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

Festo, 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 Festo surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Festo in America

Festo is the 143847th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Festo surname appeared 106 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Festo.

The history of the last name Festo

The surname Festo has origins that can be traced back to Italy. It is believed to have originated during the medieval period, specifically around the 12th or 13th century. The name is concentrated in the regions of central Italy, particularly in areas such as Lazio and Tuscany. The name likely derives from the Latin word "festus," meaning "festive" or "joyous," indicating that the name may have initially been a nickname for a person known for their cheerful disposition or a family involved in organizing festivals.

Historical records indicate that the surname Festo was present in a variety of documents from the late medieval period onwards. One of the earliest instances of the name appears in the Archivio di Stato di Firenze, an archive within the city of Florence, in a document from 1270 that lists a Giovanni di Festo as a landowner. Another early record shows a Pietro Festo in a 1301 tax ledger from Rome, suggesting that individuals with this surname were present in both rural and urban settings.

In the 16th century, a notable figure carrying the surname was Alessio Festo, an Italian merchant born in 1530 and passing away in 1590. His trade records indicate that he was well-established, trading goods between Venice and other Mediterranean ports. Around the same time, another individual, Lorenzo Festo, noted in a 1570 census, served as a municipal official in Florence, highlighting the name's association with individuals involved in various professions and levels of society.

The surname appears to have slightly varied spellings in historical records, including "Festus" and "Festi," though "Festo" remained the most consistent. Another famous individual with the last name during the Renaissance was Caterina Festo, born in 1602 and dying in 1678, who was a well-known herbalist in Rome. Her extensive work in creating herbal remedies earned her a notable standing in medical circles, and she was often consulted by the elite for her expertise.

Moving onwards to the 18th century, Antonio Festo, born in 1715 and passing away in 1782, was a distinguished sculptor based in Florence. His work in producing religious statues and monuments can still be seen in various churches throughout Tuscany. His contributions to art and culture further cemented the name Festo in historical records.

Lastly, Michelangelo Festo, born in 1800 and dying in 1865, was a prominent military leader in the Papal States. His strategic prowess and leadership during conflicts in the unstable period leading up to the unification of Italy made him a notable figure. His military service played a crucial role in several significant battles, earning him a revered place in history.

Through these accounts, the surname Festo emerges as a name deeply rooted in Italian history, embodying a legacy of festivity, service, and prominence across centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Festo

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

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 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Festo 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.

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

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

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