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Last Name Dipalo

What is the origin of the last name Dipalo?

The surname "Dipalo" is of Italian origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name 'Palmo' or 'Paolo', meaning 'Paul'. In Italy, many surnames are derived from the names of saints, and this one is no exception. The name Palmo or Paolo is a common Italian variant of the Latin name Paulus, which was borne by several significant early Christian saints. Over time, as families migrated or changed, variations in spelling such as Dipalo emerged.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dipalo

The meaning and origin of the last name Dipalo

The surname Dipalo is of Italian origin. It is derived from the occupational name "dipalotus," which means "deputy" or "messenger." This surname was given to individuals who served as deputies, messengers, or heralds in medieval Italy, particularly during the time when cities and regions were governed by powerful families. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved, with variations such as Di Palo, DePallo, and Del Palo also being found. Today, the Dipalo surname is relatively uncommon outside of Italy but can be found in Italian-American communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dipalo

The surname Dipalo has its origins primarily in the Philippines, specifically among the Iloko people, who predominantly inhabit the Ilocos Region in northern Luzon. However, its usage has expanded beyond this region due to migration and assimilation. The Dipalos are also found in significant numbers in urban centers like Metro Manila, where many Filipinos reside. Outside of the Philippines, the distribution is relatively sparse but includes countries with large Filipino communities such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and other parts of Western Europe, particularly Spain. The name's geographical spread reflects the historical migration patterns of Filipinos seeking opportunities beyond their homeland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dipalo

The surname Dipalo has various spelling permutations due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription. Here are some possible variations:

* DePaló (Italian)
* DiPalo (American English)
* D'Apalo (Sicilian Italian)
* Di Palo (Standard Italian)
* Di Paolo (Italian, Portuguese, Spanish)
* DiPaulo (English)
* De Pálo (Spanish)
* dePalma or de Palma (Italian, possibly mistaken for Dipalo due to similarity in sound and spelling)

The variations highlight the multicultural heritage and migration history of individuals bearing the name. The most common spellings tend to be DiPalo (American English) and Di Paolo (Italian, Portuguese, Spanish). These variations illustrate that a single name can have multiple origins and evolve over time due to factors such as language translation, regional dialects, and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Dipalo

Notable individuals with the surname Di Palo include:

1. Michael DiPasquale (1923-1987), an American television and film producer, best known for creating and producing the ABC series "The Dating Game" and its successor, "The New Dating Game."

2. Carmelo Anthony (born 1984), an American professional basketball player who has played for multiple NBA teams, including the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers. He was a member of the USA Basketball national team that won gold medals in the 2008 Olympics and the 2012 and 2016 FIBA World Championships.

3. Rino Di Palma (born 1952), an Italian journalist, TV personality, and author who gained fame as the co-host of the popular Italian television show "Quelli che... il calcio" (Those Who... Football). He has also worked as a radio host and a football commentator.

4. Joseph DiPalo (1920-2016), an American businessman, best known for being the founder of Dollar Tree Stores, Inc., a chain of discount variety stores in the United States. He started his career with the Family Dollar Store before founding Dollar Tree in 1986.

5. Frank DiPalermo (born 1942), an American author and journalist, who has written extensively about Italian-American culture, history, and politics. His books include "The Italians: A Story of the Nation's Oldest Ethnic Group" and "Italian Roots."

These individuals exemplify a range of accomplishments in various fields such as entertainment, sports, business, and journalism, making significant contributions to their respective industries and communities.

Genealogical research on the last name Dipalo

The surname Dipalo originates from Italy and is predominantly found in the regions of Calabria and Sicily. It is an apellido patronymico derived from the given name "Di Paolo", meaning "son of Paulo". The name Paulo, a common name in Christian countries, is an adaptation of the Latin name Paulus which itself comes from the Greek name Paulos. This name was borne by several significant figures in early Christian history, including Saint Paul, one of the leaders of the early Christian movement and author of several books in the New Testament. The name Dipalo can be traced back to the Middle Ages, suggesting a long and rich history for this surname. Over time, variations such as Di Paolo, De Paolo, and Dipaolo have emerged due to regional dialects and transcription errors during the process of record keeping.

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 : 15 June 2025

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