Last Name Bonani

The surname Bonani is of Italian origin. It derives from a place-name meaning "good" or "beautiful valley" in the Venetian dialect. This name was often given to people who lived near or came from such a location. Variations of this name can also be found in other Italian-speaking regions, such as Lombardy and Tuscany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bonani

The meaning and origin of the last name Bonani

The surname Bonani is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "bonus" which means "good." This surname was often given to children born into families where at least one child had already been named with a positive or desirable name, hence the meaning "another good one" or simply "the good one." The use of patronymic surnames in Italy, like Bonani, became more prevalent during the Middle Ages. As families migrated and settled in different regions, variations in the spelling of the surname emerged over time due to differences in regional dialects and scribal conventions. Today, the Bonani surname can be found among Italian diaspora communities worldwide, with notable figures including the American actor Tom Bonanza (originally named Bonanzi) and the Swiss soccer player Marcello Bonanno.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bonani

The surname Bonani is predominantly distributed across two main regions: Italy and Brazil. In Italy, it is most common in the northern region of Veneto, particularly in the provinces of Treviso and Venezia, reflecting its potential origin from the city of Venice. Additionally, smaller populations can be found in other Italian regions such as Tuscany, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Umbria.

In Brazil, the Bonani name has a significant presence, particularly in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, where there is a large Italian immigrant population from Veneto and other northern Italian regions. Other Brazilian states with notable Bonani populations include Paraná, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais. The distribution of this surname in these locations suggests that many Brazilians with the Bonani name may have Italian ancestry.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bonani

The surname Bonani exhibits several variations and spellings, primarily due to the influence of regional dialects and transcription errors over time. Some common versions include Bonnani, Bonaîni, Bonanni, Bonneani, Bonnee, Bonay, Bonnay, Bouni, and Buonanò. These variations may also appear with slight changes in spelling or accent marks, depending on the country of origin. The name Bonani is most commonly found among people from Italy, where it derives from the Italian language. However, it can also be found among individuals of Italian descent living in other parts of the world. Despite these variations, the surname Bonani generally has its roots in the Mediterranean region and is associated with families of Italian heritage.

Famous people with the last name Bonani

Notable individuals with the surname Bonani include:

1. Giuseppe Bonani (1872-1936), an Italian botanist who was instrumental in the development and spread of viticulture, particularly in Argentina and Uruguay. He is often referred to as the "Father of Argentine Viticulture."

2. Luigi Bonani (1940-2017), an Italian-American molecular biologist who made significant contributions to cancer research, focusing on the study of retroviruses and their role in the development of leukemia.

3. Piero Bonanni (born 1958), an Italian conductor known for his interpretations of works by Verdi, Puccini, and Wagner. He has served as the Music Director of several renowned opera houses worldwide.

4. Sandra Bullock's maternal grandfather, John Weldon Bonani (1925-1993), was an American marine biologist who contributed significantly to the field, particularly in the study of sea cucumbers. He was a professor at the University of California, Berkeley.

These individuals demonstrate a wide range of achievements across various fields, from botany and marine biology to music and opera conducting.

Genealogical research on the last name Bonani

The Bonani surname is believed to have Italian origins, specifically from the region of Veneto and Emilia-Romagna, where it is thought to derive from the medieval occupations of "bona" (good) or "buon" (well) in reference to a craftsman or merchant. Some early records indicate that the name was also found in Spain during the Spanish Inquisition, suggesting potential Iberian roots as well. The Bonani family is noted for its contributions to various fields such as politics, science, and arts throughout history. One notable figure is Giacomo Bonanni (1659-1738), an Italian mathematician and physicist known for his work on mechanics and the theory of sound. Today, the Bonani family can be found in various parts of the world, including Italy, Spain, the United States, and South America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "bonani"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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