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Last Name Borghesi

What is the origin of the last name Borghesi?

The surname Borghesi is an Italian patronymic surname, derived from the male given name Borgo or Borghetto, which means "little town" or "borough." This surname was originally used as a nickname for someone who lived in a small settlement or was born there. It became hereditary when the offspring of the original bearer continued to use it. The usage of patronymic surnames like Borghesi was common among the Romance-speaking populations, such as Italians, and dates back to the Middle Ages in Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Borghesi

The meaning and origin of the last name Borghesi

The surname Borghesi is an Italian patronymic name, derived from the given name Borgo, which was a diminutive form of Berto or Bertolo, both popular names in medieval Italy. The term "Borgo" itself means "town" or "village" in Italian. Over time, the name evolved into Borghesi, likely indicating that the original bearer lived near a town or village, or perhaps had a connection to a specific town or noble family named Borgo. The surname is most prevalent in Italy and is part of the broader group of Italian names that originated during the Middle Ages as the feudal system developed and individuals began to take on their lord's name as a form of identification, or derived from place names.

Geographical distribution of the last name Borghesi

The surname Borghesi is primarily Italian in origin and is most prevalently found in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. In Emilia-Romagna alone, it ranks among the top 2,000 surnames, with concentrations particularly in cities like Bologna, Modena, and Ravenna. The name also has a presence in other Italian regions such as Veneto, Lombardy, and Marche. Beyond Italy, significant numbers of Borghesi descendants can be found in various parts of the world due to immigration, with notable populations in Argentina, Brazil, Switzerland, France, and the United States, particularly in areas with large Italian-American communities like New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco.

Variants and spellings of the last name Borghesi

The surname Borghesi has various spelling variants, primarily due to regional dialects, transcription errors, or personal preferences over time. Some of these variations include Borghesi, Borghese, and Berghesi. The name is of Italian origin and is derived from the city of Borghese in Italy, which is associated with the powerful Roman family known as the Borgia or Borgia-Orsini. This surname can be found in different regions of Italy but is most common in central Italy, particularly in Tuscany and Umbria. The name is also present among Italian diaspora communities worldwide.

Famous people with the last name Borghesi

The Borghesi family has produced notable figures across various fields, making them renowned globally. In the realm of sports, Fabio Borghesi is an Italian former footballer who played as a defender and won multiple titles with clubs such as Juventus and Ajax Amsterdam. In the field of literature, Natalia Ginzburg, whose mother's maiden name was Borghesi, was an acclaimed Italian novelist and poet, best known for her works like "Family" and "Children of San Giovanni." In the world of science, Enrico Borghesi is a Swiss physicist who has made significant contributions to the field of materials physics. Lastly, in the arts, Gino Borghesi was an Italian painter active during the early 20th century, known for his figurative works and influence on Italian Futurism.

Genealogical research on the last name Borghesi

The Borghesi surname is an Italian patronymic, originating from the male given name Borghi or Borghesio, which means "dweller by the castle" or "castle-like enclosure." Historically, the Borghesi family can be traced back to the region of Emilia-Romagna, Italy. The earliest known records of the Borghesi lineage date back to the 13th century. Some notable members of this family include Gian Giacomo Borghesi (1620–1685), a prominent mathematician and philosopher, and Alessandro Borghesi (born 1962), an Italian composer and musicologist. The Borghesi family has also produced numerous individuals in the fields of politics, arts, and academia throughout Italy's history. Today, the Borghesi name can be found among the Italian diaspora in various parts of the world, particularly in countries with significant Italian-American populations like the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 28 July 2025

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