Last Name Anselmo

The last name "Anselmo" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the given name "Anselm," which has Germanic roots meaning "helmet of God" or "protected by God." Over time, this name was adopted by Italian-speaking populations and gave rise to surnames like "Anselmo."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Anselmo

The meaning and origin of the last name Anselmo

The surname Anselmo is of Italian origin, derived from the given name "Anselmo," which itself has Germanic roots. The name Anselmo is a variant of the Germanic name "Anselm," composed of the elements "ans," meaning "god," and "helm," meaning "helmet" or "protection." Therefore, the name Anselmo can be interpreted to mean "divine protection" or "divine helmet."

As a surname, Anselmo most likely originated as a patronymic, denoting that an individual was the "son of Anselmo." It was a common practice in medieval times to adopt patronymic surnames or surnames based on an ancestor's given name. Over time, the surname Anselmo would have been passed down through generations, becoming established as a hereditary family name.

Today, individuals with the surname Anselmo can be found predominantly in Italy, particularly in regions like Tuscany, Campania, and Sicily. People bearing this surname have likely descended from ancestors who were either originally from Italy or have Italian heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Anselmo

The last name Anselmo has a relatively widespread geographical distribution. It originated from Italy, specifically in the southern regions of Campania, Calabria, and Sicily. In these areas, the name Anselmo can be commonly found among the local population. As migration patterns increased in the 19th and 20th centuries, individuals with the surname Anselmo began to spread to other countries. Today, significant populations of individuals with the last name Anselmo can be found in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and the United States, particularly in states like New York and California where Italian immigration was prominent. Furthermore, due to globalization and the ease of travel, individuals with the last name Anselmo can now be found in various parts of the world, including Canada, Australia, and several European countries. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Anselmo displays a significant presence both in its Italian homeland and across multiple continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Anselmo

The last name Anselmo may have various variations and spellings depending on its geographical origin and historical influences. Some of the possible variations of Anselmo include Ancelmo, Anzelmo, and Ancelme. These variations can be attributed to different regional dialects, historical linguistic changes, or anglicizations of the original surname. For instance, Ancelmo could be a variant spelling influenced by the Portuguese language or due to phonetic adjustments over time. Similarly, Anzelmo might have emerged as a result of regional dialects or pronunciation variations in specific areas. Additionally, Ancelme could be a variation influenced by French phonetics or migration of individuals to French-speaking regions. Understanding these variations and spellings helps trace ancestral roots, discover familial connections, and comprehend the diverse linguistic evolution of surnames like Anselmo across different cultures and regions.

Famous people with the last name Anselmo

Philip H. Anselmo, born in 1968, is a prominent figure in the world of heavy metal music. As the lead vocalist of the popular American band Pantera, Anselmo's aggressive and powerful vocal style became synonymous with the band's success during the late 1980s and 1990s. Known for his energetic stage presence and distinctive stage persona, Anselmo's contributions to Pantera's albums, such as "Vulgar Display of Power" and "Far Beyond Driven," earned critical acclaim and propelled the band to international stardom. Following Pantera's dissolution in 2003, Anselmo continued to make significant contributions to the metal genre with various side projects and collaborations. He founded the band Down, which achieved considerable success with their debut album "NOLA" in 1995. Anselmo's enduring influence on heavy metal, both as a vocalist and a cultural figure, solidifies his status as a legendary name within the music industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Anselmo

The last name Anselmo has its origins in Italy. It may have derived from the Germanic name "Ans(h)elm," which combines the elements "ans" meaning "god" or "divinity," and "helm" meaning "helmet" or "protection." The name Anselmo has variations such as Anselma, Anselm, and Anselmi, which have been documented throughout history. Genealogical research indicates that the surname Anselmo has been present mainly in regions of northern Italy, such as Lombardy and Piedmont. It is believed that individuals with the last name Anselmo migrated to other parts of Italy, Europe, and even beyond. Today, individuals with the surname Anselmo can be found not only in Italy but also in countries such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Argentina, among others. The Anselmo family history expands throughout generations, and tracking the lineage can provide a fascinating insight into the ancestral heritage of those who bear the name.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Anselmo"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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