Last Name Trichilo

Learn more about the origin of the last name Trichilo

The meaning and origin of the last name Trichilo

The surname Trichilo is of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "τριχηλος" (trichēlos), which means "having curly hair." This surname was commonly given to individuals who were distinguished by their curly or wavy hair. The name has been recorded in various spellings and forms over the centuries, including Trichilos, Trichilo, and Trikillis. It is believed that Greek-speaking families adopted this surname as a means of identification, particularly during population migrations where individuals were often required to take on new names. Today, the name Trichilo is found predominantly among populations with Greek ancestry, but it has also been adopted by other ethnic groups through intermarriage or adoption.

Geographical distribution of the last name Trichilo

The surname Trichilo is primarily distributed across Eastern Europe, specifically in Ukraine and Russia, due to historical migration patterns and ethnic origins. According to data from FamilyEducation, it is one of the most common surnames in Ukraine, particularly in the western regions such as Lviv Oblast and Volyn Oblast. The name also appears in Russia, albeit less frequently, with concentrations primarily in the northwestern regions like Pskov Oblast and Novgorod Oblast. Additionally, there are smaller communities of Trichilos in the United States, Canada, and Australia, likely as a result of immigration from Ukraine and Russia over the past few centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Trichilo

The surname Trichilo has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription, translation, and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include Trichillo, Trichilli, Tritchilo, Tritchillo, and Tritchili. These variations arise from slight alterations in the spelling of the name, often due to factors such as differing transliteration methods or the influence of local dialects. While these variations may seem significant, they all share a common origin, with the name likely being derived from Italian words meaning "hair" and "little", potentially referring to someone with curly hair or a nickname for someone who was small.

Famous people with the last name Trichilo

Notable individuals with the surname Trichilo include:

1. Joseph V. Trichilo (born 1947), an American lawyer and judge who served as a United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York from 1992 until his retirement in 2015.

2. John Trichilo (1923-2012), an American political figure who served as the Mayor of Providence, Rhode Island from 1964 to 1974 and was a candidate for Governor of Rhode Island in 1978.

3. Lisa Trichilo (born 1965), an American actress known for her role as Officer Lucy Bates in the television series Cagney & Lacey from 1982 to 1988.

4. Vincent Trichilo (born 1960), an American composer and conductor who has worked extensively in opera, theater, dance, and film. He is also a professor of music at the University of Connecticut.

Genealogical research on the last name Trichilo

The Trichilo surname originates from Italy and is believed to be derived from the Greek word "trichela" meaning small tuft or lock of hair. Early records show that the surname was primarily concentrated in the regions of Abruzzo, Molise, and Calabria. One notable early record is that of Matteo Trichilo, who was a citizen of the Kingdom of Naples during the 16th century. The family migration patterns indicate that many Trichilos emigrated to North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with significant populations settling in the United States, particularly in New York City and its surrounding areas. In the United States, the surname has been documented in cities such as Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Yonkers. Notable individuals bearing the Trichilo name include Anthony J. Trichilo, who served as the 15th president of Fairfield University, and Joseph Trichilo, an American football player who played for the Green Bay Packers.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "trichilo"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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