Last Name Pitzalis

The surname Pitzalis is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Calabria. It derives from a place name, which means "from Pizzo" in Italian. Pizzo is a town located on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in the province of Vibo Valentia, Calabria. The surname may have originated as a toponymic name for someone who was from Pizzo or lived near a place named Pizzo. It's important to note that this is just one possible origin and further research may provide additional information about the specific family lineage.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pitzalis

The meaning and origin of the last name Pitzalis

The surname Pitzalis is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Sicily. It derives from the medieval Latin term "petitus," which means "little" or "small." This name was often used as a diminutive form for various personal names containing the element "pietro," which means "rock" in Latin. Over time, this surname evolved into its current spelling, Pitzalis.

Historically, the name was predominantly found among inhabitants of southern Italy, particularly Sicily, where it is believed to have originated from a small village or farm called "Petitale," which was named after the diminutive form of Pietro. The migration and settlement patterns of Italians, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries, led many people with the surname Pitzalis to emigrate to other countries like the United States, Argentina, and Canada. Today, it remains a common surname among Sicilian-Italian communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pitzalis

The surname Pitzalis is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the region of Sardinia, where it represents one of the most common family names. However, its occurrence extends beyond Sardinia to other Italian regions, albeit less frequently. A significant diaspora of individuals with this surname can be traced back to various countries due to historical migration patterns. These include Argentina, Brazil, Switzerland, and the United States, where communities of Italians have settled over the centuries. In the United States, Pitzalis is primarily found in states with large Italian-American populations such as New York, California, and Pennsylvania.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pitzalis

The surname Pitzalis can have several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and familial traditions. Some common variants include Pitsalis, Pitzalys, Pitzeleis, Pitzelis, Pitzaliss, Pitzaley, Pitzaless, and Pitzaly. These variations may appear in different countries or regions depending on local linguistic norms and historical factors such as immigration, colonization, and language assimilation. It's important to note that these variations are not necessarily indicative of family relationships or ancestral origins but rather represent different ways the surname has been written over time and in different cultural contexts.

Famous people with the last name Pitzalis

One notable individual with the surname Pitzalis is Costas Pitzalis, a renowned Greek mathematician and computer scientist. He has made significant contributions to the field of computational geometry, particularly in the areas of geometric modeling and computational topology. Another well-known figure with this name is the Italian journalist, Marco Pitzalis. As an anchor and reporter for Rai News, he covers national and international events, demonstrating a keen interest in politics and society. Lastly, Angela Pitzalis, an American actress, has appeared in various television shows and films such as "The Sopranos" and "The Wolf of Wall Street." She is also a voiceover artist and has worked on numerous animated projects. These individuals have each made notable impacts in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Pitzalis

The Pitzalis surname is believed to have origins in Italy, specifically Sicily. It derives from the medieval naming practice whereby a child was named after their patron saint's day or the specific location they were born near. In this case, "Pizzo" or "Pitto," both referring to small hills in Sicily, could be possible origins for the name Pitzalis.

Historical records suggest that the family migrated from Italy to various parts of the world, primarily North and South America, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In Argentina, for example, the first recorded immigration was in 1883 when a Giuseppe Pitzalis arrived in Buenos Aires. The family also settled in countries like Venezuela, Uruguay, Cuba, and the United States.

In the United States, the largest concentrations of Pitzalis families can be found in New York, Florida, and California. Notable individuals with this surname include Luigi Pitzalis, an Italian-American sculptor, and Antonio Pitzalis, a prominent figure in the Cuban independence movement. The family's history reflects a rich tapestry of migration and adaptation across continents and centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "pitzalis"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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