Last Name Bozzani

The surname Bozzani is of Italian origin. It is derived from various places named Bozano or Bozzana that are found across Italy, primarily in regions such as Liguria and Tuscany. In these areas, the name often originates from the Latin term "buxus," meaning boxwood shrub, which was a common feature of the landscape in these regions. It is also possible that the name is derived from personal names like Boso or Bosone, both of which are Old High German and Old Norse names meaning "stout" or "strong." Over time, the surname Bozzani spread throughout Italy and eventually reached other parts of Europe due to migration and colonization.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bozzani

The meaning and origin of the last name Bozzani

The surname Bozzani is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Bosio or Bozzo, which were medieval diminutive forms of the male personal name Bosone, itself derived from the Germanic element "boso," meaning "stout" or "strong." It was originally used as a nickname for a strong or robust individual. The surname Bozzani likely originated in northern Italy, where it is most common today. Over time, variations of the name have emerged due to regional dialects and spelling differences, such as Boscani, Boscagni, and Boscaini. Notable individuals with the surname Bozzani include the Italian painter Giovanni Battista Bozzoli (1608-1674) and the Italian astronomer Giuseppe Bozzetti (1925-2013).

Geographical distribution of the last name Bozzani

The surname Bozzani is predominantly Italian in origin and is most frequently found within Italy, particularly in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, and Tuscany. These areas were historically centers of the Genoese and Florentine Republics, where the name may have been concentrated due to migration or political affiliations. Beyond Italy, significant populations of Bozzanis can be found in other Italian-speaking countries such as Switzerland and Argentina. In terms of diaspora, there are also sizable communities of people with the surname Bozzani in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Brazil, mostly originating from Italian immigrants during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bozzani

The surname Bozzani has several variations and spellings in different regions and countries. Some common variants include Bosani, Bosani-Fabbri, Bosani-Ghiselli, Bosani-Naldi, Bosani-Pieroni, Bosani-Vismara, and Bosanis. These variations may arise due to differences in transcription over time or from the use of patronymics, which is a naming system based on the father's name or occupation. In Italian-speaking countries like Italy, Switzerland, and Argentina, the surname Bozzani is most commonly found. However, it may also appear as Bosany, Bosani, or Bossani in other languages and cultures due to immigration and assimilation. Additionally, some individuals may have variant spellings due to errors in record keeping or personal preference over time.

Famous people with the last name Bozzani

Notable individuals bearing the surname Bozzani include:

1. Giovanni Bozzi, also known as Giacomo Bozzali (1743-1809), an Italian composer and violinist during the Classical era.
2. Lucia Bozzani (born 1963), an Italian actress who has appeared in numerous films and television series since the 1990s.
3. Sergio Bozzi (born 1958), a former professional tennis player from Italy, reaching a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 27 in 1984.
4. Andrea Bozanni (born 1990), an Italian footballer who currently plays as a defender for Serie B club Perugia Calcio.
5. Giacomo Bozzano (1867-1932), an Italian anarchist and anti-fascist activist, known for his involvement in several anarchist groups throughout Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Genealogical research on the last name Bozzani

The Bozzani surname originates from Italy and is predominantly found in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Liguria. The name is thought to be derived from various Italian localities named "Bozzano," or from the medieval given name "Buozzo."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Bozzani family can be traced back to the 12th century in the city of Modena, Emilia-Romagna. Over the centuries, many branches of the Bozzani family migrated to other parts of Italy and later Europe, with significant populations establishing themselves in France, Switzerland, and South America.

Notable figures bearing the Bozzani name include Matteo Bozzani (1765-1832), an Italian composer, and Giuseppe Bozzano (1804-1879), a renowned violinist. The Bozzani family's genealogy is extensive, with multiple branches that have contributed to various fields, including music, academia, and politics.

Researching the Bozzani lineage can be an engaging endeavor for those interested in Italian history and genealogy. Genealogical resources such as civil records, church registers, and historical archives provide valuable insights into the lives of ancestors who bore this intriguing surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "bozzani"
• 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 : 26 July 2025

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