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Last Name Pizzolato

What is the origin of the last name Pizzolato?

The surname Pizzolato is of Italian origin. It derives from the occupation of a pizzaro, which was a maker and seller of pizzas in medieval and Renaissance Italy. The term "pizzarola" or "pizzolo" referred to a small pizza, and over time, these occupational surnames were given to individuals who worked in this field, such as the Pizzolato family.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pizzolato

The meaning and origin of the last name Pizzolato

The surname Pizzolato is of Italian origin, derived from the word "pizzo," meaning "point" or "spike," and "lato," meaning "side." This surname was often given to someone who lived near a prominent geographical feature such as a hill or rocky outcropping. It may also have been a metaphorical name for someone with a sharp wit or quick temper, reflecting their ability to 'strike' quickly like a spike. The surname Pizzolato first appeared in the Veneto region of Italy during the Middle Ages and has since spread throughout the Italian diaspora, particularly in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, where many Italian immigrants settled in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pizzolato

The surname Pizzolato is predominantly Italian, with a significant concentration in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions in Northeastern Italy. These areas have historical ties to the Republic of Venice, which may contribute to its prevalence in these regions. Smaller numbers of people with the surname Pizzolato can also be found in other parts of Italy, but it is relatively less common outside of these regions. Emigration from Italy has led to a presence of individuals with this surname in various countries around the world, particularly in the Americas and Australia, where they continue to preserve their cultural heritage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pizzolato

The surname Pizzolato has several variations and spellings. These include:

1. PizzoLato - This is the most common Italian spelling, with Lato being derived from the Latin word for "flat" or "broad," possibly indicating a broad-faced individual.
2. Pizzolotto - A diminutive form of Pizzolato, meaning "little Pizzolato."
3. PizzoLatt - This spelling is less common and may result from misspellings or dialectal variations in Italian.
4. Pisolatto - Another variation that might arise due to regional pronunciation differences within Italy.
5. Pizzalotto - A possible typographical error or an alternate spelling of the diminutive form, meaning "little Pizzalato."
6. Pizzolat - A shortened version that may have arisen from informal usage or simplification over time.
7. Pisolatto (Americanized) - An adaptation of the original Italian name, often seen among families who immigrated to the United States and Anglicized their names for easier pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Pizzolato

Alexander Pizzolatto, an American screenwriter and television producer, is best known for co-creating the crime drama series True Detective, alongside Nic Pizzolatto, which gained critical acclaim and popularity due to its complex narrative structure and stellar performances. Another notable figure with the same last name is Thomas "T.J." Pizzolato, an American football coach who served as the head coach for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns football team from 2015 to 2016. Additionally, Aimee Pizzolatto, a medical doctor based in California, is known for her work in the field of HIV/AIDS research and treatment, particularly focused on women and children affected by the disease.

Genealogical research on the last name Pizzolato

The surname Pizzolato, of Italian origin, is primarily found in Veneto and Lombardy regions in Italy, with historical records tracing back to the 16th century. One prominent early record shows Bartolomeo Pizzolato, a farmer from Vicenza, who had at least three sons: Francesco, Giacomo, and Alessandro. The Pizzolatos migrated to other Italian cities such as Milan and Genoa during the 18th and 19th centuries before dispersing overseas.

Some of the earliest recorded Pizzolato immigrants in the United States are Giovanni Battista Pizzolato (b. 1850) and his wife Maria Giuseppa, who arrived in New Orleans in 1874, and Paolo Pizzolato (b. 1863), who settled in Louisiana in 1882. Other branches of the family can be traced to California, Texas, and the Midwest in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In Australia, Antonio Pizzolato emigrated from Veneto in the 1880s and established a successful winemaking business in South Australia's Barossa Valley. Today, descendants of the Pizzolato family continue to maintain strong ties with their Italian heritage, with many members participating in genealogical research and preserving cultural traditions.

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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