Last Name Azzano

The surname Azzano is derived from a place name, specifically from various locations in Italy named Azzano or Azzano Maggiore, which are found in the provinces of Como and Bergamo. It's a toponymic surname, meaning it originated from a specific geographical location where the original bearer lived. Toponymic names were common in the Middle Ages, as people often took their names from the place they called home or the village where they resided.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Azzano

The meaning and origin of the last name Azzano

The surname Azzano is of Italian origin and is derived from several possible sources. One hypothesis suggests that it is a topographic name for someone who lived near an ashen or burnt area, derived from the Italian word "azzano" which means "ashy" or "burnt". Another theory proposes that it is a habitational name for someone from Azzano, a place in Italy. The first recorded use of the surname dates back to medieval times, with the earliest known example being found in the records of the Republic of Genoa in 1250, where a certain Nicola di Azzo was mentioned. Over time, variations in spelling such as Azzani, Azzone, and Azzana have arisen due to differences in recording methods and regional dialects.

Geographical distribution of the last name Azzano

The surname Azzano is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the northern regions such as Piedmont, Lombardy, and Emilia-Romagna. It is also present in smaller numbers in other Italian provinces like Veneto, Tuscany, and Liguria. Beyond Italy, the distribution of the name Azzano is minimal but can be traced in some parts of Switzerland due to historical migration patterns between the two countries. Additionally, a small number of individuals with the surname Azzano can be found in various countries where Italians have migrated, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Azzano

The surname Azzano has several variations and spellings due to transcription errors during immigration, regional dialects, and time. Some common versions include Azanno, Azzan, Azzoni, Azzana, Azzanae, Azzane, and Azzanello. In Italian, the name is typically spelled as Azzano, derived from the place names Azzano in various regions of Italy such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Sardinia. The name can also be found in other European countries like France and Spain due to migration, with possible variations such as Azanou (France) or Azana (Spain). These variations highlight the diverse history and displacement of people bearing this surname over time.

Famous people with the last name Azzano

Notable individuals with the surname Azzano include:

1. Giovanni Azzano (born 1947), an Italian professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs, including Sampdoria and Juventus, and was a member of the Italy national team during the 1970s.
2. Fabio Azzano (born 1963), an Italian politician who has been a member of the Chamber of Deputies since 2018, representing the Lega party.
3. Marco Azzano (born 1975), an Italian racing driver who competed in Formula One between 1998 and 1999, driving for the Minardi team.
4. Paolo Azzano (1920-2009), an Italian philosopher and university professor known for his work on logic and semantics.
5. Stefano Azzano (born 1978), an Italian footballer who played as a defender, primarily in the Serie B for teams such as Spezia and Modena.

Genealogical research on the last name Azzano

The surname Azzano originates from Italy, particularly in the Liguria region where it is most common around Genoa and the surrounding areas. The name is believed to derive from the medieval occupations associated with stoneworking or masonry. Specifically, "Azzano" could be a diminutive form of "Macciascano," meaning 'son of the mason.' Over time, the surname spread throughout Italy due to migration and assimilation. In other parts of Europe, such as France and Switzerland, variations of the name like Azan or Azzensio can also be found, likely due to Italian immigration during the Middle Ages. Notable figures bearing the surname include Andrea Azzano, an Italian lawyer who was a prominent figure in the Italian Resistance movement during World War II.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Azzano"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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