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

Sampognaro, 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 Sampognaro surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Sampognaro in America

Sampognaro is the 115034th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Sampognaro surname appeared 152 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Sampognaro.

We can also compare 2010 data for Sampognaro 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 Sampognaro

The surname Sampognaro originated in Italy, specifically in the regions of Abruzzo and Molise. It traces its roots back to the late Middle Ages, likely emerging around the 13th or 14th century. The name derives from the Italian word "sampogna," which refers to a type of rustic pipe or shepherd's flute.

One of the earliest known records of the Sampognaro surname appears in a document from the town of Agnone, in the province of Isernia, Molise, dated 1492. This document mentions a certain "Nicola Sampognaro," suggesting the name was already established in the area by the late 15th century.

The name is believed to have originated as an occupational surname, referring to someone who played the "sampogna" or similar musical instruments. It may have been given to individuals who were musicians, performers, or perhaps even shepherds who used such instruments while tending their flocks.

In the 16th century, a notable figure bearing the Sampognaro name was Antonio Sampognaro, a renowned luthier (stringed instrument maker) from the city of L'Aquila in Abruzzo. Born in 1525, Antonio Sampognaro was renowned for his skilled craftsmanship and contributed to the rich tradition of instrument making in the region.

Another noteworthy individual with this surname was Giovanni Battista Sampognaro, a painter and fresco artist active in the 17th century. Born in Agnone in 1621, his works can be found in various churches and buildings throughout the Molise region, showcasing the artistic talents associated with this surname.

In the 18th century, the Sampognaro name gained further prominence with the birth of Nicola Sampognaro in 1743, a prominent lawyer and jurist from the town of Campobasso in Molise. He played a significant role in the legal and judicial affairs of the region during his lifetime.

Moving into the 19th century, one cannot overlook the contributions of Giuseppe Sampognaro, a renowned botanist and naturalist born in Agnone in 1824. His extensive research and publications on the flora and fauna of the Molise region earned him widespread recognition within the scientific community.

Throughout its history, the Sampognaro surname has maintained strong ties to its geographical origins in the regions of Abruzzo and Molise, where it continues to be found today. While the name may have evolved in its spelling over the centuries, its connection to the musical traditions and cultural heritage of these areas remains deeply rooted.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Sampognaro

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

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

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

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