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Last Name Buono

What is the origin of the last name Buono?

The surname "Buono" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the adjective "buono," which means "good" in Italian. This surname would have originally been used as a nickname for someone who was considered good-natured or virtuous. The name has also been found in other European countries where Italians immigrated, such as France and Spain.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Buono

The meaning and origin of the last name Buono

The surname Buono is of Italian origin and is derived from the adjective "buono," which means "good" in Italian. It has been used as a surname for centuries, primarily by families in Italy. Like many Italian surnames, it was often adopted to distinguish one family from another or to denote a particular trait or occupation. In some cases, it may have been given to children born on good days or under auspicious circumstances. The Buono family name has been recorded in various regions of Italy since the Middle Ages and can be found among the populations of Sicily, Calabria, Puglia, and Lombardy, among others. Today, individuals bearing the surname Buono can be found worldwide, particularly in countries with a significant Italian diaspora like the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Buono

The surname Buono, which translates to "good" in Italian, has its origins predominantly in Italy, particularly in the regions of Campania, Calabria, Apulia, and Sicily. However, it also has significant representation in other Italian-speaking countries such as Switzerland and Argentina. In Europe, small clusters of Buono families can be found in France, Belgium, and Spain, primarily due to historical migration patterns. Across the Atlantic Ocean, large communities with the last name Buono can be seen in the United States, particularly in states with a high Italian-American population like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and California. Additionally, the family name can be found in Brazil and Canada, primarily due to immigration from Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Overall, Buono is a widely dispersed surname with a significant concentration in countries with historical Italian influence.

Variants and spellings of the last name Buono

The surname "Buono" has various spellings and variations across different regions and time periods. Some common spelling variations include Buon, Bouno, Buona, Boono, Bonu, Bueno, Bueano, and Buena. These differences in spelling often result from the way names were transcribed or translated from Italian, Spanish, or other languages into English, as well as regional dialects and phonetic pronunciations. It's important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a different etymology or origin for the surname; rather, they reflect historical and cultural differences in naming conventions and transcription practices. Ultimately, all of these spellings are derived from the original Italian word "buono," which means "good" in English.

Famous people with the last name Buono

The Buono surname has been associated with significant figures across various fields. Notably, Frankie Avalon (Francesco Avallone), born in Philadelphia in 1940, is a renowned American singer and actor who gained fame during the late 1950s and early 1960s. In the world of sports, Tony Buono, an American football player, played as an offensive tackle for the Washington Redskins from 1986 to 1993. On the other hand, in the realm of academia, Robert Buono is a prominent scholar and author who has published extensively on topics related to higher education policy and leadership. Lastly, in the entertainment industry, Kym Buonocore, known professionally as Kym Whitley, is an actress and comedian best known for her roles in various television series such as "Madea's Family Reunion" and "Young & Hungry." These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements and impact of those bearing the Buono surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Buono

The surname Buono is of Italian origin, derived from the adjective "buono," which means 'good' in English. The first documented usage can be traced back to medieval Italy, where it was often given to children born during periods of prosperity or good fortune. Notable figures with this surname include the Italian-American mobster Charles Buono, the baseball player Bobby Buono, and the television personality Joey Buona from TLC's reality show "My Five Wives." The Buono family history is rich and diverse, with branches spread across Europe and North America. Over time, variations of the name have emerged, such as Buonanote, Buonaventura, and Buonomo. Genealogical research reveals that the Buono family tree includes a mix of merchants, artists, scholars, and tradespeople, reflecting the versatility and resilience of Italian immigrants in adapting to new environments while maintaining their cultural identity.

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 : 12 June 2025

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