Last Name Casanova

The surname "Casanova" is of Italian origin and has a specific historical association with Giacomo Girolamo Casanova (1725-1798), a Venetian adventurer widely known for his romantic exploits. The name derives from the region of Treviso, in Veneto, Italy. The first recorded use of the name dates back to the 14th century, with various branches and spellings like Casanuovo, Casanova, and Casanovich appearing over time. However, it is Giacomo Casanova who popularized the name internationally due to his famous memoirs detailing his numerous love affairs, travels, and escapades across Europe. The modern-day use of "Casanova" often refers to a charming and seductive person, reflecting the character traits associated with Giacomo Casanova.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Casanova

The meaning and origin of the last name Casanova

The surname Casanova is of Italian origin and is generally associated with the famous Venetian seducer Giacomo Casanova (1725-1798), though it was not uncommon as a name before him. The surname likely derives from the place-name "Casano," which can be found in various regions of Italy, such as Veneto and Piedmont. It is composed of two elements: "casa" (house) and "novus" (new), indicating that it was once a new house or a reference to someone who moved to a new house. As for the association with Giacomo Casanova, his family originated from Venice and the surname was relatively common in that region at the time. However, due to his exceptional charm and notoriety, the name has since become widely associated with him and his lifestyle.

Geographical distribution of the last name Casanova

The surname Casanova is predominantly of Italian origin and is most frequently found in Italy, particularly in the region of Lombardy, where it is believed to have emerged. However, its influence extends beyond Italy's borders. Historically, there are significant populations of individuals bearing this name in parts of France, especially around Nice and the French Riviera, as well as in other regions such as Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Corsica. The name is also present in Switzerland, particularly in Ticino, where it shares linguistic and cultural similarities with Lombardy. In the United States, pockets of Casanovas can be found primarily in states with large Italian or French immigrant populations such as New York, Massachusetts, Florida, California, and Louisiana. While the name has spread globally through immigration and cultural influence, these regions retain a disproportionate concentration of individuals bearing the Casanova surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Casanova

The surname Casanova has several spelling variations, including but not limited to Casanova, Casanovas, Casanovitch, Casanove, Casanovi, Cazanova, Kassanoff, Cassanova, Kazanoff, and Kazanova (female form). These variations may have arisen due to differences in spelling conventions over time, errors in transcription, or cultural influences on pronunciation. The name is of Italian origin and is most famously associated with Giacomo Casanova, the Venetian adventurer known for his romantic exploits. Despite these spelling variations, all forms share the common roots in the Italian language and denote an individual from the region around Casanova, a village near Vizzola Ticino in Lombardy, Italy.

Famous people with the last name Casanova

Giacomo Casanova (1725-1798), born in Venice, is the most renowned figure associated with the surname Casanova. Known as a skilled seducer and adventurer, his memoirs, "Story of My Life," detail his amorous encounters and escapades across Europe during the 18th century. His exploits have led to the term "Casanova" becoming synonymous with a man who is particularly adept at wooing women. Another notable Casanova was the American-Italian artist, Frank Casanova (1906-1973), best known for his vivid murals and frescoes that adorn numerous buildings in Los Angeles, California. In the world of sports, boxer Rocky Casanova (born 1984) has made a name for himself in the ring with notable wins against top opponents. However, these individuals are not directly related to each other, as their surnames were derived from the same Venetian family name.

Genealogical research on the last name Casanova

The Casanova surname is of Italian origin, originally derived from the given name "Casanus" or "Casanovi," which translates to "new house" in Latin. This name was primarily used in regions such as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna during the Middle Ages. The famous Casanova, Giacomo, known for his romantic exploits, was born in Venice in 1725. He is believed to have taken his mother's maiden name, Casanova, after his father abandoned the family when he was a child. The Casanova family history is rich and diverse, with branches extending across Europe due to migrations during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance periods. Notable descendants include artists, scholars, and political figures, highlighting the multifaceted nature of this esteemed surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Casanova"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends