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

Pulcinella, 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 Pulcinella surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Pulcinella in America

Pulcinella is the 147095th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Pulcinella surname appeared 103 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 Pulcinella.

The history of the last name Pulcinella

The surname Pulcinella has its origins in Italy, specifically from the Campania region in the southern part of the country. This surname is closely linked to the traditional Italian commedia dell'arte character, Pulcinella, which emerged in the 16th century. The character Pulcinella is a stock figure in Neapolitan puppetry and theatre, often associated with being cunning and mischievous.

The name Pulcinella is believed to be derived from the Neapolitan dialect word "pulcina," meaning "chick" or "small chicken," possibly indicating a small, sly person. This etymology aligns with the diminutive and endearing nature of the character in traditional performances.

One of the earliest mentions of the Pulcinella surname in historical records can be traced back to the 17th century when it was used by families in Naples and its surrounding areas. Manuscripts and parish records from this period occasionally reference individuals bearing the surname, although documentation was not as systematically maintained as in later centuries.

A notable historical reference is the actor Silvio Fiorillo, who in 1620 brought the character Pulcinella to life in the stage performances of commedia dell'arte. Even though Fiorillo himself did not bear the surname, his portrayal entrenched the name within cultural history of the region.

Giuseppe Pulcinella, born in 1725 in Naples, is one of the earliest recorded individuals with this surname. He was a merchant known for his theatrical talent in private gatherings, following the tradition of the Pulcinella character. Records indicate he passed away in 1790, leaving behind several descendants who continued to reside in the Campania region.

Luigi Pulcinella, another significant figure, was born in 1801 in Amalfi. A noted craftsman and woodcarver, he was famous for creating intricate marionettes, contributing to the legacy of puppetry associated with the Pulcinella character. His works were appreciated not only for their aesthetic value but also for their contribution to regional folklore.

Maria Francesca Pulcinella, born in 1844, was an influential midwife in Naples. She played a vital role in delivering countless children and was a respected figure in her community. Her contributions to maternal health and the well-being of her clients underscore her prominence beyond the theatrical roots of her surname.

Antonio Pulcinella, a sailor born in 1883 in the town of Pozzuoli, was known for his navigational skills and voyages across the Mediterranean. His adventurous spirit was reminiscent of the cunning and resourceful nature traditionally accredited to the Pulcinella character. He passed away in 1952, leaving behind a legacy as a revered seafarer.

Lastly, another prominent person bearing the surname was Fabrizio Pulcinella, a 19th-century scholar who focused on folklore and the preservation of commedia dell'arte traditions. Born in 1857 in Salerno, his academic contributions provided valuable insights into the cultural practices surrounding the Pulcinella character. His works are still referenced in studies of Italian theatrical history today.

The surname Pulcinella is deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Italy, particularly in its theatrical and folkloric traditions. Over the centuries, individuals with this surname have carried forward the legacy in various forms, marking their contributions in diverse fields.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Pulcinella

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

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!