History and Significance of the Surname Difilippo

Introduction

The surname DiFilippo is a common Italian surname that has spread to various parts of the world. In this article, we will explore the origins and meanings of the surname DiFilippo, as well as its distribution in different countries.

Origins of the Surname DiFilippo

The surname DiFilippo is of Italian origin, derived from the given name Filippo, which is the Italian form of the name Philip. The prefix "Di" in Italian surnames indicates "son of" or "descendant of," so DiFilippo can be translated to mean "son of Filippo." The name Filippo itself is of Greek origin and means "lover of horses."

Early Origins

The surname DiFilippo is believed to have originated in the southern regions of Italy, particularly in the regions of Campania, Calabria, and Sicily. It is common among families with roots in these areas, and many of them can trace their ancestry back to a common ancestor named Filippo.

Meaning of the Surname DiFilippo

As mentioned earlier, the surname DiFilippo can be translated to mean "son of Filippo." The name Filippo, in turn, means "lover of horses," indicating that the original bearer of the surname may have had a connection to horses or horse breeding. Alternatively, it could simply be a family name passed down from a patriarch named Filippo.

Variant Spellings

Like many Italian surnames, DiFilippo may have variant spellings or forms, such as DeFilippo, Difilipo, or Filippo. These variations can be attributed to differences in regional dialects and the way surnames were recorded in official documents over the centuries.

Distribution of the Surname DiFilippo

The surname DiFilippo is most commonly found in Italy, particularly in the southern regions mentioned earlier. However, due to migration and emigration patterns, the surname has spread to other countries around the world. Below is a breakdown of the incidence of the surname DiFilippo in different countries:

United States: 2202 incidences
Argentina: 259 incidences
Canada: 232 incidences
Italy: 153 incidences
Colombia: 147 incidences
Uruguay: 76 incidences
Australia: 70 incidences
Germany: 9 incidences
France: 6 incidences
Venezuela: 5 incidences
Belgium: 3 incidences
Mexico: 3 incidences
Bolivia: 1 incidence
Brazil: 1 incidence
Switzerland: 1 incidence
China: 1 incidence
Czech Republic: 1 incidence
Spain: 1 incidence
United Kingdom (England): 1 incidence
Haiti: 1 incidence
South Korea: 1 incidence

Implications of Distribution

The distribution of the surname DiFilippo in various countries reflects the historical movements of Italian immigrants and their descendants. The high incidence of the surname in countries such as the United States, Argentina, and Canada can be attributed to large-scale Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. On the other hand, the low incidences in countries like Switzerland, China, and South Korea may be the result of individual migration patterns or historical connections between Italy and those regions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname DiFilippo is a common Italian surname with roots in the southern regions of Italy. Its meaning, origins, and distribution across different countries provide insights into the historical movements of Italian families and their descendants. The variations in spelling and incidence of the surname reflect the complex history of Italian migration and settlement around the world.