Show ContentsCalo History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Although it has long been an Italian name, the ultimate origins of the Calo name are Greek, coming from the Greek word "cali" meaning "beautiful." The name was most likely taken on a surname quite arbitrarily, though perhaps the first bearer was a man of exceptional beauty.

Early Origins of the Calo family

The surname Calo was first found in Sicily (Italian: Sicilia), the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and the southern parts of mainland Italy. In later years, a few branches of the family spread to northern Italy, adopting the naming conventions there and changing their name to end in "i." Most of the family remained in the south, however, and kept the southern suffix "o." The name is of Greek origin, which explains its predominance in the south, closer to Greece. Coming from the Greek word "cali" meaning "beautiful" the name was probably purely ornamental, though perhaps it was given because the first bearer was a man of exceptional beauty.

Early History of the Calo family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Calo research. Another 47 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1272 and 1613 are included under the topic Early Calo History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Calo Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Calo, Cali, Cala, Cale, Calio and others.

Early Notables of the Calo family

More information is included under the topic Early Calo Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Calo migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Calo Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Belarmino Calo, aged 36, who arrived in New York City, New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Cabo Tres Forcas" from Sevilla & Narzo [1]
  • Pantaleo Calo, aged 43, originally from Molfetta, Italy, who arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Taormina" from Napoli, Italy [1]
  • Rosa Calo, aged 21, originally from Molfetta, Italy, who arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Taormina" from Napoli, Italy [1]

Contemporary Notables of the name Calo (post 1700) +

  • Francesco Calò (b. 1749), Italian painter of the late-Baroque period
  • Carla Calò (b. 1926), Italian actress and voice actress
  • Romano Calò (1883-1952), Italian film actor who appeared in 30 films between 1913 and 1945
  • Eugenio Calò (1906-1944), Italian soldier who was posthumously awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valour
  • José López Calo (1922-2020), Spanish musicologist from Porto do Son, Spain
  • Galinho Caló (b. 1946), Portuguese retired footballer
  • Calo Fonseca (b. 1959), American artist


  1. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result


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