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Last Name Piliero

What is the origin of the last name Piliero?

The surname Piliero has Italian origins. It is derived from the personal name "Pietro," which means "rock" in English. Over time, it evolved into the patronymic form "Piliero," indicating that the original bearer was a son or descendant of Pietro. In Italy, this surname is most common in regions such as Sicily and Calabria.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Piliero

The meaning and origin of the last name Piliero

The surname Piliero is of Italian origin, derived from the occupational name "Pilone," which refers to a column or pillar. Over time, it evolved into the patronymic Piliero, meaning "son of Pilone." In Italy, this surname can be found primarily in regions such as Sicily and Campania. The Piliero family is believed to have originated from the city of Palermo in Sicily during medieval times. Similar variations of the name include Pilone, Pilliero, Piliere, and others. As Italian families migrated worldwide over centuries, the Piliero surname spread globally, particularly to countries like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Piliero

The surname Piliero is predominantly Italian in origin and is most commonly found in regions such as Calabria, Sicily, and Campania. Historically, it was also present in areas of central Italy including Lazio and Tuscany. Over time, due to emigration waves, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Piliero families can now be found in various parts of North America, primarily in the United States, especially in New York, Massachusetts, and California, as well as in Canada. Additionally, smaller populations of Piliero descendants are scattered across Europe and South America, particularly Argentina and Brazil, reflecting the global reach of Italian immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Piliero

The surname Piliero exhibits various spelling and pronunciation variations due to differences in regional dialects and historical document translations. Some common variants include Pileggi, Piliari, Pilieri, Piljaro, and Piliere. These variations mainly stem from the Italian origin of the name, where it can be derived from the word "pilota," meaning pilot or helmsman. Other possible origins could be from the Latin "pila" (ball) or a diminutive form of the given name Piero. It is essential to note that spelling variations may also occur due to errors in record-keeping and translations over time, leading to numerous interpretations.

Famous people with the last name Piliero

Notable individuals with the surname Piliero include:

* Anthony Piliero, an American television and film editor who has worked on numerous projects including "The Walking Dead," "Lost," and "Breaking Bad."
* Joseph Piliero, a retired American Major League Baseball pitcher who played for teams such as the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies.
* Mike Piliero, an American film director and producer known for his work on films like "The Wedding Singer," "Blended," and "Grown Ups."
* Tom Piliero, a Canadian-American actor who has appeared in TV series such as "Chicago P.D.," "NCIS: Los Angeles," and "Madam Secretary."
* Vincent A. Piliero, an American politician and former member of the New York State Assembly. He served from 1985 to 2017 and was a member of the Democratic Party.

Genealogical research on the last name Piliero

The surname Piliero originates from Italy, specifically Sicily. It is derived from the Italian word "piere" meaning pier or jetty, suggesting that an early ancestor may have lived near such a structure. Variations of the name include Piliere, Pilieri, and de Piliere, which suggest a noble lineage. The Piliero family migrated to the United States in large numbers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily settling in New York and other northeastern states. Notable individuals with this surname include Mario Piliero, an American television and film director, and Frank Piliero, a professional baseball player. Genealogical research indicates that the Piliero family has a rich history in Italy and a significant presence in the United States.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 11 June 2025

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