The surname Palone has its origins in Italy, specifically in the southern region of Campania. It is thought to have emerged around the 13th century, derived from the Italian word 'palo,' meaning a pole or stake. This suggests that the name may have originally referred to someone who lived near a prominent pole or stake, or perhaps someone who worked with poles or stakes, such as a carpenter or builder.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Palone can be found in a document from 1327 in the town of Capua, near Naples. This document mentions a man named Giacomo Palone, who was a landowner in the area. There are also records from the 15th century that mention a family of Palones living in the town of Salerno, further south along the Amalfi Coast.

During the Renaissance period, the Palone name appears in several artistic and literary works. For instance, a fresco in the Church of San Lorenzo in Naples, dated around 1480, depicts a man named Antonio Palone, who is believed to have been a wealthy merchant or nobleman. Additionally, a play by the famous Neapolitan writer Giambattista Basile, written in the early 17th century, features a character named Palone.

One of the most notable individuals with the surname Palone was Girolamo Palone (1510-1589), a renowned architect and engineer from Naples. He was responsible for designing several churches and palaces in the city, including the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Palazzo Reale. Another notable Palone was Vincenzo Palone (1640-1718), a painter who specialized in religious works and whose paintings can be found in churches throughout southern Italy.

In the 19th century, the Palone name gained prominence with the birth of Giuseppe Palone (1820-1892), a politician and journalist who played a significant role in the Italian unification movement. He served as a deputy in the first Italian Parliament and was a vocal advocate for the rights of the working class.

Another prominent figure with the Palone surname was Maria Palone (1891-1974), a feminist and activist who fought for women's suffrage and equal rights in Italy. She was a member of several women's organizations and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of working-class women and their families.

Over the centuries, the Palone name has spread beyond its roots in southern Italy, but it remains most concentrated in the regions of Campania, Basilicata, and Calabria. While not an extremely common surname, it has left its mark on Italian history and culture, with individuals bearing this name contributing to various fields, including architecture, art, politics, and social activism.