Last Name Feleppa

The surname Feleppa is believed to have origins in Italy, specifically in the region of Abruzzo. It is derived from various Italian given names such as Felice, Felippo, or Filippo, which mean "happy" or "joyful". Surnames were adopted in Italy during the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance as a means to distinguish individuals within a community, often originating from occupations, geographical locations, or personal characteristics. The surname Feleppa is an example of a patronymic surname, which indicates that it was originally derived from the father's given name (in this case, Felice, Felippo, or Filippo).

Learn more about the origin of the last name Feleppa

The meaning and origin of the last name Feleppa

The surname Feleppa is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Felice, which means "happy" or "joyful" in Latin. It is a common Italian name and variations like Felici, Felice, and Felipa are also found. The name became a hereditary surname during the Middle Ages when naming conventions began to solidify. As with many Italian surnames, Feleppa may have originated from a specific geographical location, a profession, or a nickname. In some cases, it could have been given as a symbol of respect or admiration for an ancestor named Felice. The name's popularity has spread beyond Italy due to migration and assimilation over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Feleppa

The surname Feleppa has its origins from the Basque region, specifically in the northern Spanish province of Biscay and the neighboring Basque Country in France. In Spain, it is predominantly found in the towns of Bermeo, Bilbao, and Leioa, while in France, it is commonly represented in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, particularly in the town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Migration patterns over the years have led to a presence of the Feleppa surname in other parts of Spain and around the world. A significant number of people with this surname reside in South America, particularly Argentina and Uruguay, due to historical Basque immigration waves during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In North America, communities can be found primarily in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, reflecting further emigration from Europe as well as later immigration from Spain and South America. The distribution of the Feleppa surname thus spans multiple continents, largely centered around regions with historical Basque influence.

Variants and spellings of the last name Feleppa

The surname Feleppa has several variants and spelling alternatives, primarily due to regional dialects, transcription errors, or personal preferences over time. Some common variations include Felepa, Felappa, Feleppa, Felipa, and Felippa. These variants might be found in various geographical locations, but they all stem from the original Italian name which is derived from the given name Filippo or Filippa. It's essential to note that these variants may also lead to misconceptions about an individual's ethnicity or nationality. When encountering different spellings of Feleppa, it's crucial to remember that they are likely variations of the same root name.

Famous people with the last name Feleppa

The Feleppa surname is relatively uncommon in the public eye compared to some other names, but there are still notable individuals who bear this moniker. One such person is Jovanni Feleppa, an American professional soccer player who currently plays for Phoenix Rising FC in the United States. Another is Elise Feleppa, a Canadian musician known for her work as a member of the indie pop band PUP. Lastly, David Feleppa, a Brazilian politician and businessman, served as the mayor of São Paulo from 2017 to 2020. While these are some well-known individuals with the surname Feleppa, it is important to note that many others may hold significant roles in various fields but might not be as widely recognized.

Genealogical research on the last name Feleppa

The surname Feleppa is predominantly found in Italy and is believed to have originated from the region of Calabria. One notable variant is Feleppa-Felipe, which may suggest Spanish influence due to historical migrations. The name possibly derives from the Italian word "felle" meaning "tallow," indicating a leather worker or tanner.

In the 15th century, records show the presence of the Feleppa family in the town of Nicotera, Calabria, where they were engaged in various occupations such as farming and trade. Some members emigrated to other parts of Italy, including Naples and Palermo, while others migrated overseas, particularly to Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, in search of better opportunities during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Feleppa family tree can be traced back to various ancestral records and historical documents available online, making it possible for genealogists to connect with relatives across the globe who share the same lineage. Research into the Feleppa family continues as new records become accessible, offering insight into the history, origins, and evolution of this unique surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Feleppa"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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