Find out how popular the last name Cilenti is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Cilenti.

Cilenti, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Cilenti surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Cilenti in America

Cilenti is the 86005th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Cilenti surname appeared 217 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Cilenti.

We can also compare 2010 data for Cilenti to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Cilenti

The surname Cilenti originated in Italy, with its roots traced back to the 15th century. It is believed to have derived from the Italian word "cilento," which refers to a geographical region located in the southern part of the Campania region. This area, known as the Cilento National Park, is renowned for its rugged mountains, pristine coastlines, and rich cultural heritage.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Cilenti can be found in the archives of the town of Vallo della Lucania, situated within the Cilento region. In a document dated 1472, a certain Giovanni Cilenti is mentioned as a landowner and prominent figure in the local community. This suggests that the Cilenti family had already established a notable presence in the area during that period.

During the 16th century, the Cilenti surname gained further recognition when Antonio Cilenti (1501-1578) emerged as a respected scholar and philosopher. Born in the town of Pollica, he studied at the prestigious University of Naples and went on to teach at various institutions across Italy. His works on ethics and metaphysics were widely acclaimed, cementing his place in the intellectual circles of the Renaissance era.

In the 17th century, the Cilenti family expanded its influence beyond the confines of the Cilento region. Records from the Vatican archives indicate that a priest named Francesco Cilenti (1620-1691) served as a papal emissary to several European courts, playing a crucial role in diplomatic negotiations during a turbulent period in European history.

The 18th century witnessed the rise of Gaetano Cilenti (1738-1819), a renowned artist and painter from the town of Castellabate. His exquisite works, featuring landscapes and religious themes, adorned numerous churches and private collections throughout Italy. Cilenti's artistic legacy continues to be celebrated in his hometown, where a museum dedicated to his life and works stands as a testament to his talent.

In more recent history, the Cilenti surname has been carried by notable figures such as Vincenzo Cilenti (1905-1988), a celebrated Italian writer and poet. Born in the town of Vallo della Lucania, Cilenti's literary works captured the essence of rural life in the Cilento region, earning him widespread acclaim and several literary awards.

While the Cilenti surname may not be among the most widespread in Italy, its rich history and deep-rooted connections to the Cilento region have left an indelible mark on the cultural tapestry of the country. From scholars and artists to diplomats and writers, the Cilenti family has contributed to various aspects of Italian society, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends generations.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Cilenti

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Cilenti.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Cilenti was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Cilenti has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Cilenti was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cilenti, please contact us.

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