The surname Licavoli is believed to have Italian origins. Specifically, it's thought to originate from the city of Licata, a town located in southern Sicily, Italy. The name may have been originally a place name for individuals who lived near or originated from this area. However, the exact history and origin can vary, as surnames often evolved over centuries and can be influenced by various factors such as migration and regional dialects.
The surname Licavoli is an Italian-American name that has roots in Southern Italy, specifically Sicily. It is derived from the Norman French phrase "de l'escalier" which means "of the staircase." This refers to the location where the first bearer of the name lived. Over time, the name evolved into its current form in Italian and then during immigration to the United States. The Licavoli family, notably the Licavoli crime family associated with the Chicago Outfit, is one of the most well-known families bearing this surname. However, it's important to note that not all individuals with the last name Licavoli are related or involved in criminal activities. Like many Italian immigrant names, Licavoli represents the journey and adaptation of Italians to new lands.
The surname Licavoli has its origins rooted in Italian-American culture, specifically within communities of Sicilian descent. Its distribution is predominantly concentrated in regions of the United States that have significant populations with Italian ancestry, such as New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. In New York City alone, there are several neighborhoods where Licavoli is relatively common, including Staten Island and Brooklyn. Additionally, there are notable concentrations of individuals bearing this surname in other urban areas across the United States that have experienced significant Italian immigration, such as Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland. While the name is primarily found within North America, there are also instances of Licavolis residing in Italy, particularly in the Sicilian city of Palermo where it may originate from.
The surname Licavoli has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and family traditions. Some common versions include Licavoli, Licavolio, Licavolo, Lisacavoli, Lischiavoli, Liscavoli, Licciavoli, and Licciavolo. These variations may arise from changes in spelling conventions over time or from the adoption of different regional pronunciations. In some cases, these variations could also be the result of individual families altering their surname in various ways, such as by adding or omitting letters, changing vowel sounds, or modifying spelling to fit local norms. Despite these differences, they all share the common root of Licavoli.
The Licavoli family is significant within the context of American organized crime, particularly during the Prohibition era and the rise of the Italian-American Mafia in New York and Chicago. One prominent figure associated with this surname is Anthony "Tony Bananas" Licavoli, a key member of the Genovese crime family. Born in 1923, he became notorious for his violent methods and close relationship with infamous mobsters such as Meyer Lansky and Charles "Lucky" Luciano. Another notable figure is Frank Licavoli, who served as acting boss of the Philadelphia crime family from 1980 to 1986. He was known for his efforts in expanding the family's gambling and labor racketeering operations. Despite their criminal activities, both men have been subjects of numerous books, movies, and documentaries about organized crime in America.
The Licavoli surname is primarily associated with Italian and Sicilian heritage, though it has been adopted by individuals of various nationalities due to immigration and assimilation over the centuries. The name may originate from the town of Licausano in southern Italy or the city of Licata in Sicily. Notable figures with the surname include Anthony Licavoli, a prominent mobster in the 20th century, and Salvatore Licavoli, an Italian-American politician. The Licavoli family, led by Anthony, was part of the Genovese crime family in New York City during Prohibition and the early years of organized crime in America. Genealogical research suggests that many Licavolis today are descendants of this family or others who share the same geographical origins.
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