Going through this project the number of permutations/misspellings of Pantoliano have been staggering. Not surprising when it is likely that the immigrants were illiterate, spoke only Italian, and had to deal with census takers/city officials who just wanted to move on to the next family.

So far we have

• Pantoliano
• Pantaleon
• Potaliano
• Bantoliano
• Patsliano
• Pandliano
• Pantolino
• Pautolious
• Pintalino
• Pantaliam
• Pondoliano
• Pontaliano
• Pantshano
• Ponduliano
• Pantiliano
• Panteliana
• Pandalino
• Vandalino
• Palentato
• Pantilano
• Pantagliano

Now you know why this has been so hard.  But which one is right?  By most accounts it is Pantoliano, which is still used by the Monte San Giacomese today.

Arguably, however, it derives from Pantaleone which liberally translated means always/all (Panta) lions (Leone).

We’re fierce.  Get used to it.