Last Name Piccioni

The surname "Piccioni" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the occupational name for a peasant who kept pigeons (picchi), which were useful for carrying messages or goods. This name is mainly found in central Italy, particularly in the region of Tuscany. Like many Italian surnames, Piccioni was originally a nickname and only became hereditary in the 19th or early 20th century.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Piccioni

The meaning and origin of the last name Piccioni

The surname Piccioni is of Italian origin and derives from the diminutive form of the word "piccio," which means "sparrow" in Italian. This surname likely originated as a nickname for someone who was small, agile, or quick, like a sparrow, or possibly for someone who lived near a place where sparrows were common. Over time, this nickname became hereditary and served to identify members of a particular family. Piccioni is most commonly found in central Italy, particularly the regions of Tuscany and Umbria, and it is estimated that over 24,000 people worldwide share this surname. The sparrow has become a symbol of the Piccioni family, representing their agility, resourcefulness, and adaptability.

Geographical distribution of the last name Piccioni

The surname Piccioni is predominantly Italian, with the majority of its occurrences found within Italy. More specifically, it is most common in Central Italy, particularly in regions like Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. Within these regions, cities such as Bologna, Florence, Perugia, and Rome have a higher concentration of individuals bearing the surname Piccioni. The name is also found in smaller numbers in other Italian regions, including Campania, Piemonte, and Veneto. While less common, there are instances of the Piccioni surname in countries with significant Italian diaspora, such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. In these cases, it is likely that many individuals carrying the name originated from one of the central Italian regions where the name is most prevalent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Piccioni

The surname Piccioni exhibits several variations and spellings, largely due to regional dialects and phonetic interpretations. Some common spelling variations include Picconi, Piconi, Pichoni, Pickoni, and Picchioni. These variations are often found among Italian-American families, as the name is relatively common in Italy. Additionally, different transcriptions may occur due to historical changes in spelling rules or recording errors. For instance, some families might have had their surnames altered when emigrating to other countries, leading to further variants like Pickens, Piccane, Piccione, and Piccinini. These variations serve as a reminder of the rich history and cultural diversity inherent within Italian lineages.

Famous people with the last name Piccioni

The Piccioni family has produced several notable individuals in various fields. Notable among them is Giuseppe Piccioni (1874-1963), an Italian cardiologist who made significant contributions to the field of electrocardiography. He is best known for his invention, the Piccioni electrocardiograph, which provided a portable and less expensive alternative to other ECG devices at that time.

In the realm of entertainment, there is Tiziano Piccioni (1946-2017), an Italian screenwriter and film director. He was best known for his work on films like "La Grande Bellezza" (The Great Beauty) and "Il Dito nella Pioggia" (A Fist in the Pocket). His films were recognized at international festivals, garnering him critical acclaim and a reputation as one of Italy's most promising filmmakers.

Lastly, there is Francesco Piccioni (b. 1970), an Italian political scientist. He is currently a professor at the University of Bologna and has published numerous works on European politics and governance. His research focuses on EU institutions, democratization, and the role of political parties in the EU.

Genealogical research on the last name Piccioni

The surname Piccioni is of Italian origin and is primarily found within the Italian-speaking regions of central Italy, notably Tuscany and Umbria. The name is derived from the Italian word "piccione," meaning "pigeon." This surname likely was given to an individual who resembled a pigeon or lived near a pigeon coop.

The earliest recorded instances of Piccioni as a surname can be traced back to the late medieval period, around the 13th and 14th centuries. Some notable Piccionis from this era include Bartolomeo Piccioni, who was a painter active during the Renaissance in Florence.

Throughout history, many branches of the Piccioni family have migrated to other regions of Italy and even abroad. In the 19th and 20th centuries, a significant number of Piccionis emigrated from Italy to countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States in search of better opportunities.

Today, the Piccioni surname can be found among communities of Italian descent all over the world, with concentrations in Italy, Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. Genealogical research on the Piccioni family is ongoing and continues to uncover new insights into the history and origins of this fascinating Italian surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Piccioni"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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