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

Macaluso, 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 Macaluso surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Macaluso in America

Macaluso is the 7339th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Macaluso surname appeared 4,542 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 2 people would have the surname Macaluso.

We can also compare 2010 data for Macaluso 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 Macaluso

The surname Macaluso has its origins in the Italian island of Sicily, with roots tracing back to the medieval period. It is believed to have derived from the ancient Greek word "kalos," meaning "beautiful," and the Latin prefix "mac," which signifies "son of." This combination suggests that the name was initially bestowed upon the offspring of someone who possessed remarkable physical attributes or a distinguished character.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Macaluso name can be found in the Sicilian town of Palermo, where a certain Giovanni Macaluso was mentioned in a legal document dated 1342. This historical record not only confirms the surname's presence during that era but also hints at the family's potential influence within the local community.

Throughout the centuries, the Macaluso name has undergone various spelling variations, such as Macalusso, Macalusa, and Macalusi, reflecting the linguistic fluidity of the time and regional dialects. Interestingly, the name shares similarities with the Sicilian place name "Macaluba," which may indicate a connection to a specific geographical location or the family's ancestral origins.

Among the notable individuals who have carried the Macaluso surname, one can mention Vincenzo Macaluso (1778-1846), a prominent Sicilian painter known for his exquisite religious artworks adorning several churches in Palermo and surrounding areas. Another figure of historical significance was Giuseppe Macaluso (1809-1879), a renowned Sicilian lawyer and politician who played a pivotal role in the Risorgimento, the movement that ultimately led to the unification of Italy.

In the realm of literature, the name Macaluso gained recognition through the works of Salvatore Macaluso (1901-1981), a celebrated Sicilian poet and playwright whose verses captured the essence of the island's vibrant culture and traditions. His literary contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Viareggio Prize in 1949.

Moving into the modern era, one cannot overlook the impact of Emanuele Macaluso (1924-2021), a prominent Italian politician and trade unionist who served as the Secretary-General of the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) from 1970 to 1986. His tireless efforts in advocating for workers' rights and social justice have left an indelible mark on Italy's political and labor landscapes.

Throughout its long and storied history, the Macaluso surname has been carried by individuals from diverse walks of life, each leaving their unique imprint on the annals of time. From artists and politicians to poets and labor leaders, this name has transcended geographic boundaries and cultural divides, serving as a testament to the rich tapestry of human experiences interwoven within its legacy.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Macaluso

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

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

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

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