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Last Name Lippa

What is the origin of the last name Lippa?

The surname Lippa has origins in various countries, primarily Italy and Eastern Europe (specifically Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary). In Italian, "Lippa" means "lip" or "pout," while in other Slavic languages, it may be derived from the words for "linden tree" or a diminutive form of a given name. As with many surnames, its usage and meaning can vary based on the specific region and historical context.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lippa

The meaning and origin of the last name Lippa

The surname Lippa originates from Italy and is of Jewish ancestry. It comes from the Hebrew word "lepach" which means "palm". This name was often given to babies born during the palm-waving ceremony held in synagogues on the holiday of Sukkot. The name spread to other countries as Italian Jews migrated, particularly to Poland, Germany, and Spain, where it underwent phonetic changes resulting in variations such as Lipman, Lippmann, or Lippman. The surname Lippa is also found among non-Jewish Italians, particularly in regions like Calabria and Sicily, although its Jewish origins are often lost over time. Today, individuals with the surname Lippa can be found worldwide, maintaining a diverse range of cultures and beliefs, but always preserving their unique heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lippa

The surname Lippa is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland and Ukraine. It is also common among Ashkenazi Jewish communities, with significant concentrations in countries such as Israel, the United States, Canada, and other parts of Western Europe. The name can be traced back to various historical regions within Poland, including Lesser Poland (Małopolska) and Silesia, where it is thought to have Germanic or Slavic origins. In addition, there are smaller communities with the Lippa surname in countries such as Romania, Hungary, and Russia. The geographical distribution of this name reflects historical patterns of migration and settlement among Eastern European populations, particularly Jewish communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lippa

The surname Lippa has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. Some common spelling variations include Lippah, Lippaa, Lippae, Lippe, Lipe, Lippa, Lippaia, Lippao, Lippaeus, and Lippo. These variations are derived from the original Italian form of the name, which is derived from the word for "lip" in that language. It may also appear as Lippa-something when combined with another surname. In some countries or regions, it might be transliterated differently due to local phonetic or orthographic rules, such as Липпа (Lippa) in Cyrillic script, Lippaa (Liippaa) in Finnish, or Lippe (Lippe) in German. These variations reflect the diversity of cultures and languages that have adopted the name over time.

Famous people with the last name Lippa

Among individuals sharing the surname Lippa, several notable figures have made significant contributions across various fields. In music, there is Tony Lippa, an accomplished songwriter and musician who has worked with popular artists such as Kylie Minogue, Pet Shop Boys, and Dusty Springfield. In science, Dr. Angelo S. Lippa, an American physician, was a pioneer in the development of anti-ulcer medications. Furthermore, there is Giuseppe Lippa, an Italian violinist who became a prolific composer during the Baroque period. Lastly, Anna Maria Lippa, also known as Nannette de Gordon-Lippynutt, was a British actress and theatre manager in the 18th century. These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and achievements of those bearing the surname Lippa.

Genealogical research on the last name Lippa

The Lippa surname originates from Italy, specifically Sicily and Calabria regions. It is derived from the Italian word "lippa" which means "lip", reflecting the physical characteristic of an early family member. The name was often given to children born with distinctive facial features. In Sicily, the Lippa family played a significant role in the Norman Conquest of Sicily, serving as vassals and landholders under the Normans. Over time, the Lippa family dispersed across Europe, particularly to Germany, France, Austria, and the United States, due to various historical events such as the Fall of the Kingdom of Sicily and religious persecution. The Lippa family is noted for their achievements in various fields including medicine, law, politics, and the arts. Notable figures include Giacomo Lippes, an Italian politician, and Maximilian Lipsky, a German-American pianist. Today, the Lippa surname remains widely distributed globally, with large populations found in Italy, the United States, Israel, and Argentina.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 11 June 2025

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