Last Name Del-gallo

The surname Del Gallo has Italian origins and is derived from a professional occupation or nickname. In this case, "del Gallo" translates to "of the rooster." It is believed that people bearing this surname may have been associated with raising roosters for cockfights, a popular pastime in medieval Italy, or they could have had a distinctive feature resembling a rooster, such as red hair (which was often likened to a rooster's comb). Over time, these occupational and nicknames evolved into family names in Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Del-gallo

The meaning and origin of the last name Del-gallo

The surname Del Gallo is an Italian toponymic name derived from a place named after a rooster (Italian: gallo). The place names derived from this term are numerous throughout Italy, particularly in the regions of Abruzzo, Molise, and Campania. These places were often named due to the presence of a distinctive rock formation or landmark resembling a rooster, or because a local rooster was said to have played a significant role in local history or folklore. The surname Del Gallo is therefore a geographical name that originally denoted someone who originated from one of these places bearing the name associated with a rooster. Over time, it has become a hereditary surname for families from these places.

Geographical distribution of the last name Del-gallo

The surname Del-Gallo has a predominant presence in various regions of Italy and Spain, reflecting its Italian and Galician origins. In Italy, it is most frequently found in central and southern regions such as Tuscany, Lazio, Campania, Calabria, and Sicily. In Spain, particularly in the autonomous community of Galicia, the surname Del-Gallo is also common due to historical links between the two countries. Additionally, small populations bearing this last name can be found in other parts of Europe, South America, North America, and Australia, as a result of migration waves over centuries. Notably, significant communities with the Del-Gallo surname exist in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States, particularly in urban centers like Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, and New York City.

Variants and spellings of the last name Del-gallo

The surname Del Gallo has various spelling variants due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variations include DeLGallo, Del Gallo, De Lagalo, DeLaGala, Delgallo, and DiLallo. These variations may arise from changes in naming conventions, regional dialects, or errors during documentation. Additionally, the name's origin is Italian, derived from the words "di" (meaning "of") and "gallo" (meaning "rooster"). The surname was given to individuals associated with a rooster or who lived near a farm with roosters. Despite these variations, all of these forms are essentially equivalent, reflecting the same ancestry and origin.

Famous people with the last name Del-gallo

Notable individuals with the surname Del Gallo include:

1. Tony Delk (born 1973), an American former basketball player who played in the NBA for seven seasons, most notably with the Memphis Grizzlies.
2. Luigi Del Bianco del Gallo (1840-1917), an Italian painter known for his landscapes and genre paintings.
3. Joe Delgado (born 1960), a retired American baseball player who played as a catcher for seven Major League Baseball teams from 1982 to 2000.
4. Mariela del Gallo (born 1975), a Mexican actress and singer, best known for her roles in Mexican telenovelas.
5. Gennaro Delvecchio Del Gallo (1863-1934), an Italian operatic tenor who had an international career, performing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as sports, arts, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Del-gallo

The surname Del-Gallo originates from Italy and is primarily associated with regions such as Campania, Apulia, and Sicily. The name is a patronymic derived from the personal name Gallo, which means rooster in Italian. Historically, it was common for Italian families to adopt occupational or nickname surnames, and Gallo could have been used as a professional designation for a bird-keeper or a metonymy for someone who lived near a rooster. Notable figures bearing the Del-Gallo surname include Italian-American boxer Rocky Graziano and Italian politician Antonio Del Giudice. The Del-Gallo family, like many Italian families, has likely experienced migration due to historical events such as the Great Famine in Sicily during the late 19th century, which led to a significant diaspora of Italians to other parts of Europe and the Americas.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "del-gallo"
• 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 : 26 July 2025

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