What is the origin of the last name Di-caro?

The surname Di Carlo originates from Italy. It is derived from the Italian given names "Carlo" (Charles) or "Carluccio" (little Charles), with "di" indicating that the person was a descendant of someone named Carlo. The name has been common in southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Sicily and Calabria.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Di-caro

The meaning and origin of the last name Di-caro

The surname Di Carlo originates from Italy and is derived from the Latin "Carolus," which means "free man" or "man of the people." This name was popularized by Charlemagne, also known as Karl der Grosse (Charles the Great) in German, who ruled the Frankish Empire during the late 8th and early 9th centuries. The Italian form of this name evolved into Di Carlo, with "di" being a common Italian prefix meaning "of," indicating that the person belongs to or is from a place named Carlo. Over time, variations such as DiCaro and DeCarlo also emerged. The surname Di Carlo is now widely distributed among people of Italian descent around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Di-caro

The surname Di Carlo is predominantly of Italian origin and has a significant presence within Italy itself. According to various sources, it is most frequently found in regions such as Campania, Apulia, Calabria, Sicily, and Lazio. Beyond Italy, the di Carlo family name can be traced in other Italian-speaking countries like Switzerland and Argentina. Additionally, it has been recorded in the United States, Canada, Australia, and various European nations due to immigration waves from Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the United States, the highest concentrations of individuals bearing the Di Carlo surname can be found in states like New York, New Jersey, and California, reflecting historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Di-caro

The surname Di Caro has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and family preferences over time. Some common variants include DeCarlo, DiCaro, D'Carlo, and De Carlo. These variations are primarily derived from the Italian original "Di Caro," which means "of the dear" or "belonging to the dear one." The absence of the indefinite article "il" or "la" in the Italian version is often added in English transliterations for phonetic and grammatical consistency. Other less common variants might include DiCharo, Dicarlo, or Dikaro, resulting from minor orthographic changes or errors during immigration.

Famous people with the last name Di-caro

Among the notable individuals with the surname Di Caro are:

1. Frank DiCaro (born 1948), an American former Major League Baseball player who played for teams such as the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals, as well as a broadcaster and author.
2. Michael DiCaro (born 1967), an American politician from Pennsylvania, serving as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2013.
3. Maria Di Ciano Di Caro (1940-2015), an Italian actress and television presenter who had a successful career in Italy during the 1960s and 1970s.
4. Joseph A. DiCarlo, a retired American Air Force general who served as Commander of U.S. Transportation Command from 2012 to 2015.
5. Nicholas J. DiCarlo (born 1968), an American attorney and former Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, known for his role in the prosecution of several high-profile cases.

Genealogical research on the last name Di-caro

The surname Di Carlo originates from Italy and is derived from the Italian language, meaning "son of Charles" or "little Charles." It's one of the most common Italian surnames, primarily found among the Sicilian population. The name has roots traced back to the Middle Ages, where it was commonly given to individuals born into a family with a father named Carlo or Charles. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have emerged due to factors such as regional dialects, immigration, and transcription errors. Some of these variations include DiCarlo, Di Carollo, De Carolis, and DeCarlos. The surname Di Carlo has been found among notable figures in Italian history, including political leaders, artists, and scientists, reflecting its widespread distribution across Italy and subsequent dispersion through immigration.

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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