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

Pesto, 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 Pesto surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Pesto in America

Pesto is the 146011th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Pesto surname appeared 104 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 Pesto.

The history of the last name Pesto

The surname Pesto has intriguing historical roots that trace back to Italy during the Middle Ages. The name is believed to have originated from the Italian word "pestare," meaning "to pound" or "to crush." This etymology is consistent with the name's association with the pesto sauce, a traditional Italian condiment made by pounding or crushing ingredients like basil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese.

Records indicate that the earliest occurrences of the surname Pesto can be found in the Liguria region, where the pesto sauce originated. Medieval manuscripts from the 13th century reference individuals with the surname living in Genoa, a prominent city in Liguria. One of the earliest documented individuals bearing the surname was Giovanni Pesto, recorded in 1268 as a merchant in Genoa. His contributions to local trade and navigation were notable during that period.

Another notable individual was Lorenzo di Pesto, a landowner and minor nobleman in 14th-century Liguria. Lorenzo's name appears in various property and land records dating from 1342 to 1387, indicating his significant role in the local feudal system. These records reveal that Lorenzo Pesto managed extensive agricultural estates, which contributed to the region's economy.

In the 15th century, Benedetto Pesto, a member of the Catholic clergy, gained recognition for his scholarly work and diligent service to the church. Born in 1445 and passing away in 1502, Benedetto authored theological texts that were referenced in ecclesiastical writings well into the Renaissance. His legacy is often cited in historical accounts of the church's influence in Liguria during that era.

The surname Pesto also appears in maritime records of the 16th century. Marco Pesto, born in 1523, was an accomplished navigator and cartographer. His maps of the Mediterranean Sea were among the most accurate of his time, and he played a crucial role in Genoa's maritime dominance. Historical references to Marco's voyages and cartographic contributions are found in marine archives dating from 1546 to 1579.

By the late 18th century, the Pesto surname had spread beyond Liguria. Giuseppe Pesto, born in 1764, was an influential figure in the cultural and academic scene of Milan. His work as a historian and archaeologist brought him considerable fame, particularly for his studies of Roman antiquities. Giuseppe's meticulously researched publications from the early 19th century are still referenced by scholars today.

In summary, the surname Pesto is deeply ingrained in the history and culture of Italy, particularly in the Liguria region. Its origins are closely tied to the traditional methods of food preparation and the Italian language. Historical records highlight the significant roles played by individuals with this surname in trade, land management, religion, navigation, and academia from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance and into the modern era.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Pesto

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

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

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

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