Top 10 most common Sicilian surnames – 2
6. Rizzo
From “hedgehog” to indicate physical characteristics (spiky or curled hair) or temperamental (harsh) of the progenitor.
7. Greco
From the medieval Greek name, from the Latin graecus, “born in Greece / from Greece” and which therefore originally very probably indicated the origin of the progenitor. It could also be linked to nicknames with analogical value, for example, physically or temperamentally resembling a Greek (astute as a Greek).
8. Romano
From the Latin name Romanus which means “man / native of Rome”.
9. Grasso
Linked to physical characteristics ( Grasso can be translated as Fat ). Fat was synonymous with strength and good health and therefore the nickname had a positive auspicious connotation.
10. Di Stefano
Patronymic surname that derives from the proper name Stefano which means “garland, crown”. The surname spread from the Christian Middle Ages thanks to the cult of Saint Stephen protomartyr.
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How about Plaia?
I understand that the sur name Giardina or variations is like Smith or Jones in the USA why did it not make the list?
My family is also Giardina and Russo
Trapino
I understand it was changed from. DiTrapini when immigrated to America
Asked before : what is the meaning of the suffix “rino or arino” that follows some surnames like Sagarino, and Savarino and Barbarino ? Thanks !
It’s a diminutive. So for example, Barbarino could be the little one in the Barbaro family, or a little barbarian
I thought Spada was a common surname is Sicily? Spada is also featured in The Count of monte Cristo. Also pesce Spada?
What about LAO? Quite Asian – probably Marco Paolo era!
How about marinelli. Also marinella and marinello. Sciacca Sicily
How about “Gristina” province of agrigento
Lumetta from Pa’s side and Sapienza from Ma’s . Both families from Terrasini.
My late husband’s family came from Lacata, Agregento
My surname is Incorvaia. My late Husband’s family were from Lactate Agrigento
Palmeri was mothers maiden name from Villarosa and Enna. Seems to be making reference to their position with the Normans.. My name is Sauro, based on a job as well…. “keepers of the Mackerels”
My family came from Enna & Villarosa too! Material side was from Enna with the surname of DiDio Randazzo. Paternal line from Villarosa & surname of Cubba.
my grandmother comes from Villarosa, too. Last name is Cutrona.
What is the meaning of the suffix “rino or arino” that follows some surnames like Sagarino, and Savarino and Barbarino ? Thanks !
Lagatare/Lagatore
and SANTONOCITO that is from Catania but I was born and always lived in Palermo??
My birth father’s surname. I’m still searching for his identity.
My Sicilian family had short surnames,so what do we make of Fermo, father or Viva, mother
ma dove si trove la maggioranza di nome, DiPierro, Bernarde,Grasso,Bruno,Fantasia e Colucci ?
How can I find out about my maiden name Licari from Montelepre Sicily out of Palermo
Hi Elizabeth. Are you Betty Marin from Montebello, CA? This is Donna Domicoli, Ronnie’s daughter from San Pedro, CA
I understand the surname of Cutino, from Isola delle Femmine, is derived from the Portuguese Coutihno. Any information on this? Also Isolani names such as Siino and Davi are Jewish in origin. Is this true?
Siciliano? Not popular? Really?
How about Cipolla and Ribando
My maiden name was D’Orto. Family came over from Tres Castani (spelling) , not far from Catania and Motta de San Anastasia. Except for family, I’ve never seen our name anywhere. Any thoughts?
My husbands family came from Sant’Elia and the streets have all of his families names to this day. My family went to Sant’Elia 3 years ago all of our children and my husband. His family names are in that group but his family names are Busalacchi, Balestreri, Alito and Machi to name a few.
What about Scimeca? Curious to know..if it has a meaning or a town??
And MAIORANA from Palermo, not that it’s common. Someday I’ll do the research and let you all know!