decker Slaney and Bobby D'Agostino. Mary Decker Slaney, born in 1958, is a retired American middle-distance runner who won multiple Olympic medals and set numerous world records during her career. Bobby D'Agostino, on the other hand, was an American football player who played as a linebacker for the New York Giants in the National Football League (NFL). He passed away in 2016 due to complications from ALS.

These individuals have contributed significantly to their respective fields and are known for their achievements and impact.

Genealogical research on the last name D'Agostino

The surname D'Agostino originates from Italy and is derived from the given name Agostino, which means "great" or "venerable" in Latin. The surname likely evolved as a patronymic, meaning it was originally used to denote a son of someone named Agostino.

The D'Agostino family is believed to have originated from the southern region of Apulia, specifically from the town of Molfetta. They migrated to Sicily in the Middle Ages and later spread throughout Italy, with notable settlements in Naples, Palermo, and Genoa.

In the 16th century, many D'Agostinos emigrated from Italy to Malta due to political instability and economic hardship. The family continued to migrate, with significant populations settling in various parts of Europe such as Spain, France, and England before eventually reaching North America.

In the New World, D'Agostinos were among the earliest Italian immigrants to settle in the United States, primarily in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. Today, the surname remains common in these areas, as well as in Canada and South America.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names