Last Name Bigiani

The surname Bigiani is of Italian origin and is derived from a number of possible sources. One of the most common origins is from the town of Bagni di Lucca in Tuscany. In this case, it would have been an occupational name for someone who worked at the hot springs (bagni) in that town. Another possibility is that it could be a nickname derived from the Italian word "bigio" meaning dusky or swarthy complexioned. The surname Bigiani can also be found in other Italian-speaking regions, and its origins may vary slightly depending on the specific location.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bigiani

The meaning and origin of the last name Bigiani

The surname Bigiani is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Biagio (Italian for Blasius), which is a Christian name of Latin origin. It was borne by several saints, including Saint Blaise, a fourth-century bishop and martyr, whose feast day on February 3 is still observed in the Catholic Church. The surname Bigiani may have been originally bestowed upon individuals who were named after one of these saintly figures or were particularly devoted to them. Over time, the name became hereditary, passed down from generation to generation. In Italy, the name is most prevalent in regions such as Tuscany and Umbria.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bigiani

The surname Bigiani is primarily found in Italy and has its origins from the region of Tuscany, specifically in the city of Arezzo. Historically, it was common among families of noble descent or artisans, particularly blacksmiths. Over time, the name spread to other parts of Italy due to migration and assimilation.

In more recent times, Italian immigrants have brought the surname Bigiani to various countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, United States, and Australia, where there are substantial populations of Italian descent. The name can also be found in small numbers across Europe, particularly in countries with a history of immigration from Italy. Notably, there is a significant concentration of Bigianis in the city of New York, U.S.A., due to large-scale immigration from Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bigiani

The surname Bigiani has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common spelling variations include Biggiani, Biggiany, Bigiany, Bighiani, Biagini, Biagiani, Biagiany, and Byagiani. These variations may originate from minor errors during historical record-keeping or differences in pronunciation across different regions. Regardless of the specific spelling, they all derive from the Italian name, which is a patronymic surname originating from the given name Biagio (Italian for Blaise).

Famous people with the last name Bigiani

Notable individuals with the surname Bigiani include:

1. Francesco Bigiani (born 1962), an Italian politician who served as Undersecretary for the Environment, Land and Sea between 2018 and 2019 in the Italian government led by Giuseppe Conte.

2. Mario Biglino Bigiani (1914-2005), an Italian chemist known for his work on the synthesis of complex natural products such as taxol, a widely used anticancer drug. He was awarded the National Order of Merit by the French government in 1987.

3. Raffaele Bigiani (born 1946), an Italian politician who served as President of the Tuscany region from 2005 to 2015. He was also a member of the Chamber of Deputies from 1992 to 1994 and again from 2008 to 2013.

These individuals have made significant contributions in politics, science, and public service, reflecting the diverse talents and achievements of people with the surname Bigiani.

Genealogical research on the last name Bigiani

The Bigiani surname originates from Italy and is primarily found in regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name Biagio, which means "bringer of life" or "strength" in Italian. The name Bigiani may have been originally used as a nickname for someone who was lively or strong, or it could have been a diminutive form of the given name Biagio.

The Bigiani family is believed to have originated from the town of Bagnolo in Emilia-Romagna during the Middle Ages. Many members of the family migrated to other parts of Italy and Europe throughout the centuries, with significant populations found in cities such as Florence, Rome, and Naples. Some Bigianis also emigrated to other countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Bigiani can be traced back to the 16th century, with documents showing the existence of a Nicolo Bigiani in Bagnolo in the year 1528. The family's genealogy is rich and complex, with numerous branches and sub-branches spread across various regions. Research into the Bigiani surname continues to uncover more information about its origins, history, and distribution.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "bigiani"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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