Show ContentsColombo History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Colombo is derived from the Italian word "colombo," which in turn comes from the Latin "columbe," meaning "dove." As a surname, it may have been occupational for someone who raised and sold doves. The popularity of the personal name Colombo, which was prevalent in the Middle Ages, may be explained by the fact that the dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit and is an expression of endearment and love.

Early Origins of the Colombo family

The surname Colombo was first found in Genoa (Italian: Genova), a port on the Gulf of Genoa, capital of the province of Genoa. 4th century B.C it was occupied by the Greeks, destroyed by the Carthaginians in 209 B.C and restored by Rome who made it their headquarters. They survived the Lombard and Carolingan intrusions. Were well known for their naval prowess. Shipbuilding flourished in this natural sea port. Much migration took place to South America pre WWII. In those ancient times only persons of rank, the podesta, clergy, city officials, army officers, artists, landowners were entered into the records. To be recorded at this time, at the beginning of recorded history, was of itself a great distinction and indicative of noble ancestry.

Early History of the Colombo family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Colombo research. Another 127 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1199, 1300, 1367, 1440, 1451, 1492, 1549, 1550, 1580, 1635, 1676, 1691, 1694, 1735 and 1736 are included under the topic Early Colombo History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Colombo Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Colombo, Colomba, Columbo, Colombro, Colombani, Colombetti, Colombetta, Colombini, Colombrino, Colombazzi, Colombari, Colombara, Colombo, Colombi, Colomba, Columbo, Columbi, Columba, Colombro, Columbro and many more.

Early Notables of the Colombo family

Prominent among members of the family was

  • Cristoforo Colombo (Christopher Columbus), born in 1451 in Genoa; he became a talented navigator and is famous today for his discovery of America in 1492. Others of the name include Iacopo Colombi of...

Colombo World Ranking

In the United States, the name Colombo is the 7,690th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1 However, in France, the name Colombo is ranked the 2,202nd most popular surname with an estimated 2,894 people with that name. 2 And in South America, the name Colombo is the 70th popular surname with an estimated 65 people with that name. 3


United States Colombo migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Colombo Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Alessandro Colombo, who arrived in America on November 21, 1887 aboard the "La Champagne"
Colombo Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Agostino Colombo, aged 21, who landed in America from Milano, Italy, in 1907
  • Abbondio Colombo, aged 20, who immigrated to the United States from Chiavazza, Italy, in 1908
  • Achille Colombo, aged 36, who landed in America from Sacconage, Italy, in 1911
  • Adele Colombo, aged 23, who immigrated to America from Cuggiono, Italy, in 1911
  • Alessandro Colombo, aged 25, who immigrated to the United States from Beffalora, Italy, in 1911
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Colombo (post 1700) +

  • Charles Martin Colombo (1920-1986), American soccer player
  • Alberto Colombo (1946-2024), Italian racing driver
  • Umberto Colombo (1933-2021), Italian professional footballer from Como, Kingdom of Italy who played 367 matches as a midfielder from 1950 to 1967, member of the Italy National Team (1959-1960)
  • Angelo Martino Colombo (1935-2014), Italian professional footballer
  • Emilio Colombo (1920-2013), Italian politician, Prime Minister of Italy from 1970 to 1972
  • Corrado Colombo (b. 1979), Italian footballer
  • Luca Colombo (b. 1984), Italian football player
  • Angelo Colombo (b. 1961), former Italian footballer
  • Roberto Colombo, former Italian Grand Prix motorcycle racer
  • Realdo Colombo, Italian anatomist and surgeon from the 16th century
  • ... (Another 13 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)


  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
  3. "List of most common surnames in South America." Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_most_common_surnames_in_South_America


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