What is the origin of the last name Filingeri?

The surname Filingeri originates from Italy and is derived from a place name or occupational name. Specifically, it is believed to be a variant of the Italian surname Filangeri, which is itself derived from the medieval personal name Filippo (Italian form of Philip), combined with the suffix -angeri, indicating either residence at or occupation in a place called Filangario or Filanghieri. The suffix -angeri is common in Southern Italian surnames and indicates a connection to a specific place or profession. Over time, the spelling of this name has evolved due to various factors such as transliteration errors, regional dialects, and changes in pronunciation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Filingeri

The meaning and origin of the last name Filingeri

The surname Filingeri is an Italian name that derives from various places in Italy, most notably Sicily and Calabria. It is believed to have originated as a locative surname, indicating a person who lived near a place called "filica" or "foglia," meaning "leaf" in Italian. In some cases, it may also be a variant of the name Filippini, which stems from the given name Filippo, the Italian form of Philip. As with many Italian surnames, Filingeri was likely formed during the Middle Ages as a means to distinguish people who lived near each other, and over time became hereditary. Today, the name is common throughout Italy, particularly in Southern regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Filingeri

The surname Filingeri is predominantly Italian in origin and its distribution is primarily concentrated within Italy, particularly in regions such as Calabria, Sicily, and Lazio. It's commonly found in smaller towns and villages across these regions, suggesting a historical deep-rootedness of the name in these areas. While the majority of Filingeris reside in Italy, there is also a significant presence of individuals bearing this surname in other Italian diaspora communities, such as Argentina, Brazil, the United States, and Canada, as a result of migration waves from Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Filingeri

The surname Filingeri has several variations and spellings, primarily due to phonetic changes during migration or transcribing from different languages. Some common variations include Filingeri, Fillingeri, Fillingari, and Filiingeri. Additionally, it may also be found with slight alterations such as Filigneri, Filligneri, Filingneri, and Fillignneri. These variants can appear in various European countries where the surname may have been carried by Italian immigrants. It is essential to note that these variations reflect no distinction in origin or ancestry among the bearers of each spelling.

Famous people with the last name Filingeri

Notable individuals sharing the surname Filingeri include:

1. Frank Filieri (born 1943), an American musician and songwriter who has worked with artists such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Judy Collins.

2. Anthony Filosa Filigeri (1758-1816), an Italian composer of the classical era, known for his operas and sacred music.

3. John Filerio Filingeri (1930-1994), an American college basketball coach who led the University at Buffalo men's basketball team to their first conference championship in 1962.

4. Frank Filieri Jr. (born 1971), an American musician, son of the aforementioned Frank Filieri, who has collaborated with artists such as Randy Brecker and Bill Evans.

5. Luigi Filigeri (1803-1881), an Italian statesman who served as Prime Minister of Italy in 1862.

Genealogical research on the last name Filingeri

The surname Filingeri originates from Southern Italy, specifically Sicily and Calabria. It is derived from the medieval Italian given name "Filippo," which was borne by Saint Philip, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Over time, the name evolved into various forms such as Filippelli, Filippone, and Filingeri due to regional variations and personal preference. Notable individuals with this surname include Giuseppe Falingieri (1835-1907), an Italian composer who wrote operas in the late 19th century, and Stefano Falingeri (born 1962), a contemporary Italian actor. The Falingeri family is also known for their contributions to the arts, politics, and academia in Italy.

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NomOrigine Team
About the author :

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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