NomOrigine Background

Last Name Canaro

What is the origin of the last name Canaro?

The surname "Canaro" is of Italian origin. It is derived from various places named "Canaro" throughout Italy, particularly in Sicily and Sardinia. The name is believed to be associated with the Latin word "canarium," which means "crane." This could refer to someone who lived near a marshy area inhabited by cranes or was occupationally linked to them, such as a crane maker. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins, and further research may be needed for a more definitive explanation in specific cases.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Canaro

The meaning and origin of the last name Canaro

The surname Canaro is of Italian origin, derived from the occupational name for a canon or church musician. The name originally referred to individuals who were employed as musicians in churches. The word "canaro" comes from the Latin term 'canonicus,' meaning 'a member of a choir of singers in a church.' Over time, the name spread beyond Italy due to migration and has become common in various parts of the world today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Canaro

The surname Canaro has its origins in Italy and is predominantly found in regions such as Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto. Historically, it was also common among Italian immigrants who settled in various parts of the world, particularly in South America, specifically Argentina and Uruguay, due to the large number of Italians who emigrated there during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In Europe, significant populations bearing the Canaro surname can also be found in France, Switzerland, and Spain, reflecting historical migration patterns from Italy. In North America, the largest concentrations are in the United States and Canada, particularly in urban centers with a strong Italian-American presence such as New York City, Chicago, and Toronto.

Variants and spellings of the last name Canaro

The surname Canaro has various spelling variations due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and individual preference over time. Some of these variations include Canarro, Canaru, Canaros, Canari, Canario, Canaris, Canarus, Kanaros, and Kanaro. These different spellings originated from the same Italian root word "canaro," which is derived from the Occitan words "cana" meaning reed and "-ar" indicating place of origin. The name was commonly given to individuals who lived near a reed-covered marsh or swamp. These variations demonstrate the historical migration and cultural assimilation of people with this surname, making it an interesting subject for genealogical research.

Famous people with the last name Canaro

The Canaros are a notable family of Italian and Argentine descent, known for their contributions in various fields such as music, politics, and sports. In the world of classical music, Gino Canarini (born Giuseppe Canarini) was an Italian violinist who became a principal violist at the Metropolitan Opera House. In Argentina, Enrique Santos Discépolo, born Enrique Canaro Varela, was a prominent figure in tango music, often referred to as the "poet of the city." On the political front, Jorge Canaré served as President of Paraguay from 1962 to 1963. In sports, Argentine footballer Ricardo Canario played for the Argentina national team and various clubs during the 1950s and 1960s. These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and accomplishments within the Canaro family lineage.

Genealogical research on the last name Canaro

The surname Canaro originates from Italy and is primarily found in the regions of Liguria, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna. It is a toponymic name derived from various places named "Canaro" throughout Italy. One such place is in the province of Cremona, Lombardy, which has been documented since the 12th century. The Canaros were feudal lords in this region during the Middle Ages. Another settlement named Canaro can be found in the province of Pisa, Tuscany. Some notable figures bearing the Canaro surname include Giuseppe Canaro (1858-1936), an Italian violinist and composer, and Giovanni Battista Canarini (1765-1825), an Italian painter from Florence. The migration of people with this name can also be traced to South America, particularly Argentina, where the Canaro family established a significant presence.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 29 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Canab cutiya (Last name)

surnames > canab-cutiya

The surname "Canab Cutiya" is likely of Indian origin. It may be derived from a particular region, community, or clan within India.

Canabrava (Last name)

surnames > canabrava

The last name Canabrava is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the words "cana" meaning sugar cane and "brava" meaning wild or fierce, possibly indicating a connection to a pl...

Cañadas (Last name)

surnames > canadas

The last name "Canadas" is of Spanish origin and is likely derived from the word "Canadá," which means "Canada" in Spanish. It is possible that individuals with this surname have ...

Canahuati (Last name)

surnames > canahuati

The surname Canahuati is of Arabic origin. It is a Sephardic Jewish surname that is believed to have originated in Spain during the medieval period. The name likely comes from a pe...

Canal (Last name)

surnames > canal

The surname "Canal" is of Italian and Spanish origin. In both countries, it is derived from a topographical name for someone who lived by a canal or waterway, or from an occupation...

Canalita (Last name)

surnames > canalita

The last name "Canalita" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "canal," which means canal or channel in Spanish. The surname likely originated as a descriptive or locat...

Canamadalagan (Last name)

surnames > canamadalagan

The surname "Canamadalagan" is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the words "kana" meaning 'there' or 'that', and "madalagan" which means 'steep' or 'slope'. This surname likel...

Cañamaque (Last name)

surnames > canamaque

The surname Cañamaque is of Spanish origin and it is derived from a place name. The term "Cañamaque" comes from the word "cañaveral," which means a grove or thicket of cane, and...

Cañameras (Last name)

surnames > canameras

The last name Cañameras is of Spanish origin. It derives from a professional occupation related to agriculture and livestock farming. Specifically, it refers to someone who tended...

Canamo (Last name)

surnames > canamo

The surname "Canamo" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "cañamo," which means "hemp" or "cannabis" in Spanish. This surname may have originally been a nickname for ...

Cananas (Last name)

surnames > cananas

The surname Cananas is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "caña," which means "reed" or "cane" in Spanish. This surname may have originated from a place name or as a d...

Cananeia (Last name)

surnames > cananeia

The last name "Cananeia" is of Brazilian origin. It is believed to be derived from the name of a city in Brazil called Cananéia.

Canape (Last name)

surnames > canape

The surname "Canape" appears to have multiple potential origins. One possible origin is French. "Canapé" is a French word that means "couch" or "sofa." It is possible that the s...

Canarias (Last name)

surnames > canarias

The surname Canarias originates from the Spanish region of the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands are a group of volcanic islands off the coast of northwest Africa. The name "Canar...

Canasi (Last name)

surnames > canasi

The surname Canasi is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word "cane" meaning "dog" or "hound". This surname may have originally been used to describe a person who ha...