Last Name Camano

Learn more about the origin of the last name Camano

The meaning and origin of the last name Camano

The surname Camano is primarily of Spanish origin, deriving from various locations named Camano in Spain, particularly in the provinces of Barcelona and La Coruña. These places are believed to be named after the river Camino or Camanó, which means "crooked" in Latin, likely due to the meandering course of the waterways in these areas. Over time, this place name evolved into a surname as families took up residence in specific towns and regions. The migration of Spanish speakers led to the dispersal of the Camano surname around the world, particularly in South America, North America, and other parts of Europe. Today, the Camano surname is distributed globally among individuals with Spanish ancestry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Camano

The surname Camano is predominantly concentrated in Spain, particularly in the autonomous community of Galicia, where it is one of the most common surnames due to its historical roots. In addition, significant numbers of individuals with the last name Camano can also be found in the neighboring regions of Asturias and Cantabria. Beyond Europe, a substantial number of people bearing this surname reside in South America, specifically in countries like Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay, as a result of Spanish migration during the colonization period. Additionally, smaller communities can be found in other parts of the world where Spaniards have emigrated, such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Camano

The surname Camano has several variants and spellings due to various factors such as transliteration, regional dialects, and migration-related changes. Some of these variations include Camann, Caman, Camanne, Camannes, Caman, Camon, Camanos, Camanes, and Camannis. These variations may be found in different parts of the world, with some being more common in specific regions or countries where the family originated or migrated to. It is important to note that these variants can have different pronunciations and meanings based on their geographical and historical contexts.

Famous people with the last name Camano

The Camano family has produced notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is John Camillo Camano (1937-2021), an American operatic tenor who had a prominent career in Europe, particularly at La Scala in Milan, Italy. Another well-known figure is Robert Camina, a NASA engineer and scientist who played key roles in the Apollo missions and served as the Space Shuttle's Chief Engineer from 1975 to 2000. In the world of visual arts, Richard Camano (born 1948) is an American painter known for his figurative and abstract works, while in literature, Robert Camino authored several books including "The Blue Room," which won the Whiting Award in 1976. Lastly, in the realm of music production, Jacknife Lee, born Daniel James Joseph Lynch-Harrison but professionally known as Jacknife Lee, is a British-Irish musician and producer who has worked with notable artists such as U2, Snow Patrol, and Taylor Swift.

Genealogical research on the last name Camano

The Camano surname is of Spanish origin and is believed to have derived from the region of Cantabria, in northern Spain. Historically, it was a common surname among Galician and Asturian immigrants to other parts of Europe, particularly Portugal and South America. In Portugal, the name has been recorded as Cambo or Cambeiro. The earliest records of the surname in the United States date back to the 19th century, with immigrants from Spain and Portugal settling primarily in California, Texas, and Florida. Notable individuals bearing the name include Juan de la Cruz Camano, a Spanish composer, and Frank Camano, an American football player. The Camano Islands in Washington State, USA were named after an early Spanish explorer of the region with the last name Camano.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Camano"
• 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 : 23 July 2025