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Last Name Filiberto

What is the origin of the last name Filiberto?

The surname Filiberto has Italian origins and is derived from the given name Filippo, which means "friend of horses" or "lover of horses" in Greek (Philippos). The name Filippo was brought to Italy by the Normans during their conquest of southern Italy in the 11th century. Filiberto is a variant of Filippo and is most common in Northern Italy, particularly in the region of Piedmont.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Filiberto

The meaning and origin of the last name Filiberto

The surname Filiberto is primarily of Italian origin, stemming from the medieval given name Filippo (Philip in English). This name derives from the Greek "philippos," meaning "friend of horses." Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation led to the creation of several different last names, including Filiberto.

The use of surnames, which identify a person by their family rather than their given name, became more widespread during the Middle Ages, as populations grew larger and social structures became more complex. The adoption of hereditary surnames was common among the nobility in Italy, with many surnames being derived from professions, geographical locations, or personal characteristics. Filiberto is one such surname that was likely borne by someone who may have been particularly fond of horses, reflecting their occupation or a cherished trait. Today, the surname Filiberto can be found in various parts of the world, having been carried by immigrants and their descendants throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Filiberto

The last name Filiberto is predominantly found in Spanish and Italian-speaking regions due to its origins from these languages. In Spain, it's primarily concentrated in the northern autonomous communities of Asturias, Cantabria, and Basque Country, as well as parts of Aragon, Castile and León, and Catalonia. In Italy, Filiberto is most common in the northwestern regions such as Piedmont and Liguria. The name has also been carried to other parts of the world by Spanish and Italian immigrants, with significant numbers found in Argentina, Uruguay, Cuba, Venezuela, and the United States. Despite its geographical concentration, the Filiberto surname is relatively rare globally, indicating a small but distinct group of people carrying this name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Filiberto

The surname Filiberto has various spelling variations worldwide, primarily due to differences in translation, phonetic interpretation, and historical document recording. Some of the recognized versions include Filiberto, Filibierto, Filliberto, Fillibert, Feliberto, Felibert, Philiberto, Philippeto, Philibert, Philbert, and Felipton. These variations are found across different regions, with some being more prevalent in certain countries or ethnic groups than others. It is essential to note that while the name's origin is Italian (derived from Filippo, which means lover of horses), its spelling can evolve over time and location. Therefore, it is not uncommon for individuals who share the same family history to have slightly different surnames due to these variations in spelling.

Famous people with the last name Filiberto

Notable individuals bearing the surname Filiberto include:

1. Umberto Filiberto di Savoia-Aosta (1904-1983), also known as Umberto II, was the last King of Italy from 1946 until his exile in 1946 following a referendum that abolished the Italian monarchy.

2. Aimone Filiberto di Savoia (1900-1948), also known as Aimone, Duke of Aosta, was an Italian military officer and royal who served as Italy's Governor-General of Italian East Africa during World War II.

3. Amedeo Filiberto di Savoia-Aosta (1845–1902), also known as Amadeus I of Spain, was King of Spain from 1870 to 1873 and Duke of Modena from 1846 until 1848.

4. Filippo Filiberto di Savoia-Carignano (1839-1905), also known as Philip, Prince of Carignan, was a general in the French Army who served under Napoleon III and subsequently led the House of Savoy's attempts to gain back the Italian throne following the 1878 revolution.

These individuals share a connection through their association with the royal family of Savoy and the title Filiberto.

Genealogical research on the last name Filiberto

The surname Filiberto has its roots in several countries, particularly Italy and Spain, where it is variably spelled as Filiberto, Feliberto, or Felipberto. In Italy, the name derives from the personal name Filippo (Philip), which was borne by various saints and influential figures throughout history, including Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, and St. Philip Benizi, a 13th-century Italian saint. The Spanish variant is thought to have originated as a Latinized form of the Basque name Philippus or Philipp, which may have been brought to Spain by the Roman Empire. Some early records show Filiberto families residing in regions such as Piedmont and Liguria in Italy, and Navarre and Catalonia in Spain, though it is likely that the name has a wider dispersal across these countries. Notable figures bearing this surname include the Italian composer Giovanni Battista Filiberto, known for his 16th-century madrigals, and the Spanish military leader Felipe Filiberto y Urrea, who played a significant role in the reconquest of Granada during the Reconquista.

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 : 13 June 2025

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