The surname Scarola, historically found in the Bari province of Italy— particularly in and around Grumo Appula—derives from the Italian word scarola, meaning “escarole,” a popular leafy green vegetable. While multiple factors may have shaped this surname over centuries, two leading theories stand out:
Together, these theories illuminate our connection to a vibrant agricultural history and the culinary traditions of Puglia. Embracing the story of the scarola leaf means celebrating both our family’s hardworking roots and the flavorful character of southern Italian life.
The Scarola surname has deep roots in Bari, Italy, particularly in towns like Grumo Appula, Palo del Colle, and Sanicandro, with some possible ties to Caserta. The majority of Scarolas in the U.S. are descendants of immigrants who arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with a few coming as late as the 1950s and 1960s. Many initially settled in New York (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) and New Jersey (Elizabeth, Clifton, Saddle Brook, Iselin, Howell, Metuchen) before some later generations moved to Florida, Maryland, Texas, Colorado, California, and even Australia and South Africa. A few Scarolas still live in Bari, maintaining an interest in family history.
Early Scarolas were often involved in the ice business, particularly in New York before refrigeration became widespread. Several also owned restaurants, including the well-known Scarola’s Restaurant in Brooklyn, and worked in trades like coal, oil, and upholstery. The name Vito is one of the most common male names, along with Leonardo, Giovanni (John), Joseph (Giuseppe), Michael, Anthony, Frank, and Angelo, while Rose, Margaret, Antoinette, Anna, and Josephine are frequent female names.
Scarolas traditionally had large families, often with 8-12 siblings per generation. Many descendants still seek connections with lost relatives, and some families have documented genealogical records tracing back to the mid-1800s. The family is culturally tied to Catholicism, with mentions of religious feast days in the Bronx and family reunions. While early generations worked in manual trades, modern Scarolas have branched into IT, education, design, music, acting, business, and government roles.
Overall, the Scarola family has a well-documented history marked by strong Italian-American roots, a legacy in business and trade, and a lasting interest in preserving its heritage.
We are honored to introduce Anthony E. Scarola, a descendant of the esteemed Scarola family, whose roots delve deep into the annals of history. Born in Passaic, New Jersey, in 1971, Anthony is not only a guardian of his family's legacy but also an embodiment of their enduring spirit:
This lineage, a tapestry woven through time, reflects not just a list of names but a saga of perseverance, tradition, and familial bonds. As we trace the footsteps of those who came before us, we gain not only a deeper understanding of our heritage but also a profound sense of responsibility to carry it forward with honor and pride.
Want to get your company listed? Contact us to request it.
Join us as we journey through the Scarola family’s remarkable heritage—a tapestry woven with resilience, tradition, and enduring bonds. Spanning centuries and continents, this legacy is more than a lineage; it’s a living story shaped by triumphs, trials, and the shared spirit that unites us.
We invite you to explore the unique stories and cherished customs that make the Scarola name a source of pride and curiosity. Discover how our ancestors’ experiences intersect with pivotal moments in history, and consider contributing your own Scarola photographs, documents, and memories. By sharing what you know, you’ll help us enrich our collective understanding and keep our legacy thriving.
Whether you’re a Scarola by birth, marriage, or simply an enthusiast of family history, your involvement is invaluable. Together, let’s celebrate the Scarola heritage, connecting past and present to inspire future generations.
Check out the Scarola Contact Archive.