Last Name Caivano

The surname Caivano has Italian origins and is derived from the place-name "Caivano," a town located near Naples, Campania, Italy. This name is an example of a locative surname, which means it was originally given to people who lived in or were from a specific location. The town of Caivano is believed to have been inhabited since prehistoric times and was officially recognized as a municipality during the Roman Empire.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Caivano

The meaning and origin of the last name Caivano

The surname Caivano is an Italian patronymic name that originated from the Middle Ages. It is derived from the personal name "Caviano," which was a pet form of given names beginning with "Cavia" or "Gauiao." The latter is believed to have been derived from the Germanic elements "gawi," meaning "gaudy, gay," and "-haim," meaning "home."

Over time, the name evolved into its current form, Caivano. It is particularly common in the regions of Campania, Puglia, and Basilicata in Southern Italy, where it is thought to have originated. Like many Italian surnames, Caivano was often a way to identify someone's ancestry or occupation, such as a blacksmith (Cavaliere) or a farmer (Cavalieri). The name spread among various regions due to migrations and historical events like the Norman conquest of Italy in the 12th century. Today, it remains a common surname in Italy and has also been found in other countries with significant Italian populations, such as the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Caivano

The last name Caivano is primarily distributed in Argentina and Italy, reflecting its Italian origins. In Argentina, it is most commonly found in the Buenos Aires Province, particularly in the cities of La Plata, San Justo, and Tres Arroyos, where a significant number of Argentine Italians reside. The name also appears in other parts of the country, but less frequently. In Italy, the Caivano surname is prevalent in the Campania region, specifically in the province of Caserta, reflecting the historical migration patterns from this area to Argentina during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller clusters of Caivano families can be found in other parts of Italy, including Lazio and Puglia, but their numbers are significantly smaller compared to those in Argentina and Caserta.

Variants and spellings of the last name Caivano

The surname Caivano has several variations and spellings, primarily due to regional dialects and transcribing errors over time. Some of these variants include: Caviano, Caiavano, Cavian, Cavanao, Cavianu, Cavianno, Caveano, Cavieno, and Caviana. These variations can be found among people of Italian origin, as the name Caivano is an Italian patronymic surname derived from the given name Caius or Gaius, which was popular in ancient Rome. However, it's important to note that surnames are dynamic, and their spellings can evolve based on factors such as migration, cultural assimilation, and historical record-keeping. Therefore, if you discover a variant of the Caivano name that is not listed here, it does not necessarily mean it is incorrect or unrelated.

Famous people with the last name Caivano

The Caivano surname is of Italian origin and has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned individuals with this surname is Juan Pablo Caivano, an Argentine professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as San Lorenzo de Almagro and Boca Juniors in his native Argentina, and Fulham in England. He represented the Argentina national team at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and the 2011 Copa America. Another prominent Caivano is Giuseppe Caivano, an Italian mathematician who made significant contributions to number theory, particularly in the study of modular forms and elliptic curves. He was a professor at the University of California, San Diego. Lastly, there's Fabrizio Caivano, a Canadian actor known for his roles in TV series like "Trauma" and "Motive." Despite their different careers, these individuals share the same surname and have each left their mark on their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Caivano

The Caivano surname originates from Southern Italy, specifically the Apulia region. Historically, it was concentrated around the cities of Bari and Bitonto. The name is believed to be derived from a place-name or occupational name, possibly indicating someone who lived near a 'cava' (a small pit used for quarrying) or perhaps a stonecutter or mason.

The earliest recorded spelling of the surname dates back to the late 13th century in Italy, where it was found as Civano and later evolved into Caivano. Notable individuals with this surname include Giuseppe Caivano, an Italian painter known for his religious works; Antonio Caivano, a renowned Neapolitan composer; and Domenico Caivano, an influential politician in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The family's migration patterns have seen many Caivanos spread across Europe and North America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Caivano"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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