Last Name Petrillo

Learn more about the origin of the last name Petrillo

The meaning and origin of the last name Petrillo

The surname Petrillo is an Italian variant derived from the given name Pietro, which means "rock" or "stone" in Latin. It is a common Italian surname, particularly prevalent in regions such as Calabria and Sicily. Over time, various spelling variations of the name emerged due to differences in regional pronunciation and record-keeping methods, including Petrilli, Petrilo, and Petriello. The name's origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was a popular given name among Italians, eventually evolving into a hereditary surname as the practice of using family names became more widespread. The Petrillo family has been documented in various Italian cities throughout history, contributing to their rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Petrillo

The surname Petrillo has its roots in Italy and is predominantly found among people of Italian descent. It originates from various regions in Italy, particularly Sicily, where it is one of the most common surnames. Additionally, it is also present in other parts of Italy, such as Lombardy, Piedmont, and Campania. Outside Italy, significant numbers of people with the surname Petrillo can be found in countries with large Italian-American communities, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the U.S., the highest concentration of individuals bearing this surname is found in areas with high population densities of Italians, such as New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Variants and spellings of the last name Petrillo

The surname Petrillo has several variants and spellings due to differences in translation, regional dialects, and transcription errors over time. Some common variations include Petrilo, Petrilla, Petrelli, Petrilli, and Pietrillo. These variations may be found across various geographical locations, particularly within Italian-speaking communities. Additionally, Petrillos can also be found as a shortened form of names such as Giovanni Petrilli or Pietro Petrilli, where the first name is combined with the surname. It's important to note that these variations may have different pronunciations and may lead to differences in family histories.

Famous people with the last name Petrillo

Notable individuals sharing the surname Petrillo include:

1. Tommy Dorsey (born Thomas Francis Petrillo), an American jazz trombonist and bandleader, who led one of the most popular big bands in the United States during the 1940s.
2. Louis Prima (Louis Matthew Prima Sr.), an American singer, trumpeter, and songwriter known for his high-energy stage presence and hit songs such as "Sing, Sing, Sing" and "Just a Gigolo."
3. Frank Petrillo, a former professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Braves during the 1940s.
4. Joe Petrillo, an American television executive who co-founded Metromedia Television and served as its president from 1965 to 1975. He was instrumental in the creation of several successful network television shows, including "All in the Family" and "M*A*S*H."
5. Nick Petrillo, an American politician who served as the Mayor of East Liverpool, Ohio from 2008 to 2019. Under his leadership, the city successfully navigated economic challenges and implemented various initiatives to improve community services and infrastructure.

Genealogical research on the last name Petrillo

The surname Petrillo, of Italian origin, is derived from the diminutive form of Pietro, which means "rock" in Latin. It is common among people from Southern Italy, particularly Sicily and Naples. Historical records show that the name was introduced to North America by immigrants primarily from these regions during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Petrillo family is renowned for its significant contributions to various fields, with notable members including James Petrillo, a prominent American labor leader and musician, and Tommy Petrillo, an accomplished professional baseball player. Genealogical research suggests that the Petrillo lineage can be traced back to the mid-1500s in Italy, although extensive details prior to immigration are limited.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Petrillo"
• 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 : 28 July 2025