NomOrigine Background

Last Name Lepore

What is the origin of the last name Lepore?

The surname Lepore is of Italian origin. It derives from the word "leporo," which means hare in Italian. This surname was likely originally given to someone who resembled a hare, or who perhaps owned or bred hares. Like many Italian surnames, it was originally a nickname, and later became hereditary as families began to form in Italy during the Middle Ages.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Lepore

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lepore

The meaning and origin of the last name Lepore

The surname Lepore is an Italian name derived from the occupational term 'leporo,' which means hare in Italian. This surname was originally used as a metonymic occupation name for a trapper or hunter of hares. It is also possible that the name could have been used as a nickname for someone who resembled a hare, such as being quick or agile. The name Lepore has its origins in Southern Italy and is most commonly found in regions like Apulia, Calabria, and Sicily. Over time, variations of the name have emerged due to spelling errors, migration, and regional dialects. Some of these variations include LaPore, LePera, Le Porre, and Leporcio.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lepore

The surname Lepore, originating from the Italian language and meaning "the hare," is primarily concentrated in Italy, with the highest occurrences found in the southern regions such as Apulia, Campania, Calabria, and Sicily. It is also common in other Italian-speaking areas like Switzerland (Ticino), and to a lesser extent, in other European countries with significant Italian diaspora populations, including France, Germany, Spain, and Malta. In the United States, Lepore is one of the most common Italian surnames, found predominantly in states with high Italian-American populations like New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The name also has a presence in Canada, Australia, and South America due to historical migration patterns from Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lepore

The surname Lepore has several variants and spellings, primarily due to phonetic spelling adaptations and historical influences. Some common variations include: Leporeo, LePore, DeLapore, DiLaporta, DiLapo, and de Laporte. These variations can be found across different regions, reflecting the migration patterns of people with Italian origin. In some cases, the name may also have been anglicized to Lapper or Lappor. It is important to note that these variants share a common etymology, derived from the Italian personal name "Leopoldo" or "Leopardo," meaning lion-like or brave wolf. The surname Lepore, in its various forms, remains popular among people of Italian descent worldwide.

Famous people with the last name Lepore

Notable individuals with the surname Lepore include:

1. Sarah Vowell (born 1969), an American author and commentator known for her work on history, popular culture, and religion. Her books include "Assassination Vacation" and "The Wordy Shipmates."

2. Robert D. Lepore (born 1953), an American politician who served as a member of the New York State Senate from 1987 to 2004. He represented the 3rd District in Suffolk County.

3. Maria Lepore (1867-1930), an Italian operatic mezzo-soprano who had a significant career at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

4. Michael T. Lepore (born 1956), an American attorney and jurist serving as a judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York since 2003.

5. John Lepore (born 1954), a Canadian retired professional ice hockey center who played for teams including the Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, and St. Louis Blues in the National Hockey League.

6. Michael Angelo Lepore (1924-2006), an American businessman who founded the Lepore's clothing company, one of the largest manufacturers of women's apparel in the United States.

7. Tony Lepore (born 1956), an American professional wrestler and manager who performed under various aliases like T.L. Hopper, Tony DeVito, Tony Marella, and Tony Atlas. He was a member of the World Wrestling Federation in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Genealogical research on the last name Lepore

The surname Lepore, originating from Italy, is a patronymic derived from the given name Leopoldo. It is most prevalent in the southern regions of Italy, particularly Naples and Sicily. The name's roots can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was common for individuals to adopt occupational names, often derived from their father's profession. In this case, Lepore could have been an occupational name for a leopard hunter or trapper, as "leone" means lion and "pardo" means leopard in Italian. The Lepores migrated to America, primarily to the United States, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with significant populations settling in New York City and Pennsylvania. Notable figures bearing the name include actor Joe Pesci, singer-songwriter Bobby Darin, and politician Joseph D. Lepore.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 23 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Lepage (Last name)

surnames > lepage

The surname Lepage is a French patronymic derived from the given name Léon (Lion), and is an occupational name for a baker. The term "le boulanger" or "le pages du seigneur," mean...

Lepasana (Last name)

surnames > lepasana

The last name "Lepasana" has its origins in the Philippines.

Lepcha aeribu (Last name)

surnames > lepcha-aeribu

The last name "Lepcha Aeribu" originates in the Lepcha community of the Himalayan region, specifically in countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. The Lepcha people have the...

Lepere (Last name)

surnames > lepere

The last name "Lepere" is of French origin. It is a French surname derived from the word "le père" which means "the father" in French. It is likely to have originally been a nickn...

Lepetitgaland (Last name)

surnames > lepetitgaland

The last name "Lepetitgaland" is of French origin. It is derived from the combination of the French words "le" (meaning "the"), "petit" (meaning "small" or "little"), and "galand" ...

Lepez (Last name)

surnames > lepez

The last name "Lepez" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "López," which means "son of Lope." Lope is a medieval Spanish given name of Basque origin, meaning...

Lépie (Last name)

surnames > lepie

The last name "Lepie" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "lepier," which means "thief" or "robber." This surname may have originally been used as a nicknam...

Lepinay (Last name)

surnames > lepinay

The surname Lepinay is of French origin. It is a habitational name derived from any of several places named "Lepinay" found in France. These places are mostly located in the region...

Lepine (Last name)

surnames > lepine

The surname Lépine originates from France. It is derived from a place name, specifically from various locations named "Lépin" or "Lépinay." These places are found in several reg...

Lepiuqa (Last name)

surnames > lepiuqa

The surname "lepiuqa" does not appear to have a known origin in English. It may be a rare or unique surname, or it could be a misspelling or variation of a more common surname. Add...

Lepleux (Last name)

surnames > lepleux

The last name "Lepleux" is of French origin. It is believed to be a surname that originated from the old French word "pleux," which means "parched" or "dry." It is possible that th...

Lepori (Last name)

surnames > lepori

The surname "Lepori" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the word "lepori," which means "rabbits" in Italian. In some cases, this surname may have originated as a nickname for...

Lepouras (Last name)

surnames > lepouras

The last name "Lepouras" is of Greek origin. It likely derives from the Greek word "leporas," meaning "rabbit." It is a surname that may have originated from a person's occupation,...

Lepoutre (Last name)

surnames > lepoutre

The surname "Lepoutre" is of French origin. It is derived from the French word "poutre," meaning "beam" or "support", and may have been used as a surname to denote someone who work...

Leppa (Last name)

surnames > leppa

The last name "Leppa" is of Finnish origin. It is derived from the Finnish word "leppä," meaning "alder tree." The surname likely originally referred to someone who lived near or ...