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Last Name Digilio

What is the origin of the last name Digilio?

The surname Digilio is believed to have Italian origins. It is derived from the personal name DIGILIO, a variant of the Latin names DECIMUS (meaning "tenth") or DECIMUS LICINIUS. Over time, this personal name evolved into various forms such as Digilio, Diglioli, and others, often reflecting regional dialectical changes in pronunciation. The family name likely originated from southern Italy, particularly in regions like Campania and Calabria. However, it's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and variations, so this is just one of the possible sources for the Digilio surname. For a more precise origin or migration details, further research might be needed.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Digilio

The meaning and origin of the last name Digilio

The surname Digilio is an Italian name, derived from the occupation of a miller, specifically one who operated a watermill. The name comes from the Latin "molendinarius" which means "miller," and its diminutive form "molendinellus." Over time, this term evolved into the Italian surname Digilio, with "di" meaning "of" or "belonging to," and "Giolo" being a possible variant of "molino," the Italian word for mill. The name is most common in southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Calabria and Sicily.

Geographical distribution of the last name Digilio

The surname Digilio is predominantly Italian in origin and is most frequently found in regions such as Calabria, Apulia, and Lazio. It's particularly common in the provinces of Cosenza, Bari, and Rome, respectively. The name is a variant of "De Giulio," meaning "of Julius" in Italian, reflecting its historical association with the Roman noble family of Julius Caesar. Over time, it has also spread to other Italian-speaking regions due to migration and assimilation. Beyond Italy, small communities bearing the surname Digilio can be found in countries with a significant Italian diaspora, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Digilio

The surname Digilio has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variations include:

1. Di Giorgio - This variation is derived from the Italian preposition "di" (of) combined with "Giorgio," a common given name in Italy. It's pronounced as di jorjo.
2. De Giorgio - Similar to Di Giorgio, this variation uses the Italian definite article "il" or "de" instead of "di." It is pronounced as de jorjo.
3. Digirolamo - A regional variant of Digilio from Sicily, where the 'l' is often replaced with 'r.' It is pronounced as di jiramoh.
4. Di Jorio - This spelling reflects a slight phonetic change in the pronunciation of the name Giorgio to Jorio. It is pronounced as di jorree-oh.
5. Digiulio or Digiullo - These variations come from alterations in the pronunciation and transcription of the Italian name Giorgio over time, with an additional 'u' added at the end. They are pronounced as de ju-lyoo or de ju-loo respectively.
6. DiJulio - This spelling simplifies the name by using a single 'j' instead of the more traditional "Di" (meaning "of") and "Giulio," which comes from the Latin Julius. It is pronounced as di joo-lee-oh.
7. De Julian or de Giuliano - These variations use the Italian definite article "il" or "de" instead of "di," followed by Giuliano, another variation of the name Giorgio. They are pronounced as de joo-lian or de jee-oo-lee-anoh respectively.

These variants share common roots and can be traced back to the Latin given name Julius, which was popular among Italians during the Roman Empire.

Famous people with the last name Digilio

The Digilio family is renowned for its contributions across various fields, including music, sports, and politics. One of the most recognized members is Giovanni Digilio, an Italian tenor who gained international acclaim for his operatic performances in the early 20th century. In the world of sports, Giuseppe Digilio, also known as Pepe, was a football player who played for several prominent Italian clubs and represented the national team at the 1954 FIFA World Cup. On the political front, Stefano Digiliozzi is a notable figure, serving as Mayor of Genoa, Italy from 2016 to 2021. Additionally, Antonino Digilio is a renowned Italian composer and conductor, known for his work in both classical and contemporary music. These individuals highlight the diverse talents and achievements within the Digilio family.

Genealogical research on the last name Digilio

The Digilio surname is of Italian origin and is primarily found in southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Calabria, Apulia, and Sicily. The name is believed to have derived from various sources, including the Latin "de Giulio," meaning "of Julius," or from personal names such as Guglielmo (William) or Giuliano (Julian).

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Digilio family can be traced back to the 13th century in Calabria, where a Giovanni Di Giulio is mentioned in historical documents. The family's migration patterns indicate that they began to spread throughout Italy and other European countries during the late Middle Ages, with significant populations establishing themselves in Spain, France, and Malta, among others.

In more recent times, members of the Digilio family have been noted for their contributions to various fields, including science, politics, and art. For instance, Giuseppe Digilio (1857-1930) was an Italian astronomer known for his work on solar eclipses, while Maria Digilio (1899-1996) was a renowned opera singer from Sicily.

Today, the Digilio family can be found in many parts of the world, with a significant presence in Italy, North and South America, and Australia. The diverse backgrounds and achievements of its members continue to enrich their cultural legacy.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 27 July 2025

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