Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Bencivenga

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Bencivenga?

The surname Bencivenga is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Benvenuto, which means "welcome" in Italian. The "-enga" suffix is a common Italian diminutive, making the name mean something like "little welcome". The name first appeared among the Lombard population in northern Italy and has since spread throughout the country and to other parts of the world as a result of Italian immigration.
Want to turn this name into a keepsake? Give a star certificate in their name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bencivenga

The meaning and origin of the last name Bencivenga

The surname Bencivenga is an Italian toponymic name, derived from a place-name, most likely from Benevento, a city in southern Italy. The name evolved from "de Benevento" or "da Benevento," indicating someone who was originally from Benevento. The prefix "di" or "da" in medieval Italian names often indicated nobility or feudal affiliation. Over time, the surname has been anglicized to Bencivenga, with the first part "ben-" meaning good or well and "-civenga" possibly derived from the Latin "civis," meaning citizen, or from the town name Benevento. The surname is common in Italy but can also be found among Italian immigrants in other countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bencivenga

The last name Bencivenga is predominantly Italian in origin and has a concentrated distribution within Italy, particularly in regions such as Calabria, Apulia, and Campania. These areas were historically affected by the Normans, who had significant influence in southern Italy, and this could potentially explain the high prevalence of the name in these regions. Outside of Italy, notable communities of individuals with the last name Bencivenga can be found in the United States, specifically in areas with a strong Italian immigrant population like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Other countries with significant Bencivenga populations include Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Australia, due to Italian immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bencivenga

The surname Bencivenga has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variants include Benziwenga, Benzivenga, Benzivanga, Bensiwenga, Bensivenga, and Benzivenga among others. These variations arise from factors such as dialectal differences, errors in transcription, and assimilation into new cultural environments. In Italian, the name originates from the phrase "ben chi viene" which means "well he comes". The surname Bencivenga is predominantly found in Southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Calabria, Campania, and Apulia, where it has been passed down through generations.

Famous people with the last name Bencivenga

Prominent individuals bearing the surname Bencivenga include:

1. Frank J. Bencivenga, an American politician who served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 1963 to 1984, representing parts of Queens and Nassau County.

2. Angelo Bencivenga, an Italian-American businessman and philanthropist, best known for founding the Pennsylvania-based retailer Rite Aid Corporation in 1962.

3. Anthony J. Bencivengo, an American lawyer and politician who served as a member of the New York State Senate from 1987 to 2004, representing parts of Staten Island and Brooklyn.

4. Gennaro Bencivenga, an Italian engineer and politician who was Italy's Minister for Education, Universities and Research from 2013 to 2014 in the cabinet led by Enrico Letta.

5. Nick Bencivengo, a Canadian ice hockey player who played for the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Islanders in the National Hockey League (NHL). He is also known for his work as a sports analyst and broadcaster.

Genealogical research on the last name Bencivenga

The surname Bencivenga originates from Southern Italy, specifically the region of Apulia and Calabria. It is a derivative of the personal name Benvenuto, meaning "welcome" in Italian. The family can be traced back to the Norman conquest of Sicily in the 12th century when the Normans brought many French surnames to Italy. Over time, the name evolved into various regional forms such as Benci, Benzi, and Benvenuti, with Bencivenga being one of the most common. The family played significant roles in Italian history, particularly in the Kingdom of Naples and the Duchy of Amalfi. Notable members include the Bencivengo family who were a prominent noble family in the 15th and 16th centuries, and Giuseppe Bencivenga, an influential lawyer and politician in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the name is widespread throughout Italy and also has significant populations in the United States, particularly in New York City.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Ben abd elltif

Last name • surnames > ben-abd-elltif

The last name "ben abd elltif" is of Arabic origin. "Ben" means "son of" in Arabic, indicating a patronymic lineage. "Abd" means "servant" or "slave" in Arabic, and "elltif" may al...

#2 Ben abdelgheni

Last name • surnames > ben-abdelgheni

The last name "ben Abdelgheni" is of Arabic origin, specifically of North African descent. It is a common surname in countries such as Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. The name "Abde...

#3 Ben addy

Last name • surnames > ben-addy

The surname Ben Addy originates from the Middle East, specifically from the region of Lebanon. It is derived from Arabic words "ben" meaning "son of" and "addy" meaning "just."

#4 Ben aguida bakadir

Last name • surnames > ben-aguida-bakadir

The last name "Ben Aguida Bakadir" appears to have origins in North Africa, particularly in regions where Arabic and Berber cultures intersect. The name "Ben" is Arabic for "son of...

#5 Ben ahmadi

Last name • surnames > ben-ahmadi

Ben Ahmadi is a surname of Arabic origin. The prefix "Ben" means "son of" in Arabic, and "Ahmadi" likely refers to a connection to the Arabic word "Ahmad," which means "highly prai...

#6 Ben ahmdan

Last name • surnames > ben-ahmdan

The surname Ben Ahmdan has Arabic origins. It is a common surname found among Arab and Islamic communities. The name "Ben" means "son of" in Arabic, while "Ahmdan" is likely derive...

#7 Ben aydi

Last name • surnames > ben-aydi

The last name Ben Aydi is of Arabic origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Aidi, which means "supporter" or "helper" in Arabic.

#8 Ben chaaban

Last name • surnames > ben-chaaban

The last name "Ben Chaaban" is of Arabic origin. The name "Ben" means "son of" in Arabic, while "Chaaban" is derived from the Arabic word for "goat herder." Therefore, the last nam...

#9 Ben chaabene

Last name • surnames > ben-chaabene

The last name "Ben Chaabene" is of Arabic origin. "Ben" means "son of" and is a common prefix in Arabic last names. "Chaabene" is likely derived from the word "Chaaban," which mean...

#10 Ben chakkroun

Last name • surnames > ben-chakkroun

The last name Ben Chakkroun is of Arabic origin. It is a combination of "Ben," meaning "son of," and "Chakkroun," which is likely a surname or family name. The name originates from...

#11 Ben chali

Last name • surnames > ben-chali

The surname Ben Chali is of Arabic origin. It is a combination of "ben" meaning "son of" and "chali" which is believed to be derived from the Arabic word "khali" meaning "pure" or ...

#12 Ben charfeddine

Last name • surnames > ben-charfeddine

The last name "Ben Charfeddine" is of Arabic origin. It is a common surname in Tunisia and other parts of the Arab world. The name "Ben" means "son of" in Arabic, while "Charfeddin...

#13 Ben ess

Last name • surnames > ben-ess

The last name "Ben Ess" is of Hebrew origin. "Ben" means son of in Hebrew, while "Ess" is a common Sephardic Jewish surname. It is likely that it originated as a patronymic surname...

#14 Ben fatima

Last name • surnames > ben-fatima

The last name Ben Fatima is of Arabic origin, specifically coming from the given name Fatimah, which means "one who abstains" or "one who weans." The prefix "Ben" in Arabic means "...

#15 Ben gad

Last name • surnames > ben-gad

The last name "Ben Gad" is of Hebrew origin and means "son of Gad." It is a patronymic surname derived from the Hebrew name Gad, which is borne from the Israelite tribe of Gad in t...