Last Name Perotto

The surname Perotto is of Italian origin. It is derived from a variety of given names that were popular during the Middle Ages, such as Piero (Peter) and Pero (Pear), which were often used as nicknames or diminutives. The suffix "-otto" was added to these names to indicate the second son in a family, distinguishing him from an elder brother named Piero or Pero who would have been known as Pietro or Pero da Primo. Over time, these nicknames and surnames became hereditary, passing down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Perotto

The meaning and origin of the last name Perotto

The surname Perotto is an Italian patronymic name derived from the male given name Pietro, which means "rock" or "stone" in Italian. It is common among the Tuscan and Piedmontese populations. Over time, variations such as Pero, Perego, and Pierotti have emerged due to scribal errors, regional dialects, and surname adaptations. The name likely originated from a person named Pietro or a familial relationship with someone bearing that name. The Perottos were often artisans, farmers, or merchants in the Middle Ages, as many Italian names reflect their occupations or geographical origins. The spread of the name across Italy reflects historical migration patterns and the growth of the Italian city-states during the medieval period.

Geographical distribution of the last name Perotto

The surname Perotto is predominantly found in Italian-speaking regions of Italy, particularly in Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmont. It is also prevalent in Tuscany and Umbria due to historical migrations from the Po Valley. Outside of Italy, there are significant Perotto populations in Argentina, Switzerland, Brazil, and the United States, primarily in areas with a high concentration of Italian immigrants. In Argentina, for example, the surname Perotti (a variant of Perotto) is one of the most common Italian-origin surnames. The dispersal of the name reflects historical migration patterns, including both forced migrations such as during the Italian diaspora and voluntary migrations due to economic or political reasons.

Variants and spellings of the last name Perotto

The surname Perotto has various spellings and variations in different regions and languages. Some common spelling variants include Perotti, Pereotto, Perretta, Peretta, and Perot. These variations may be due to dialectal differences, transcription errors, or assimilation during immigration. In Italian, the name Perotto is a diminutive form of Peri or Perioli, which are short forms of the given names Piero or Pier Luigi. The feminine variant of Perotto is Perotta or Perotta. In French, Pereotte is a possible spelling for the surname. These variations reflect the name's historical and cultural background, particularly in Italy and France.

Famous people with the last name Perotto

The Perotto surname has been associated with notable figures in various fields throughout history. One prominent individual is Giulio Cesare Perotto (1823-1904), an Italian mathematician and astronomer who contributed to the study of determinants and the development of mathematical astronomy. In the realm of music, there's Enrico Perotti (1872-1956), a renowned Italian opera singer known for his distinctive baritone voice. In the world of sports, Dino Perrotti (born 1937) is an Argentine football manager and former player who had a successful career in both roles with clubs such as River Plate and Sao Paulo. Lastly, Elisabetta Perotti (born 1962), an Italian archaeologist, has made significant contributions to the field through her research on the Etruscan civilization and Roman Republican archaeology. These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments of people sharing the Perotto surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Perotto

The Perotto surname originates from Italy and is primarily found in the regions of Liguria, Piedmont, and Emilia-Romagna. Historically, it is a patronymic name derived from the personal name Pero or Peter, which was common among early Christians. The earliest recorded mention of the Perotto family can be traced back to the 13th century in the town of Genoa, Liguria.

Over time, members of the Perotto family migrated to other parts of Italy and eventually reached other countries as a result of trade, religious, and political influences. Notable Perottos include Giuseppe Maria Perotto, an Italian composer and musician, and Giovanni Battista Perotti, an influential composer from the Renaissance period.

In modern times, the Perotto family can be found worldwide, with significant populations in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina, where many Perottos have made lasting contributions to their respective communities in various fields, including art, music, politics, and academia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "perotto"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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