Origin & Meaning of the Palermo Surname
What does the last name Palermo mean?
The surname Palermo carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 8,165 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Palermo ranks as the #4,348 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Palermo come from?
The Palermo surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Palermo name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Palermo trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Palermo |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,348 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,165 |
| Per 100K People | 2.77 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Palermo
According to the US Census, the Palermo surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,165 Americans with the Palermo last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 89.42% |
| Black | 0.24% |
| Hispanic | 7.75% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.46% |
| Native American | 0.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.93% |
Popularity of Palermo Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Palermo surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Palermo surname decreased by 42 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Palermo Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Palermo ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Palermo Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Palermo Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Palermo
- ✓ The Palermo coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Palermo families live today
- ✓ Notable Palermo bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Palermo
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Palermo.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Palermo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Palermo
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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