What is the origin of the last name Patalano?

The surname Patalano is of Italian origin and is derived from a geographical location. It is a habitational name from places called Patrani in the provinces of Ravenna and Bologna or Patrignone near Cremona, Lombardy. The name is likely to be a variant of Patrignano, which comes from the Latin "patricianus" meaning 'of the patricians.' The patricians were the highest social class in ancient Rome, and their status was often denoted by place names. Over time, this geographical designation evolved into a surname.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Patalano

The surname Patalano is an Italian patronymic name derived from the male given name Pataleone or Pataleo, which is believed to originate from the Byzantine Greek name Pataleios, meaning "of noble birth" or "patrician." This name was popular among the Venetians during the Middle Ages and subsequently spread throughout Italy. The surname Patalano emerged as a result of the common naming convention in Italian-speaking regions where sons were often named after their fathers or ancestors, thus creating patronymic surnames. Over time, variations such as Patalani, Pataleo, and Pataleoni may have arisen due to spelling adaptations and regional dialects.

Geographical distribution of the last name Patalano

The surname Patalano is primarily found in Italy, with significant concentrations in regions such as Calabria, Campania, and Sicily. This surname is believed to originate from the city of Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Over time, emigration waves from Italy, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, led to the dispersal of this surname to other parts of Europe, North and South America, and Australia. In these regions, communities with the Patalano surname can be found in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Spain, United States, and Uruguay.

Variants and spellings of the last name Patalano

The surname Patalano has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. Some common variations include Patelone, Patelan, Patelanoo, Patelanno, and Patelon. These variations may arise due to transcription errors, regional dialects, or differences in pronunciation over time. Additionally, it is possible that the surname has origins in different countries, which could lead to further variations. For example, Italian versions of the name might include Patellan or Patellone, while Spanish variants could be Patelano or Patellanos. It is essential to note that these variations may be more common within specific geographic regions or among families with a particular heritage.

Famous people with the last name Patalano

Notable individuals with the surname Patalano include:

1. John Patalono: An American stand-up comedian and actor, known for his appearances on shows like Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Comedy Central Presents.

2. Tony Patalano: A retired professional soccer player from Australia who played as a defender for teams such as Sydney United and Marconi Stallions in the National Soccer League.

3. Joe Patalano: An American football coach, he has worked at several universities including Rutgers University, Temple University, and the University of Pittsburgh.

4. Michael Patalano: A Canadian musician, best known as the guitarist for the indie rock band Hollerado.

5. Frank Patalano: An Italian-American artist who has exhibited his work in numerous galleries across the United States.

Genealogical research on the last name Patalano

The surname Patalano is believed to have originated from Southern Italy, specifically Sicily and Calabria regions. Historically, it's associated with the city of Messina, Sicily. The name may be a variant of other Italian surnames such as Patanè, Patanelly, or Patanella, which are derived from occupational names for a bridge builder (ponte in Italian) or a nickname for someone who was small or young (patanella meaning "little shoe"). Some early records show the family migrating to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily settling in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Notable figures with this surname include Italian-American singer Frankie Patalano and Canadian football player Steve Patalano. Genealogical research suggests a widespread distribution of the name among these countries today.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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