Last Name Pizzuto

The surname Pizzuto is an Italian surname derived from the occupational name "pizzaiolo," which means a maker or seller of pizzas. The name likely originated in regions such as Naples or other parts of southern Italy, where pizza was popularized during the medieval and early modern periods. The name spread to other parts of Europe and eventually reached North America through Italian immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pizzuto

The meaning and origin of the last name Pizzuto

The surname Pizzuto is an Italian surname derived from the occupational name "pizzaiolo," which means "pizza maker" in Italian. It is believed that the surname originated during the Middle Ages when many people began to adopt occupational names as a way of identifying their professions. The surname Pizzuto can be found primarily in regions such as Campania, Naples, and Sicily, where pizza was first popularized. The name may also have roots in the town of Pizzo, Calabria, where the surname is still common today. Over time, variations of the surname have emerged, including Pizzutti, Pizzuti, and Pizzuto-Calò.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pizzuto

The surname Pizzuto is predominantly of Italian origin and is widely distributed within Italy, particularly in regions such as Campania, Calabria, Abruzzo, Molise, and Apulia. These regions have historically been characterized by rural agricultural communities and fishing villages, which may contribute to the concentration of the surname in these areas. Outside of Italy, significant populations with the Pizzuto surname can be found in countries with large Italian diaspora populations, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. In the U.S., concentrations of the surname can be found in states with high Italian-American populations, such as New York, Pennsylvania, and California. It's worth noting that surnames often change or are anglicized during migration, so variations like Pisutti, Pisotto, or Pietruso may also appear in different countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pizzuto

The surname Pizzuto can have various spelling variations due to differences in translation, transcription, and regional dialects. Some of these include:

* Pizzuti
* Pizutto
* Pizutti
* Pisutto
* Pisotto
* Pisutti
* Pitzuto
* Pitzotti
* Pizzotto
* Pizzotty
* Piscuto
* Piscotti
* Piszuito
* Piszutto
* Piszutti

These variations may arise from minor misspellings, changes in pronunciation over time, or attempts to adapt the name to different languages and cultures. Regardless of the specific spelling, all these surnames share a common Italian origin, derived from the word "pizzuto," which means "little pie" in Old Italian dialects.

Famous people with the last name Pizzuto

The Pizzuto surname is notable for producing several significant figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Michael Pizzuto, an American actor best known for his roles in television series such as "Boston Public" and "Law & Order." In the world of sports, Lou Pizzo, born Louis Pizzuto Jr., was a legendary high school basketball coach who led Trenton Catholic High School to three New Jersey state titles. On the political front, Salvatore J. Pizzuto served as an American politician, representing the 20th District in the Delaware House of Representatives from 1985 to 1994. Lastly, in the realm of music, Frankie Pizzi, born Francis Joseph Pizzuto Jr., was a popular R&B singer and songwriter, known for hits like "You're So Fine." These individuals have contributed significantly to their respective fields, making the Pizzuto surname renowned globally.

Genealogical research on the last name Pizzuto

The surname Pizzuto, originating from Italy, is derived from the occupation of a pizza maker, with roots traceable to Sicily and Naples regions. Historically, the name has been spelled as Pisuto, Pizzo, or Pitzuto due to regional dialects and transcription errors during immigration. The family migrated in large numbers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily settling in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. In the U.S., they are most concentrated in cities with a high Italian-American population such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. Notable individuals bearing this surname include boxer Rocky Pizzuto, actor Peter Pizzuto, and musician Al Pizzuto. The Pizzuto family is a testament to the diaspora of Italian immigrants and their enduring cultural influence globally.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pizzuto"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends