NomOrigine Background

Last Name Depolito

What is the origin of the last name Depolito?

The surname Depolito is of Italian origin. It is derived from the given name "Depodesta" or "D'Appolito," which means "leader" or "of Apollito," referring to a place named Apollito in Italy. The surname "Depolito" represents an Italianized variant of this original name, often found among the Italian population in regions such as Calabria and Sicily. Over time, the spelling of the name has been adapted and modified as families emigrated from Italy to other parts of the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Depolito

The meaning and origin of the last name Depolito

The surname Depolito is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin term "de politi," which means "of the citizens" or "from the city." It was often given to individuals who were native to or descended from a particular town or city, emphasizing their civic status or place of origin. The name's popularity spread throughout Italy during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods as Italian cities became more prominent in Europe. Over time, families with this surname emigrated from Italy to various parts of the world, particularly the United States, carrying their ancestral names with them. Today, Depolito is a relatively uncommon name but remains a connection to Italian heritage for those who bear it.

Geographical distribution of the last name Depolito

The surname Depolito is predominantly found in Southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Campania, Apulia, Calabria, and Sicily. A significant portion of Depolitos can be traced back to Naples, the capital city of Campania, which has one of the highest concentrations of this last name in Italy. Smaller numbers of Depolito families also reside in other parts of Italy, as well as in various Italian-American communities in the United States, particularly in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Additionally, there are small pockets of Depolitos in South America, predominantly Argentina and Brazil, due to historical migration patterns from Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Depolito

The surname Depolito has several variations and spellings. These include DePolito, DiPolito, De Polito, Di Ppolito, and Depollito, among others. Each variation represents a slight alteration in the way the name is written, often due to regional dialects, personal preference, or historical recording errors. The most common forms appear to be DePolito and DiPolito, with "De" typically indicating "of" or "belonging to," and "Di" being a contraction of "de," both in Italian contexts where the name originated. The surname Depolito is predominantly found among people of Italian descent, though it may also be found among other ethnic groups due to migration and assimilation.

Famous people with the last name Depolito

Notable individuals sharing the surname Depolito include:

1. Vincent "Vince" Depolito (born 1964), an American comic book artist known for his work on Batman, Spider-Man, and X-Men titles.

2. Rocco Depolito (born 1958), a retired American Major League Baseball player who played as a left-handed relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets.

3. Anthony J. "Tony" Depolito (1947–2021), an American politician who served as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing parts of Queens from 1986 to 2010.

4. Maria Dionisia "Dina" Santiuste Depolito (1935–2017), a Puerto Rican educator and politician who was the first woman elected as Mayor of the Municipality of Humacao, Puerto Rico in 1984.

These individuals have made significant contributions across various fields, including art, sports, politics, and education.

Genealogical research on the last name Depolito

The surname Depolito is primarily found in Italian and American ancestry. Originated from the region of Naples, Italy, the name Depolito is a derivation from the Latin "De Politia" or "Of Politics," indicating a family of political influence or status. The name became popular during the Middle Ages as many Italians emigrated to other countries seeking better opportunities. Among these early Depolitos were the noble families who played significant roles in politics and administration throughout southern Italy.

In America, the Depolito family can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when a substantial wave of Italian immigration took place. Many Depolito immigrants settled in cities such as New York, Philadelphia, and Boston, where they established communities centered around their cultural heritage and Catholic faith. Today, the name Depolito can be found throughout the United States and is associated with Italian-American culture and heritage. Genealogical research on the Depolito family reveals a rich history of political, cultural, and religious influence that continues to shape the lives of those bearing this surname today.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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

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

Depa (Last name)

surnames > depa

The surname Depa is believed to have origins in the Basque region of Spain and France. In this area, many surnames developed from occupational names, place names, or nicknames. On...

Depakbhai (Last name)

surnames > depakbhai

The last name "Depakbhai" appears to be of Indian origin. It is a combination of the first name "Depak" and the honorific suffix "bhai," which is commonly used in Indian culture to...

Depalobos (Last name)

surnames > depalobos

The last name Depalobos is of Spanish origin. It is likely to be a toponymic surname derived from a place name.

Depamaylo (Last name)

surnames > depamaylo

The last name Depamaylo is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the word "pamaylo," which means "to fight" or "to defend" in the Filipino language.

Deparis (Last name)

surnames > deparis

The surname Deparis is of French origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from Paris, the capital city of France. The surname emerged as a way to identify people who w...

Depasse (Last name)

surnames > depasse

The surname Depasse is believed to have French origins and means "passing beyond" or "exceeding." It's derived from the Old French word "depasser," which means "to overstep, go bey...

Depauw (Last name)

surnames > depauw

The surname Depauw has Belgian origins. It is derived from the Old French "de paon," meaning "of the peacock." This name was often given to someone who had a coat of arms decorated...

Depczynska (Last name)

surnames > depczynska

The last name "Depczynska" is of Polish origin. It is a feminine form of the surname "Depczyński," which is derived from the Polish word "depczyć," meaning "to trample" or "to tr...

Depelchin (Last name)

surnames > depelchin

The surname Depelchin has Dutch origins. It is derived from the word "Peel," which refers to a region in the Netherlands, and "kin," meaning family or descendants. Therefore, Depel...

Dependra (Last name)

surnames > dependra

The origin of the last name Dependra is likely Sanskrit, derived from the words "deva" meaning god or deity, and "indra" meaning king or leader. It is a common surname in India amo...

Depetrini (Last name)

surnames > depetrini

The surname Depetrini is of Italian origin. It is derived from the given name Pietro (Peter in English), which was a common name among Christians, and the suffix -ini, denoting tha...

Depika bhatta (Last name)

surnames > depika-bhatta

The last name Depika Bhatta is of Nepali origin. It is a common surname in Nepal, likely indicating a family's ancestral or regional origins.

Depine (Last name)

surnames > depine

The surname Depine is believed to have originated in France. It is derived from the Old French word "pin," which means "pine tree." The name may have been used to describe someone ...

Depitre (Last name)

surnames > depitre

The surname Depitre is of French origin. It is derived from a given name, either "Déodat" or "Didier," both of which are Old High German names. The name Déodat is composed of the...

Deplan (Last name)

surnames > deplan

The last name "deplan" is of French origin. It is a locational surname derived from the word "de" meaning "of" and "plan" meaning "plain." It likely originated as a surname for som...