Last Name Cavarzan

The surname Cavarzan is of Venetian origin and is derived from a place name in the region of Veneto, Italy. Specifically, it is believed to have originated from the town of Cavarzere, which is located near Padua. As with many Italian surnames, Cavarzan was likely originally a nickname or occupational name referring to someone from this specific location. Over time, the name became hereditary and was passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cavarzan

The meaning and origin of the last name Cavarzan

The surname Cavarzan is an Italian patronymic name derived from a given name. Its origins can be traced back to the Medieval period. The name Cavarzan most likely derives from the personal name "Carvallo" or "Carvalho," which are of Visigothic origin and were brought to Italy by the Goths. The suffix "-zan" is a common Italian diminutive suffix, often used to indicate a geographical place of origin. Over time, the name may have evolved from a nickname referring to someone who was from or associated with a specific location named Carvallo or Carvalho. It's worth noting that the surname has various spellings and regional variations, including Cavarzano, Cavarzone, and others, reflecting the historical and linguistic diversity within Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cavarzan

The surname Cavarzan is predominantly found in the northeastern region of Italy, particularly in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions. It originates from the town of Cavaresio, located in the Province of Pordenone, Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The name is also found in other Italian towns with similar names such as Cavaresis, Cavarsano, and Cavarzere, indicating a possible dispersal of the family from the original settlement over time. The surname Cavarzan has also been reported in small numbers in other countries with significant Italian diaspora communities, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. However, its frequency outside Italy is relatively low compared to its concentration in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cavarzan

The surname Cavarzan has several variants and spellings due to differences in translation, transcription, and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include Cavarzen, Cavarzane, Cavarzano, and Cavarzani. These variations may arise from the use of different diacritical marks, or from changes in spelling conventions or transliteration methods. The name likely originates from a place name in Italy, such as Cavarzere or Cavarzana, which are locations in the Veneto region. Other possible origins include the medieval personal name Carusio or Caruso, which could have been used as a surname and evolved into variations like Cavarzo or Cavarza. It is important to note that these variations may have different pronunciations, but all share a common root.

Famous people with the last name Cavarzan

Notable individuals with the surname Cavarzan include:

1. Giuseppe Cavarzan (1879-1963), an Italian operatic tenor who performed leading roles at La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera.
2. Marco Cavarzan (born 1955), an Italian politician, member of the Democratic Party, and former President of the Veneto region in Italy.
3. Tiziana Cavarzan (born 1970), an Italian actress who has starred in numerous films, including "The Best of Youth" and "The Solitude of Prime Numbers."
4. Giacomo Cavarzan (born 1988), an Italian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Sassuolo.
5. Maria Pia Cavarzan (1920-2000), an Italian operatic soprano, daughter of the tenor Giuseppe Cavarzan, and sister of baritone Tito Cavarzan.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as music, politics, and film.

Genealogical research on the last name Cavarzan

The Cavarzan surname originates from the Veneto region of Italy, particularly around the cities of Treviso and Belluno. Historically, the name is associated with the Cadore region, where it's believed to have derived from the locality "Cadore di Cavareno" in the parish of Zoppè di Cadore. The name likely evolved from the personal name "Carusanus" or "Carusano," which is a derivative of "carus," meaning dear in Latin.

Notable individuals bearing the Cavarzan surname include Antonio Cavarzan, an Italian actor and voice artist, and Giovanni Battista Cavazza di Cavarzana, an Italian Catholic cardinal who served as the Bishop of Treviso. The name spread to other regions of Italy as well as other parts of Europe due to migrations over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "cavarzan"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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