In The Godfather Returns, Winegardner writes that Corleone means "Lionhearted", and I know enough Italian to know that cuore is heart and leone means lion, however I read somewhere that the city was actually founded by Moors as Qur La Yun and the name was simply Italianized into Corleone.

Does anybody know which is true?

Its arabic origins is very likely true since Sicily was overrun by so many peoples including arabs. The origins of words is so interesting. How many times have I heard someone say that Ocho Rios in Mexico (?) means eight rivers when it is actually a corrupted spelling and pronunciation of a Mayan word for the location.

I didnt know that about Ocho Rios, which they pronounce ACCO RYOS.

The arabic theory is possible, cause a lot cities in Spain have arabic origins. I do know that the GF movies were not filmed in Corleone because it is too developed. They shot it in other towns.

This is a very interesting topic. I think there could be an element of truth in this. Richard the Lionheart (King Richard I of England) - also know as Richard Coeur-de-Lion - landed in Sicily in 1190 and established a base there. Perhaps the town was named after him?

The theory is this:

The city is founded in 9th century AD by Arabs (althoug some say it was already founded in the Byzantine empire) and got the name Qurliyun. When the Italians got the city they named it first Cuor Di Leone and after that just Corleone. Interesting fact: Some want to change the name back to Cuor Di Leone, just for the bad looks Corleone gives them (Godfather movies, Toto Riina etc)

Hmmmm, well I would love to live in a town called Corleone. If anything, it must boost tourism.

But, what was Toto Riina from Corleone?

Toto Riina, was the leader of the Corleone clan for some years ago. He was very .....rude. He killed members of the Cupola and did everything to get his power in the Mafia World. He also was called 'le buelva' (The Beast).

Ahhh, well now I know why they have a problem...Thanks Floors

I would have to say, one of the best resturaunts I've ever eaten at was called "Corleones'". It's an Italian joint in Orlando. Very good food, I walked away impressed. That was before I was ever introduced to la cosa nostra. I believe I was introduced when I found our VHS tape (taped from TNT or something). I rented the last two movies, didn't understand them, and eventually found my dad's copy of the novel. I read it, loved it, watched the movies, finally understood them, and to this day, the Godfather is and always will be my favorite book and movie(s). Thankfully, I received the DVD set as a gift a year ago. Much better than watching Mario cook everytime before the movie started. What channel is that? The one who has (or had) Mario the cook before showing some of their movies? I think it also censored the movies. I'm pretty sure I didn't see the horse's head in Woltz's bed, which took away from the story and added to my confusion.