Last Name Pizzut

The surname Pizzuti is of Italian origin. It derives from a diminutive form of the given name Pietro, which means "rock" or "stone" in Italian. The surname may have originally been used as a nickname for someone with a round or plump face, as the term "pizzo" in Italian can mean both stone and nose. In some cases, it could also be a regional variant of Pizzuti, which is common in central Italy, particularly in the regions of Marche and Umbria.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pizzut

The meaning and origin of the last name Pizzut

The surname Pizzuti is an Italian-derived name that originates from the word "pizzuto," which translates to "little bearded one" in Old Italian. This surname likely evolved as a descriptive nickname for someone who had a distinctive physical feature, such as a small beard or moustache. The name is predominantly found in regions of Italy like Abruzzo, Marche, and Tuscany, where it has been traced back to feudal times. It's one of the many Italian surnames that evolved from nicknames, occupations, or physical attributes, reflecting the social structure of medieval Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pizzut

The last name Pizzuti is predominantly Italian in origin and is distributed primarily within Italy, particularly in the regions of Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. Lazio, the home of Rome, has the highest concentration with cities such as Rome, Latina, and Viterbo showing a significant presence. In Emilia-Romagna, it is most common in Bologna and Rimini, while in Tuscany, Florence, Pisa, and Lucca have a considerable number of individuals bearing this surname. Beyond Italy, there are communities of Italian descent in various parts of the world that may also include individuals with the last name Pizzuti, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. The distribution outside Italy is largely due to migration waves from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pizzut

The surname Pizzut has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, phonetic interpretation, and regional dialects. Some common spelling variations include Pizutti, Pisutto, Pisutti, Pizzuto, and Pizziuto. These variations may originate from different Italian regions or reflect changes over time as a result of migration and assimilation. It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate separate family lineages, but rather differences in spelling based on regional dialects or personal preference. The original Italian root of the surname Pizzut is likely derived from the word "pizzo," meaning "peak" or "point."

Famous people with the last name Pizzut

The Pizzuti family, of Italian descent, has made notable contributions across various fields, particularly in the real estate and art industries in the United States. One prominent member is Albert Pizzuti, an American businessman who co-founded the Columbus-based real estate development company, The Pizzuti Companies, with his father John in 1976. They are known for developing numerous properties throughout Ohio, including the Easton Town Center, one of the largest and most successful lifestyle centers in the U.S.

In the art world, another notable Pizzuti is Ronald Pizzuti, an American collector and philanthropist who co-founded the Pizzuti Collection, a contemporary art museum based in Columbus. The collection, which focuses on emerging and underrepresented artists, has become a significant cultural asset in the city.

Another figure of interest is Alex Pizzuti, an Italian entrepreneur who founded Almax Group, one of the leading companies in the distribution of packaging materials for the food industry in Italy. His commitment to innovation and sustainability has made him a key player in the European market.

These examples illustrate the diverse achievements of individuals with the surname Pizzuti across different industries and continents.

Genealogical research on the last name Pizzut

The surname Pizzuti originates from Italy, specifically the regions of Abruzzo and Lazio. It is a variation of the name Pizzi, which is derived from the Italian word for "little pie," likely indicating that an ancestor was a baker. The first documented mention of the name dates back to the 13th century in the Abruzzo region. Throughout history, the family has been noted in various cities within Italy, including Rome and Ancona. Notable bearers of this surname include Girolamo Pizzuti, a 16th-century Roman philosopher, and Vincenzo Pizzuti, an Italian politician from the late 19th century. As immigrants began to leave Italy in large numbers during the 19th and early 20th centuries, many Pizzutis settled in the United States, particularly in cities such as New York and Philadelphia. Today, the surname can be found worldwide due to this migration.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "pizzut"
• 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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