Last Name Pignataro

The surname Pignataro is of Italian origin and is derived from a place-name. Specifically, it is believed to have originated from the town of Pignataro Maggiore, located in the province of Caserta, Campania, Italy. The name Pignataro Maggiore comes from "pigna," which means pinecone, and "tar" or "taro," meaning high land, hill, or mound. Therefore, Pignataro translates to "on the hill of pinecones." The town's name stems from the distinctive shape of its hill, which resembles a giant pinecone. Individuals with the surname Pignataro may have originated from this town or other places bearing similar names in Italy. As with many Italian surnames, it is common for them to be geographical or occupational in nature and based on where one lived or worked.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pignataro

The meaning and origin of the last name Pignataro

The surname Pignataro is an Italian patronymic name derived from a given name, specifically Pietro or Pietrantore, which means "Peter's tower" in Italian. The suffix "-aro" was often added to names in Italy during the Middle Ages as a way of indicating occupation or geographical origin. In this case, it is likely that the original bearer of the name was a son of someone named Pietro or Pietrantore, and the name eventually evolved into Pignataro over time due to regional dialect variations and phonetic changes. The name is most common in regions of southern Italy, particularly Sicily, where it has been carried by numerous prominent figures throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pignataro

The surname Pignataro is primarily concentrated in Southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Campania and Calabria, suggesting its origin from this part of the country. Campania, specifically the city of Avellino, has one of the highest concentrations of individuals bearing the name Pignataro. Migration patterns in the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw many people with the surname Pignataro emigrating to North America, predominantly to the United States and Canada. The majority of these immigrants settled in urban centers like New York City and Toronto, contributing to a significant diaspora population outside of Italy. Today, the name can also be found in other parts of the world due to subsequent migration waves.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pignataro

The surname Pignataro has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include Pignatare, Pignatari, Pignataris, and Pignataro-Nardo. These alterations may be the result of regional dialects, immigration records errors, or personal preference. In some cases, hyphenated forms like Pignataro-Nardo might indicate a combination of two family names. It's essential to remember that these variations do not necessarily indicate different ancestry but rather differences in spelling and transcription.

Famous people with the last name Pignataro

Notable individuals bearing the surname Pignataro include:

1. Vincenzo Pignataro (born 1961), an Italian operatic tenor who has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and other prestigious venues worldwide.

2. Joseph Pignataro (1930-2015), a New York politician who served as a member of the New York State Assembly for 24 years.

3. Giuseppe Pignataro (born 1986), an Italian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Serie C club Foggia Calcio.

4. Frank Pignataro, an American jazz saxophonist and clarinetist known for his work in the fields of swing and bebop.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various domains, including music, politics, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Pignataro

The surname Pignataro originates from southern Italy, specifically Sicily and Campania regions. It is believed to be derived from the Italian word "pignata," meaning a pot or jar, possibly denoting someone who made or sold such containers. Early records show that the family name can be traced back to the 16th century in Naples. Over time, family members emigrated to other parts of Italy and later to various countries due to political instability and economic hardship. Notable migrations include those to the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily to New York City and Philadelphia. The Pignataro family has been well-documented in genealogical databases like FamilySearch, Ancestry, and MyHeritage, offering extensive resources for individuals seeking to trace their Pignataro lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pignataro"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends