Surname Sanfilippo - Meaning and Origin
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Sanfilippo: What does the surname Sanfilippo mean?
Sanfilippo is an Italian surname that originates from the word "San" meaning "Saint" and "Filippo" meaning "Philip". Hence, the surname literally means "Saint Philip". It is a patronymic surname often given to honor Saint Philip, one of the twelve apostles in the Christian tradition. This surname is common in Southern Italy, particularly in Sicily. Like many Italian surnames, it could have originally been given to an ancestor who had a devotion to Saint Philip, or who lived near a church or shrine dedicated to him.
Order DNA origin analysisSanfilippo: Where does the name Sanfilippo come from?
The surname Sanfilippo is of Italian origin, particularly from the Southern part of Italy, namely Sicily. The name is patronymic, derived from the Christian personal name "Filippo," and the prefix "San," meaning "Saint." Therefore, Sanfilippo translates to "Saint Philip" in English. Like many Italian surnames, it was often bestowed in honor of the patron saint of the child or the name day.
Today, the surname Sanfilippo is most common in Italy, particularly in the Sicilian regions of Palermo, Catania, and Messina. Many descendants of Italian immigrants also carry the surname in other parts of the world. The United States, for instance, has a sizeable population of Sanfilippos in states that house a large number of Italian Americans such as New York, New Jersey, and California. In addition, it can be found in parts of South America due to the extensive Italian immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries, primarily in Argentina and Brazil which have significant Italian-descent populations. Altogether, the surname Sanfilippo serves as a notable symbol of Italian heritage and Roman Catholic tradition.
Variations of the surname Sanfilippo
The surname Sanfilippo is of Italian origin and primarily found in Italy, specifically in the region of Sicily. Variations of the name itself appear to be quite rare due to its unique meaning, coming from the Italian words 'San', meaning Saint, and 'Filippo', meaning Philip. As such, the surname translates to Saint Philip and is likely associated with a particular reverence or devotion to this saint.
There may be instances where minor spelling variations could have been originated due to regional dialects, migration, or anglicization. For example, it could be slightly modified as SanPhillipo, SanPhillip, or Sanfilipo. However, documented versions of such variations appear to be rare.
There are numerous Italian surnames that also include the prefix ‘San’ such as Santoro, Santini, and Santoro which indicate a similar religious connection but not directly related to Sanfilippo.
The surname also exists in forms that refer to the name Philip, without the 'san', such as Filippo, De Filippo, Filipponi, or Filippini. But again, these are not variations of Sanfilippo, they simply share the element of the name Philip.
The broad range of Italian surnames shows great regional variety and complexity mainly due to the country's regional histories and dialects.
Direct variations/spellings or surnames of the same origin of Sanfilippo appear limited.
Famous people with the name Sanfilippo
- Alfredo Sanfilippo: Is an Argentine goalkeeper who played for several clubs in the Primera División Argentina.
- Johnny Sanfilippo: Famous radio and television announcer from the Greater Chicago area.
- Claire Sanfilippo: Professional musical theatre and operatic soprano.
- John Sanfilippo: A former American football defensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers.
- Emanuel Sanfilippo: Formerly a professional soccer player, now a coach and scout director for CA Independiente in Argentina.
- Mark Sanfilippo: A drummer for the progressive metal band Matheos.
- Gary Sanfilippo: An American alpinist, ski mountaineer, guide, and founder of the Sanfilippo Guiding Company.
- Mike Sanfilippo: An Italian now-retired professional basketball player who spent 14 seasons in the Italian League.
- Louis Sanfilippo: An actor and writer known for his creative comedic performances.
- Mauro Sanfilippo: A former professional basketball player for the Defensor Sporting in Uruguay.