NomOrigine Background

Last Name Pianalto

What is the origin of the last name Pianalto?

The surname Pianalto is believed to have Italian origins. It is derived from a place name, specifically from a small town called Piangia located in the province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. The name Piangia is thought to derive from the Latin "piango" meaning 'weep' or 'lament', possibly due to its location being near a mountain stream that was subject to frequent flooding. Over time, the name evolved into various forms such as Pianalto in different parts of Italy and in diaspora communities around the world.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Pianalto

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pianalto

The meaning and origin of the last name Pianalto

The surname Pianalto is an Italian name derived from the Occitan word "pianolat," which means "flat land" or "level ground." It is likely that individuals bearing this surname originally resided in areas with such topographical features, particularly in regions of Italy where Occitan was spoken. The name may have been used as a geographic identifier for their place of origin, similar to how many European surnames originated. Over time, the spelling evolved into Pianalto as it became standardized within Italian genealogy records.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pianalto

The surname Pianalto is primarily concentrated in Italy, where it originated. It is most common in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Tuscany. Historically, the name was often associated with the city of Genoa, a prominent trading center in medieval times. The surname may be derived from occupations related to music or craftsmanship, such as "pianista" (pianist) or "altista" (loft maker). Outside of Italy, the Pianalto family can also be found in various parts of North and South America, particularly Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States. This dispersion is likely due to immigration waves from Italy in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pianalto

The surname Pianalto has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription, translation, and regional pronunciation over time. Some common versions include Pianalti, Pianalte, Pianalleti, Pianaletto, Pianaletto-Cavallaro, and Pianaletti. These variations may stem from misspellings, phonetic transcriptions in different languages, or changes in the name over generations. Additionally, some families may have adopted slight modifications to their surnames as a result of immigration or assimilation processes. It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily reflect differences in pronunciation among individuals with the same surname, as the emphasis and intonation can vary based on personal dialect and regional accent.

Famous people with the last name Pianalto

The Pianalto surname is relatively uncommon, but it has produced notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned individuals is Thomas Pianalto, an American musician who serves as the principal tubist for the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and the Oakland East Bay Symphony. He has performed with numerous prestigious orchestras worldwide, including the Boston Symphony and the Berlin Philharmonic. In the realm of visual arts, another prominent figure is Italian artist Alessandro Pianalto, known for his vibrant, expressionist paintings that explore themes of emotion, identity, and memory. His works have been exhibited in galleries across Europe and the United States. Additionally, there's Mara Pianalto, a Swiss lawyer who has made significant contributions to international human rights law. She served as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights from 2013 to 2020. The Pianalto family demonstrates diverse talents and achievements across music, art, and law.

Genealogical research on the last name Pianalto

The surname Pianalto is believed to have originated from Italy, specifically the region of Lombardy. One of the earliest records of this family dates back to the late 16th century in the town of Castelnuovo Bocca d'Adda. The name Pianalto may be a topographic surname derived from "piana," meaning plain or level land, and "alto," high, indicating a location on higher ground.

Over time, several branches of the Pianalto family emigrated from Italy to other countries, notably the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, due to economic pressures and political unrest. The family has been documented in various locations across the U.S., including New York, Pennsylvania, and California. Notable individuals with the surname Pianalto include an Italian-American painter, Guido Pianalto, and a professional basketball player, Paolo Pianalto.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 23 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Piacentini (Last name)

surnames > piacentini

The surname Piacentini originates from Italy, specifically from the region of Lombardy, particularly the province of Piacenza. It is an occupational name derived from the city of P...

Piacentino (Last name)

surnames > piacentino

The surname Piacentino is of Italian origin, derived from the city of Piacenza located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Over time, as families emigrated or moved to different...

Piacenza (Last name)

surnames > piacenza

The surname Piacenza originates from the region of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy, specifically from the city of Piacenza. It is a toponymic surname, which means it was originall...

Piad (Last name)

surnames > piad

The surname Piad is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "bieden" meaning "to offer" or "to present." It is believed to have originally been an occupational s...

Piaduche (Last name)

surnames > piaduche

The surname Piaduche is of Spanish origin. It is believed to be a topographic or habitational surname derived from the Spanish word "piaducha", which refers to a type of tree or a ...

Piali (Last name)

surnames > piali

The last name "Piali" appears to have originated from Italy. It is believed to be of Italian origin and may be derived from a place name or a personal name.

Piamonte babila (Last name)

surnames > piamonte-babila

The last name "Piamonte Babila" appears to have origins in the Italian region of Piedmont, specifically in the town of Babila. The name may signify an ancestral connection to this ...

Piampiani (Last name)

surnames > piampiani

The last name Piampiani is of Italian origin. It is derived from the name of a town or village.

Piane (Last name)

surnames > piane

The last name "Piane" is of Italian origin. It is possible that it originated as a topographic name for someone who lived by a slope or hillside (from the Italian word "piano" mean...

Pianegonda (Last name)

surnames > pianegonda

The last name Pianegonda is of Italian origin. It is a surname that is most commonly found in the Veneto region of Italy. The name is believed to have originated from the Venetian ...

Pianelli (Last name)

surnames > pianelli

The surname Pianelli is of Italian origin and derives from a place-name or occupational name. It is believed to have been originally a toponymic name, derived from the small town o...

Pianezza (Last name)

surnames > pianezza

The surname Pianezza is of Italian origin. It is derived from a geographical location or a topographic name for someone who lived by a pine grove or a place named "pino" (pine tree...

Pianiar (Last name)

surnames > pianiar

The last name Pianiar is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name Piano, which is of uncertain meaning but may refer to someone who lived near a plain or open space.

Pianka (Last name)

surnames > pianka

The surname Pianka is of Polish origin. It is derived from the word "pianka", which means "foam" or "froth" in Polish. This surname likely originally referred to a person who lived...

Pianzola (Last name)

surnames > pianzola

The surname Pianzola is of Italian origin. It derives from a place name, specifically a location named "Piana di Zola" in the province of Genoa, Liguria region in Italy. This surna...