Last Name Pizzolitto

The surname Pizzolitto is of Italian origin. It is derived from a professional occupation or a place name. Specifically, it comes from the medieval Italian word "pizzo," meaning "little peak" or "small hill," and "litto," meaning "bank." Therefore, the name Pizzolitto might have been originally given to someone who lived near a small hill or a bank, or it could have been an occupational name for a stonecutter or a builder working on small hills. The name is also found in other Italian-speaking regions, such as Switzerland and Argentina.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pizzolitto

The meaning and origin of the last name Pizzolitto

The surname Pizzolitto is of Italian origin, derived from various regional variations in Italy. The name typically translates to "little painter" or "little picture-maker," originating from the occupation of a painter or an artisan who created small items such as icons or miniatures. This surname could have been a nickname given to someone skilled in painting, or perhaps a metonymic occupational name for someone who produced and sold paints or pigments. Over time, it has spread beyond Italy due to migration, becoming a common surname among Italian diaspora communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pizzolitto

The surname Pizzolitto is predominantly Italian in origin, with a significant concentration in regions such as Calabria, Campania, and Apulia, reflecting its historical roots in Southern Italy. However, the distribution extends beyond these regions, with notable presences also in Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Tuscany. In recent years, due to emigration, Pizzolitto can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States, where Italian immigrants settled. The name is less common but present in other European countries, such as France and Spain, due to historical migrations or assimilation of Italian communities. In summary, Pizzolitto has a primary presence in Italy and significant diaspora populations in various regions worldwide.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pizzolitto

The surname Pizzolitto has several variations and spelling differences due to transliteration and regional pronunciation differences over time. Some common variations include Pizolito, Pizzoletto, Pisciotto, Pizzoletti, Pizzolotti, Piscolotto, and Pisculiti. These variations may stem from dialectal differences or transcription errors in official records throughout history. Additionally, some families might have adopted slight alterations to their surnames during immigration processes, especially when moving between different countries with varying phonetic languages. It's essential to consider these factors when researching family history or genealogy, as the surname Pizzolitto may appear in various forms depending on the region and time period.

Famous people with the last name Pizzolitto

Notable individuals with the surname Pizzolatto include:

1. Nic Pizzolatto - An American screenwriter and novelist best known for creating the television series True Detective, which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special in 2014.

2. Marco Pizzolato - An Italian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Atalanta and the Italy national team. He has represented his country at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2018.

3. Daniela Pizzolato - An Italian politician, member of the Democratic Party, and former President of the Chamber of Deputies. She served as Minister for Economic Development from May 2013 to February 2014 in the second cabinet led by Prime Minister Enrico Letta.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, garnering recognition and acclaim both domestically and internationally.

Genealogical research on the last name Pizzolitto

The Pizzolitto surname is primarily Italian and originates from the region of Campania, specifically Naples. It is derived from the occupation of a miller or someone who worked with grain, as "pizzolo" means millstone in Neapolitan dialect. The family name Pizzolitto can be found throughout Italy, particularly in regions such as Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna due to migration during the 19th century.

In North America, the surname is most prevalent in countries like Canada and the United States, where Italian immigrants settled in large numbers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the United States, the highest concentrations of Pizzolittos can be found in states like New York, California, and Pennsylvania.

The family name has notable figures including Enzo Pizzolitto, an Italian singer-songwriter, and Fabio Pizzolitto, a professional footballer who played for clubs such as Juventus and SSC Napoli. Research on the Pizzolitto family tree is ongoing, with many genealogists seeking to uncover more about this fascinating surname's history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "pizzolitto"
• 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 : 26 July 2025

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