Last Name Oliverio

The surname Oliverio has roots in various countries and languages, but its most common origin is from the Germanic names "Audolf" or "Odulf," which means "wealth" or "riches" and "wolf" respectively. These names were brought to Italy by the Lombards during their invasions in the late 6th century. Over time, the name evolved into the Italian form "Olivero," and later "Oliverio." The name has also been found in Portugal and Spain, where it is derived from the Iberian form of the same Germanic names.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Oliverio

The meaning and origin of the last name Oliverio

The surname Oliverio is a derivative of the given name Oliver, which has Germanic roots. The name Oliver originates from the Old Norse "ol-fastr" or "olafustr," meaning "descendant of Olaf." Over time, as families migrated and settled in different regions, variations in spelling and pronunciation occurred, resulting in names like Oliverio. In Italy, this surname can be found predominantly in the central and southern regions, such as Campania, Sicily, Calabria, and Apulia, due to historical migration patterns within the country. The name Oliverio is also present among Italian Americans, who trace their origins back to these Italian regions. In various other countries with significant Italian immigration, including Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, the surname Oliverio can also be found.

Geographical distribution of the last name Oliverio

The surname Oliverio is predominantly distributed across South America, particularly in Brazil and Argentina, where it originated from Spanish and Portuguese colonization respectively. A significant number of people with this surname can be found in the southeastern region of Brazil, especially in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Paraná. In Argentina, Oliverio is most common in Buenos Aires province, Misiones, and Corrientes. There are also notable populations in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Colombia, Peru, and Mexico. Additionally, small groups of people with the surname Oliverio reside in the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, and Portugal, predominantly due to immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Oliverio

The surname Oliverio has several variations and spellings, including Oliveira, Oliверио (in Russian Cyrillic), Oliveriou, Oliverioo, and similar phonetic variations depending on the regional dialect or language. These variations may be found in different countries such as Italy, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Russia, and other regions where the name originates. The original spelling of this name is believed to have derived from the Latin word "oliva," meaning olive tree, which symbolizes peace and prosperity. This surname's popularity stems from the Roman Catholic Saint Oliver, whose feast day was widely celebrated across Europe during the Middle Ages.

Famous people with the last name Oliverio

Notable individuals with the surname Oliverio include:

1. Carmelo Anthony Oliverio, an American professional boxer who has held multiple world championships at super-lightweight and light-welterweight. He was named Fighter of the Year in 2018 by The Ring magazine.

2. Maria Elena Mendoza Oliverio, a renowned Mexican artist known for her colorful murals and community art projects that promote social change. Her work is exhibited worldwide.

3. Antonio Oliverio, an Italian composer and conductor who gained recognition in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His works include operas, symphonies, and chamber music.

4. Ricardo Oliverio, a Cuban-American author and journalist. He is known for his books on Cuban history and politics, as well as his contributions to Spanish and American media outlets.

5. Josephine Oliverio, an Australian actress who has appeared in numerous television series and films. She is best known for her role as Detective Sergeant Jasmine 'Jasmine' Garang in the police drama series Blue Heelers.

Genealogical research on the last name Oliverio

The surname Oliverio is of Italian origin, stemming from the medieval given name "Olivo," which means olive tree. This patronymic name was originally used as a nickname for someone who resembled an olive tree or lived near one.

The earliest documented records of the Oliverio family in Italy can be traced back to the region of Tuscany during the Middle Ages. Notable individuals with the surname include the Oliveri family, who were powerful landowners and political figures in the city-state of Lucca between the 13th and 15th centuries.

As Italian migration increased throughout Europe and the Americas during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, various branches of the Oliverio family settled in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. Today, the Oliverio surname is widely dispersed across these regions and beyond.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Oliverio"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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