Last Name Iacono

The surname Iacono is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name Giacomo, which comes from the Late Latin Jacomus, and ultimately from the Hebrew name Yakov or Ya'akov, meaning "may God protect." Over time, the surname evolved through various regional dialects in Italy, such as Iaconio, Iacobone, Iacoboni, and Iacono. The spelling variations reflect changes in pronunciation and the influence of local scribes who recorded names. The name is common among Italian-American families, especially those originating from Southern Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Iacono

The meaning and origin of the last name Iacono

The surname Iacono is an Italian name derived from the occupational or nickname for a professional musician, specifically a violinist or fiddler. The term "Iacono" originates from the Latin word "iaculum," which means javelin or spear, and was used as a metaphorical reference to the bow of a musical instrument. Over time, this occupational name evolved into a hereditary surname in southern Italy, particularly among the populations of Calabria and Sicily. It is also spelled variantly as Iaconis, Iacoboni, or Iaccio. The name's origins suggest a connection to the realm of music, highlighting the rich cultural history and artistic traditions found within Italian society.

Geographical distribution of the last name Iacono

The surname Iacono, of Italian origin, is predominantly distributed within Italy, particularly in the southern regions such as Calabria, Sicily, and Campania, where it has been historically common among populations of Greek and Norman descent. The name also has a significant presence in Canada, primarily in Ontario and Quebec, due to Italian immigration during the 20th century. In the United States, the highest concentrations of the Iacono surname are found in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, reflecting similar patterns of Italian immigration. Additionally, there is a notable number of Iaconos in Australia, another destination for Italian immigrants. Overall, while the Iacono name is most common in countries with significant Italian immigrant populations, it also appears sporadically in other parts of the world, including South America and Africa, demonstrating the diaspora of this surname from its origins in Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Iacono

The surname Iacono has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation over time. Some common versions include:

* Iaconis (or Iaconis-Buchanan)
* Iacone
* Iaconi
* Iacona
* Iaconesi
* Iaconetti
* Iacobellis
* Iacomini
* Iacoangeli
* Iacovelli
* Iaccarino
* Iacopelli
* Iacovone
* Iaconis-Bernardi
* Iacono-Kerr

These variations may also be found with different capitalization and abbreviation, such as IACONO, Iacono, or Iacono. It is important to note that there can be regional differences in how the name is pronounced, with some versions being pronounced "ee-ah-KOH-noh" and others being pronounced "ee-ah-KAH-noh." The variations of the surname Iacono are a result of the Italian language's flexible spelling rules and the name's history of being recorded in various ways by different people.

Famous people with the last name Iacono

Notable individuals with the surname Iacono include:

1. Ray Iacono - An American meteorologist who has been working for WABC-TV in New York City since 1982.

2. Jimmy Iacono - An American television personality, disc jockey, and voice actor known for his work on The Muppet Show and Sesame Street.

3. John Iacono - An American jazz drummer who has performed with artists such as Sonny Rollins, Elvis Costello, and Lou Reed.

4. Bobby Iacino - A former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League for teams including the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings.

5. Anthony J. Iacono - An American attorney and politician who served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 2013 to 2021.

6. Vito Iacono - A British actor known for his roles in the television series Our Girl and The Durrells.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as meteorology, entertainment, music, sports, law, and acting.

Genealogical research on the last name Iacono

The surname Iacono is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Sicily. It derives from the masculine given name "Iacobus," which is the Italian form of Jacob, a biblical name meaning "supplanter" or "trickster." This surname was often bestowed upon individuals who were born on St. James Day (Santi Giacomo), thus leading to its widespread usage in Italy.

The Iacono family has had a significant presence in Sicily for centuries, particularly in the provinces of Palermo and Catania. Notable figures with the surname include musicians, politicians, and military personnel. One well-known figure is composer Giuseppe Iacono, who was born in 1829 and wrote operas such as "L'Africana" and "Il Gobbo."

In the United States, the Iacono family migrated primarily from Sicily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They settled predominantly in New York City, where they contributed to various industries including construction, shipping, and organized crime. The most famous member of the family in America is probably Frank Costello, a notorious gangster known as "The Prime Minister of Crime."

Overall, the Iacono family has a rich history that spans multiple centuries and continents, with significant contributions made in various fields such as music, politics, and crime.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Iacono"
• 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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