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Last Name Pipitone

What is the origin of the last name Pipitone?

The surname Pipitone is of Italian origin. It is derived from a nickname for someone with a lively or energetic personality, as "pipino" means "peppery" or "spicy" in Italian. Over time, the surname evolved into its current form, Pipitone. This name was common among the people of Southern Italy and Sicily, particularly in regions such as Calabria and Naples.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pipitone

The meaning and origin of the last name Pipitone

The surname Pipitone is of Italian origin, derived from the given name Pietro or Petrus, which means rock or stone in Latin. In Italy, it was common for surnames to be formed by adding diminutive suffixes to given names, such as -one, indicating small or little. Thus, Pipitone may have originated as a nickname for someone thought to be small or young Petro. The name has been documented in various regions of Italy since the late Middle Ages and was brought by Italian immigrants to other countries, especially the United States, in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pipitone

The surname Pipitone is predominantly found in regions with significant Italian-American populations, primarily in the United States. According to genealogical data, the name originates from Italy, particularly from the provinces of Palermo and Catania in Sicily, as well as the region of Lazio, including Rome. In the U.S., concentrated pockets of the Pipitone family can be found in states like New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois, reflecting large-scale Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name is also present to a lesser extent in other countries with Italian diaspora communities, such as Canada, Australia, and South America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pipitone

The surname Pipitone has several variations and spellings, some of which include:

* Pipitoni
* Pepitoni
* Petitoni
* Pepitone
* Piccione
* Pettitone
* Pepeeton
* Pipeton
* Pipetone
* Pepetone

These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, transcription errors over time, or regional dialects. The original Italian root of the name is likely derived from "piccione," meaning "pigeon" in Italian.

Famous people with the last name Pipitone

The Pipitone surname is associated with notable individuals in various fields. One of the most recognized figures is Dominic Pipitone, an American actor known for his roles in films such as "Goodfellas" and "The Sopranos." Another prominent figure is Maria Pipitone, a Canadian television news anchor who has worked for networks like CTV News Channel and CP24. In the music industry, there's Dino Pipitone, an Italian composer who has contributed to numerous film scores and television series. Lastly, in the world of sports, Alessandro Pipitone is a retired Italian footballer who played as a striker for clubs like Juventus and Inter Milan. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, showcasing the versatility and influence of the Pipitone surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Pipitone

The Pipitone surname is of Italian origin, specifically from the regions of Sicily and Calabria. It is derived from the personal name Pietro, meaning "rock" or "stone." The family name may have been originally occupational, referring to someone who worked with stone.

The earliest recorded Pipitones can be traced back to the 15th century in Italy. Notable figures with this surname include Giuseppe Pipitone-Bongi, an Italian philologist and linguist, and Antonio Pipitone, a renowned opera singer.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Pipitones emigrated from Italy to the United States, particularly to cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. The name has since become common in these areas, as well as in other parts of North America where Italian immigrants have settled.

Today, the Pipitone family is spread across various countries, maintaining a rich cultural heritage while adapting to new environments. Genealogical research on this surname continues to uncover more about its history and dispersal around the world.

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 : 28 July 2025

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