The surname Anzani has Italian origins. It is derived from a place-name in northern Italy, likely Anzano del Parco in the Emilia-Romagna region or Anzano di Puglia in Apulia. In Italy, many surnames originated from places where families originally lived or held lands. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Italian cities often used surnames as a way to identify people, especially in urban settings. The use of surnames became more widespread over time, with some regions adopting them earlier than others. In the case of Anzani, it's believed that this surname is of local origin from one of the places named above. However, the exact migration route and history may vary for different families bearing this name.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Anzani
The meaning and origin of the last name Anzani
The surname Anzani is an Italian name, originating from the region of Emilia-Romagna. It derives from the medieval noun "anzano," which means "ancient" or "elderly" in Old Italian. This surname was often given to someone who was considered wise and experienced within their community. Over time, the spelling has evolved to the more common form of Anzani today. The name has been recorded in various Italian regions since the late Middle Ages and is quite prevalent among Italians.
Geographical distribution of the last name Anzani
The surname Anzani is predominantly Italian and is most frequently found in regions such as Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Umbria. According to various sources, the name is a derivative of the given name "Anziano" or "Anzolino," which means "elderly" or "brave protector." In terms of geographical distribution, the highest concentrations of people with the surname Anzani outside of Italy can be found in Argentina, Brazil, and Switzerland, likely due to historical Italian immigration. Additionally, smaller communities with this surname can be found in other countries with significant Italian diasporas, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
Variants and spellings of the last name Anzani
The surname Anzani has various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include: Anzan, Anzano, Anzani-Doria, Anzani-Mangini, Anzanello, Anzanich, Anzanetta, and Anzanini. These variations may stem from regional dialects, misspellings, or changes in surname usage patterns over generations. In Italian, the surname Anzani is derived from the personal name Anzo, meaning 'bold' or 'strong', and indicates an origin from a place named with that name. The surname can also be found among individuals of Italian descent living in other countries, such as the United States and Canada.
Famous people with the last name Anzani
Notable individuals with the surname Anzani include:
1. Angelo Anzani (1873-1924), an Italian engineer and inventor who developed one of the first commercially successful two-stroke aircraft engines in the early 1900s, the Anzani 5HP.
2. Adolfo Anzani (born 1946), an Italian racing cyclist who competed professionally between 1970 and 1983. He won stages in major races like Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España, and was a member of the winning Italian team at the 1972 Summer Olympics.
3. Alessandro Anzani (born 1985), an Italian footballer who played as a goalkeeper for various clubs in Italy, including SSC Napoli, Bologna FC, and Hellas Verona. He represented the Italian national team at the under-20 level.
Genealogical research on the last name Anzani
The Anzani surname is of Italian origin and is believed to have derived from various locations in Italy, such as Brescia, Bergamo, and Lodi. Historically, the Anzani family can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with notable mentions in documents dating back to the 12th century. The name Anzani is derived from the occupational name "anzano," which refers to a miller or a person who operates an annone (a type of flour mill).
Throughout history, the Anzani family has produced notable figures in various fields. For instance, Alessandro Anzani was an early pioneer in the field of aviation, inventing an aircraft engine in 1870. Another significant member is Ermete Anzani, who was a successful entrepreneur and industrialist during the Industrial Revolution in Italy.
The Anzani family's migration patterns reflect the broader trends of Italian emigration, with many members settling in North America, particularly the United States and Canada, as well as South America and Australia, contributing to their global presence today. Genealogical research on the Anzani surname continues to uncover new connections and branches within this expansive family tree.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The last name Anz is of German origin. It is a variant of the surname "Anse" or "Ansel," which is derived from the Old High German personal name "Anselm," meaning "God's helmet" or...
Anzaldo is a Spanish surname that is of Basque origin. It is believed to be derived from the Basque word "anzaldua," which means "place of holly trees." The name likely originated ...
The last name Anzaldúa is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Basque word "anitz," meaning "many" or "abundant," and the suffix "-dua," which can indicate a place name or as...
The last name "Anzalone" is of Italian origin. It is primarily found in the southern part of Italy, particularly in the regions of Sicily and Calabria. The name is believed to have...
The last name Anzaralathiyoor likely has origins in the South Indian state of Kerala. It may be derived from a place name or a caste or community name in the region.
The surname "Anzarismail" likely originates from Arabic or Islamic roots. "Anzar" is a common Arabic name meaning "to see" or "to perceive," while "Ismail" is a common given name i...
The last name "Anzarkhan" appears to have Persian origins, specifically from Iran. It is likely derived from a combination of Persian words or elements, but without further context...
The surname "Anzary" is of Arabic origin, specifically derived from the Arabic given name "Anzar" which means rain. This surname is commonly found in Arab speaking countries and re...
The surname Anzel is of Germanic origin. It is a variant of the name Angelo, which is derived from the Germanic elements "angele" meaning "angel" or "messenger" and "-wulf" meaning...
The surname Anzideo is of Italian origin. It is believed to have originated as a habitational name for someone who lived in or near the village of Anzio, in the Lazio region of Ita...
The surname "Anzni" is of unclear origin and meaning. It does not have a widely known or documented etymology. It may be a rare or unique surname with limited historical records av...
The surname Anzolin originates from Italy and is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Anzelmo or Angelmo. These names are derived from the Old High German "Ansalg" whic...
The last name "Anzualda" is of Spanish origin. It is a surname that is most commonly found in the Basque region of Spain. The name likely originates from a specific place name or g...
