What is the origin of the last name Pedano?

The surname Pedano is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name Pedone, which was a common Roman name during the ancient times. "Pedone" comes from the Latin word "pedo," meaning foot, and was likely used as a nickname for someone who had large feet or was associated with walking. Over time, the name evolved into various spellings such as Pedano, Pedone, Pedini, and Pedotti in Italy. The surname is most common in southern regions of Italy like Calabria and Sicily.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Pedano

The surname Pedano is an Italian name derived from the Occitan word "pèdha" which means "shepherd." It's believed to have originated in southern Italy or Sicily, regions where pastoralism was prevalent. Over time, the spelling evolved as it was passed down through generations and migrants moved to other parts of Italy and eventually other countries. In its various forms such as Pedone, Pedrini, and Pedicini, the name remains common among Italian-speaking communities worldwide. It is also associated with the Latin word "pedis" which means foot or step, suggesting an occupational origin related to someone who was a gatekeeper or guard.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pedano

The surname Pedano has a predominant distribution in Southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Calabria and Sicily. These two regions account for a significant percentage of individuals bearing this surname. It is also found in smaller numbers in other parts of Italy, such as Campania, Puglia, and Lazio. A minor presence of Pedano can also be traced in some Italian-speaking communities outside of Italy, particularly in countries with a large Italian immigrant population, such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. It is important to note that surnames in Italy are often geographically linked due to historical reasons, such as migration patterns and feudal systems.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pedano

The surname Pedano has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include Pedana, Pedan, Pedani, Pedanoe, Pedanow, Pedanus, Pedanoy, and Pedanos. These variations may arise from regional dialects, misspellings, or changes in surname pronunciation during migration. Additionally, some individuals might have slight differences in the spelling due to personal preference or errors in documentation. It is important to note that these variations do not indicate different ancestry or family origins; they are simply alternative ways of recording the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Pedano

The Pedano surname has been associated with notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent is Joseph Pedanio (or Pedano), an American actor known for his role as 'Louie' on Sesame Street, starting in the late 1970s. Another noteworthy figure is Salvatore "Sally" Pedano, an Italian-American musician who was a founding member of the doo-wop group The Capris in the early 1950s. Their hit single, "Maria," became one of the most recognizable songs of the era. In the world of science, there is Domenico Pedano, an Italian astrophysicist who has contributed significantly to the understanding of high-energy cosmic rays and gamma-ray bursts. Lastly, Fabrizio Pedaco (also spelled Pedano), an Argentine lawyer, served as a member of the Argentine Chamber of Deputies in 2015. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements and accomplishments associated with the Pedano surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Pedano

The surname Pedano is primarily Italian in origin and is believed to have derived from various locations bearing the same name across Italy. One such location is Pedana, a town in the province of Avellino in the Campania region. It is thought that the surname Pedano may be a habitation name, meaning it was used as an identifier for people who lived in one of these places named Pedana. The name can also be traced to Sicily, where it has been documented since the 15th century. Notable individuals bearing the Pedano surname include Italian actor and stuntman Alessio Pedano, and American baseball player Frank Pedanowitz. Genealogical records show the Pedano family migrated to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly to New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.

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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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