Last Name Gigliotti

The surname Gigliotti is of Italian origin. It is derived from a nickname meaning "little lilies" in Italian, as "giglio" means lily. Nicknames were common in medieval Italy as a means of identification among people with similar names. Over time, such names became hereditary and passed down through generations. The variation Gigliotti specifically is believed to have originated from the region of Calabria, in Southern Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gigliotti

The meaning and origin of the last name Gigliotti

The surname Gigliotti is of Italian origin, derived from the nickname "giglio," which means lily in Italian. The name likely originated as a metonymic occupational surname for someone who worked with or sold lilies. Over time, the name evolved into the more commonly used variant, Gigliotti. Notably, it is also found in some regions of Southern Italy where the Byzantine influence was strong. The ending "-otti" in Italian surnames often signifies diminutive forms or occupational names, indicating that the original bearer may have been associated with lilies in some capacity. This surname is popular among the Italian diaspora and can be found worldwide today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gigliotti

The surname Gigliotti has its roots in Southern Italy, particularly in the Apulia region and Calabria. It is most prevalent in these regions due to historical factors such as population migration and local traditions. Over time, individuals with the surname Gigliotti have migrated globally, particularly to North America, where they are now concentrated in countries like Canada and the United States, primarily in cities with a high Italian-American population such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. Additionally, smaller communities can be found in Australia and South America, especially Argentina. The distribution of the surname Gigliotti reflects historical migration patterns from Southern Italy to various parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gigliotti

The surname Gigliotti has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical transcription errors. Some common versions include Giuliotti, Jullioti, Iulioti, Iugliotti, Gigiotti, Jolioti, Julietti, and Gagliano (a derivative from a similar Sicilian surname). These variations can also appear with different diacritic marks in languages like Italian or French. Additionally, some families may have altered the spelling over time to improve pronunciation or assimilation into new cultures, resulting in further modifications of the name.

Famous people with the last name Gigliotti

Prominent individuals sharing the last name Gigliotti include:

1. Vincent D'Onofrio, an American actor known for his roles in films such as "Full Metal Jacket," "Men in Black," and the TV series "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and "Daredevil."

2. Frank Gigliotti, a former professional baseball player who played for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies during his 14-year career in Major League Baseball from 1960 to 1973.

3. Tony Gigliotti, a character from Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 film "The Godfather," portrayed by Giuliano Galetti. In the movie, he is a high-ranking member of the Corleone family.

4. Michael Angelo Gigliotti, an American actor and screenwriter who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows since the 1970s, including "Saturday Night Live," "The Sopranos," and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."

Genealogical research on the last name Gigliotti

The surname Gigliotti originates from Italy and is derived from the Italian word "giglio," meaning lily. It is primarily found in regions such as Calabria, Campania, and Sicily. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name was Giacomo de Giglioto, a notary public in Palermo, Sicily, in 1347. The Gigliotti family played significant roles in various aspects of Italian history. For instance, the Gigliottis of Calabria were involved in the feudal conflicts between the Norman and Swabian rulers during the Middle Ages. In modern times, notable figures with the surname include Giuseppe Gigliotti, an Italian physicist who contributed to the study of superconductivity, and Tony Gigliotti, a New York mobster in the Gambino crime family. The name is also present in other countries due to Italian immigration, particularly in the United States and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gigliotti"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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