Last Name Cecchinel

The surname Cecchinel is an Italian patronymic surname, derived from the given name Cecco, a diminutive form of the name Andrea (Andrew). The name likely originated from southern Italy, specifically the Veneto region. It is common among Italians and is believed to have been initially used as a nickname for a young or lively person. Over time, the surname Cecchinel was passed down through generations, eventually becoming a permanent family name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cecchinel

The meaning and origin of the last name Cecchinel

The surname Cecchinel is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Cecco, a diminutive of the name Jacopo or Giacomo. The name Jacopo or Giacomo originates from the Hebrew name "Ya'akov," meaning "may God protect." The surname Cecchinel likely evolved in various regions of Italy during the Middle Ages, as naming patterns often reflected regional and local traditions. In Italy, many families adopted occupational names, patronymic names, or nicknames as their surnames to distinguish themselves from others within their communities. The surname Cecchinel is primarily found in Northern Italy, particularly in regions such as Veneto and Lombardy, suggesting its origins may be tied to these areas.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cecchinel

The surname Cecchinel has its origins in Italy and is predominantly found in the Veneto region, specifically in the cities of Padua and Treviso. Historically, this family was associated with the nobility of the Venetian Republic. Over time, Italian emigration waves, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, led to the dispersal of Cecchinels across various parts of Europe, North and South America, and Australia. In these countries, they have established communities primarily concentrated in cities with significant Italian immigrant populations, such as New York City, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, and Melbourne.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cecchinel

The surname Cecchinel has several variations and spellings due to historical factors such as transcription errors, regional dialects, and immigration processes. Some possible variants of this surname include:

* Cecchelini
* Cecchiniello
* Ceschinelli
* Ceschinella
* Cesschinelli
* Cechinel
* Checchinelli
* Tzecchinel (Italianized)
* Chechinel (Anglicized)

These variations may have developed over time as a result of minor changes in spelling, phonetic alterations, or attempts to adapt the surname to different languages and cultures. It's also worth noting that some families may have used different spellings for their surnames at different points in history, particularly when moving from one region to another or during the process of immigration.

Famous people with the last name Cecchinel

Among the notable individuals bearing the surname Cecchinel are:

1. Riccardo Cecchinel (born 1943), an Italian composer and conductor known for his contributions to contemporary music, particularly in opera and orchestral works.
2. Francesco Cecchinel (1806-1873), an Italian architect and engineer who played a significant role in the construction of several public buildings and monuments in Venice during the 19th century.
3. Giuseppe Cecchinel (1858-1923), an Italian painter and sculptor associated with the Macchiaioli movement, a group of Tuscan artists who rejected academic painting styles to focus on capturing the emotions and light of their surroundings.
4. Luigi Cecchinel (1872-1950), an Italian lawyer and politician who served as Minister of Agriculture in the government of Benito Mussolini from 1936 to 1943.
5. Paolo Cecchinel (born 1952), an Italian professional football player who played as a defender for several Italian clubs, including Milan and Torino, during his career in the 1970s and 1980s.
6. Luca Cecchinel (born 1988), an Italian sprint canoeist who has competed at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships since 2009.
7. Giorgio Cecchinel (born 1945), an Italian composer, pianist, conductor, and musicologist who is considered one of the most significant figures in the revival of 16th-century Venetian music.

Genealogical research on the last name Cecchinel

The Cecchinel surname is believed to have originated from the region of Veneto, Italy. Historical records trace its roots back to the early medieval period. The name is thought to be derived from the personal name "Cecino" or "Cesare," combined with the diminutive suffix "-ell."

The Cecchinel family was historically associated with the city of Vicenza, where many of its branches flourished. Over time, the family spread across Italy and migrated to various parts of Europe and the Americas due to economic opportunities and political upheavals. Notable descendants include artists, politicians, and scholars, reflecting the versatility and adaptability of the Cecchinel lineage throughout history.

Genealogical records indicate that branches of the family can be found in several countries today, such as Italy, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Brazil, highlighting the global reach of this notable Italian surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "cecchinel"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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