Last Name Filippini

The surname "Filippini" is an Italian patronymic surname derived from the given name Filippo, which is the Italian equivalent of Philip. The name Philip comes from the Greek name Φίλιππος (Philippos), which means "friend of horses." In ancient times, it was a common name among Macedonian rulers. The surname Filippini originated in Italy and is most commonly found in regions such as Tuscany and Lombardy, where the name Filippo was widespread. Over time, families with this surname migrated to other parts of Europe and later to America, particularly to countries like the United States, Argentina, and Brazil.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Filippini

The meaning and origin of the last name Filippini

The surname Filippini originates from Italy and is a variation of Filippo, which is the Italian form of Philip. The name Philip comes from the Greek name Philippós (φιλιππός), a combination of philo- (φίλος), meaning "loving" or "friend," and hippos (ἵππος), meaning "horse." Thus, the original meaning of the name Filippini is "lover of horses," reflecting its ancient roots in Greek culture. The name became popularized in Italy after the arrival of the Byzantine Empire and has been carried by many notable Italians over the centuries. Today, it can be found throughout Italy and among Italian diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Filippini

The surname Filippini is primarily found in Italy, particularly in regions such as Tuscany, Lombardy, and Emilia-Romagna, where it originated. It is also present in smaller numbers in other Italian provinces. Historically, Filippinis emigrated from Italy to neighboring countries like Switzerland, Austria, and France, where they established communities of their own. Additionally, a significant number of Filippini families have migrated to the Americas, particularly to Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela, Cuba, and the United States. In the U.S., the highest concentrations of people with the surname Filippini are found in states like California, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Illinois. Outside Europe and the Americas, there are also small populations of Filippinis in Australia and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Filippini

The surname Filippini has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription, regional dialects, and family branches. Here are some of its known forms:

1. Filippini - This is the standard Italian spelling of the name.
2. Filipponi - A slight variation of the original Italian form, often found among families who have adopted a more traditional Italian orthography.
3. Filliponi - An alternative spelling that may be found in some Italian-American families due to phonetic transcription or regional dialects.
4. Filippone - Another variant with the added "-e" at the end, which is less common but still found in certain Italian families.
5. Philippi - In German-speaking areas, the surname has been adapted and spelled as Philippi, reflecting the local language.
6. Fillippe - An unusual variant that may be found among families who have transposed the order of the first two names or due to phonetic transcription.
7. Filipe - In Portuguese-speaking countries, the name has been adapted and simplified to this form.
8. Filipenko - A Slavic variant, typically found in Eastern European countries where the original Italian surname was adopted by immigrants.
9. Filippynsky - Another Slavic adaptation, often found among Ukrainian or Russian families who trace their roots back to Italian immigrants.

Famous people with the last name Filippini

The Filippini surname has produced several notable individuals across various fields. In the realm of sports, Fabio Filippini is a retired Italian footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Juventus and Parma. In music, Giorgio Filippini, better known by his stage name Jovanotti, is an Italian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is renowned for blending various musical genres into his work. In the field of academia, Lella Filippini-Touchet is a professor emerita at the University of California, Berkeley, known for her research on the history of science in Italy during the Renaissance. Lastly, in politics, Maria Luisa Filippini was an Italian politician who served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies and was the first woman to serve as mayor of Rome. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, showcasing the diverse talents associated with the Filippini surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Filippini

The surname Filippini originates from Italy, particularly in regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. Its etymology is derived from the given name Filippo or Filippa, which means "friend of horses" or "loving horses." This surname emerged during the Middle Ages when naming conventions shifted from geographical or occupation-based names to patronymic or matronymic ones, making family ties easier to trace.

Filippini families migrated to other countries in large numbers during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly to Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States. The Filippini family in Argentina can be traced back to Gaetano Filippini who arrived in Buenos Aires in 1865 from Parma, Italy. In the United States, a notable Filippini immigrant was Luigi Filippini who settled in California in the late 19th century and founded the Italian-American newspaper Il Cittadino.

Genealogical research of the Filippini family reveals that it has produced numerous artists, politicians, businesspeople, and educators across the world, demonstrating a rich cultural heritage and diverse professional accomplishments.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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.
Last updated : 10 June 2025

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