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

Dio, 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 Dio surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Dio in America

Dio is the 78316th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Dio surname appeared 244 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 Dio.

We can also compare 2010 data for Dio 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 Dio

The surname "DIO" is believed to have originated in Italy, tracing its roots back to the ancient Roman period. It is derived from the Latin word "deus," meaning "god" or "deity," suggesting a possible connection to religious or divine significance.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the works of the Roman historian Livy, who mentioned a Roman senator named Publius Claudius Dio in the 1st century BC. This suggests that the name may have been initially adopted by Roman families during the time of the Roman Republic.

Another notable early reference to the name is found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The book records the presence of a landowner named Radulfus Dio in the county of Lincolnshire, indicating that the name had already spread beyond its Italian origins by the 11th century.

During the Middle Ages, the name appeared in various forms and spellings, such as "De Dio," "Di Dio," and "Dio di Sera," reflecting regional variations and influences. Some of these variants may have been derived from place names or locations associated with the name.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname was Girolamo Dio, an Italian painter who lived in the 15th century. His works can still be found in churches and galleries across Italy, showcasing the artistic legacy associated with the name.

Another notable figure was Giacomo Dio, a 16th-century Italian philosopher and theologian who wrote extensively on the relationship between faith and reason. His works were influential during the Renaissance period and contributed to the intellectual discourse of the time.

In the 17th century, the name gained prominence through the exploits of Cesare Dio, an Italian military commander who played a pivotal role in the Thirty Years' War. His strategic leadership and valor in battle earned him recognition throughout Europe.

The 18th century saw the birth of Antonio Dio, an Italian architect renowned for his contributions to the Neoclassical style. His designs can be seen in many grand buildings and monuments across Italy, showcasing the artistic and architectural talents associated with the name.

In the 19th century, the name was further popularized by Giovanni Dio, an Italian politician and statesman who played a crucial role in the unification of Italy. His efforts in shaping the country's political landscape and promoting national unity left a lasting impact on Italian history.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals who have carried the surname "DIO" throughout history, each contributing to its rich legacy and diverse cultural significance across various fields and eras.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Dio

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

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 Dio 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 Dio 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 Dio was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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