Last Name Totolo

The surname Totolo is of Italian origin. It is derived from a diminutive form of the personal name Toto, which itself comes from the Latin name Theodulus, meaning "God's gift." The use of diminutives as surnames was common in many European countries, particularly Italy and Spain, where they often served to differentiate individuals with the same given name. In this case, Totolo would have originally been a nickname for someone named Toto, and over time it became a permanent family name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Totolo

The meaning and origin of the last name Totolo

The surname Totolo is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Calabria, located in the southern part of Italy. It is believed to have derived from various sources, one possible explanation being that it originated as a nickname for someone who was short or stocky, derived from the Italian word "totolo," meaning 'little one' or 'tubby.' Another theory suggests that it might be a regional variation of the surname Tullio, which has Latin origins. Like many Italian surnames, Totolo is likely to have originated from a personal name or a geographical location during the Middle Ages when surnames were first introduced in Italy as a means of identification.

Geographical distribution of the last name Totolo

The surname Totolo is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the southern regions. According to data from FamilySearch, a significant concentration of individuals with this last name can be found in Calabria, a region located at the "toe" of Italy's boot-shaped peninsula. Smaller clusters of individuals bearing the surname Totolo are also present in other Italian regions such as Sicily and Sardinia. A notable diaspora exists, with many individuals of Italian origin carrying the Totolo surname in various parts of North America, primarily in the United States and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Totolo

The surname Totolo has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time, as well as regional dialects. Some common variants include Totolo, Totolo, ToTolo, and Todolo. These variations can occur when names are transcribed or translated from one language to another, or due to the phonetic spelling of the same name by different individuals. Additionally, over time, a surname may be misspelled or altered slightly, leading to additional variations. The original origin of the surname Totolo is not definitively known, but it could potentially be derived from a place name or a nickname based on a personal characteristic.

Famous people with the last name Totolo

The Totolo surname is relatively uncommon and has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Luciano Totolo, an Italian footballer who played as a goalkeeper for teams like Roma and Inter Milan. He represented Italy at the international level, including the 2006 World Cup. In the world of art, there's Pablo Atchugarry Totolo, a Uruguayan sculptor known for his public works displayed in several countries worldwide. In literature, Italian author Giuseppe Dessì, whose last name is often misspelled as "Desi" or "Di Sí," has published numerous books and won prestigious awards such as the Viareggio Prize and the Strega Prize. Although less famous, John Totolo, an American actor, has had roles in films like "The Wolf of Wall Street" and TV series like "Boardwalk Empire."

Genealogical research on the last name Totolo

The surname Totolo, originating from Italy, is primarily found in the regions of Calabria and Sicily. It is believed to have derived from the Italian word "totollo," meaning "little pot," due to its onomatopoeic resemblance to the sound a pot makes when it's being tapped. The Totolo family, like many Italian families, has a history that can be traced back several centuries. Notable figures with this surname include Giuseppe Totolo, an Italian engineer, and Giovanni Totolo, a renowned mathematician. The Totolo clan is also known to have migrated extensively, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with significant populations settling in North and South America, Australia, and various European countries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "totolo"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends