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Last Name Cupani

What is the origin of the last name Cupani?

The surname Cupani originates from Italy and is of Latin origin. It is derived from the Roman cognomen Cupa, which was used as a nickname for someone with a round or plump face. In some cases, it may also have been given as an occupational surname for a potter or cup maker. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins and interpretations, so this is one of the theories regarding the origin of the Cupani surname.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Cupani

The meaning and origin of the last name Cupani

The surname Cupani is of Italian origin, specifically associated with the region of Emilia-Romagna. It derives from various sources, but one of the most notable is from a personal name, possibly "Cupiano," which was a diminutive form of the name "Cupero" or "Cupore," derived from the Latin word "cupidus," meaning "desirous." Another possibility is that it comes from a place-name, such as Cupano in Lombardy. The surname first appeared during the late Middle Ages and became more common after the 16th century. Notable bearers of this name include Antonio José Cavanilles y del Castillo, a Spanish botanist who was also known as Cupani, and Giuseppe Maria Cupani, an Italian mathematician and physicist.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cupani

The last name Cupani has a significant presence in several regions, predominantly originating from Italy. In Italy, it is most commonly found in the Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy regions, suggesting an initial origin in those areas. However, the family's influence extends beyond these regions, with records showing Cupanis living throughout Italy over the centuries. The last name has also spread to other countries due to Italian immigration, notably to South America, particularly Argentina and Brazil, as well as to the United States, Canada, and Australia. In these countries, Cupanis are often found in urban centers with high populations of Italian descent, reflecting historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cupani

The last name Cupani has several variations and spellings due to linguistic and regional differences over time. Here are some of them:

1. Cupani - This is the most common spelling, derived from the original Italian surname.
2. Cupano - A variation of Cupani, often found in regions where phonetic pronunciation may lead to slight variations in spelling.
3. de Cupani - A possible aristocratic prefix that some members of the Cupani family might have added to their surnames.
4. Di Cupani - Another potential aristocratic prefix, similar to de Cupani.
5. Cupano-Cafarelli - A compound surname formed by combining Cupano with Cafarelli, another Italian surname.
6. De Cupani-Caffarelli - A variation of the compound surname, including both aristocratic and geographical prefixes.
7. Di Cafaro de Cupano - Another compound surname, where Cafaro is a variant of Cafarelli, and Cupano remains unchanged.
8. De Cupani-Caffaro - A similar compound surname, but with Cafaro as the primary surname and Cupani as a secondary or patronymic name.
9. D'Acupanii - An alternative spelling of the same origin, possibly influenced by local dialects or transcription errors over time.

Famous people with the last name Cupani

The Cupani family is notable for contributing to various fields, particularly in the realm of botany. One of the most distinguished members is Antonio Jose de Cavanilles y Carbonell, also known as Antonio José de Cavanilles (1745-1804). Born in Valencia, Spain, he was a renowned botanist who wrote extensively on natural history and plant classification. He published "Icones Plantarum Selectarum" and "Hortus Botanicus Canariensis." Another notable figure is Giovanni Batista Cupani (1606-1689), an Italian mathematician, astronomer, and physicist who made significant contributions to the study of optics. He was professor of mathematics at the University of Bologna and a member of several academic societies. Additionally, Filippo Cupano (1843-1903) was an Italian composer, conductor, and pianist who served as the first director of the Royal Chapel in Naples.

Genealogical research on the last name Cupani

The last name Cupani has its origins traced back to Italy, specifically in the region of Lazio. Giuseppe Antonio Cupani, an Italian botanist born in 1703, is considered one of the most prominent figures with this surname. He made significant contributions to botany and was a student of the famous Swedish botanist Linnaeus. Other notable individuals with the Cupani surname include Michele Cupani (1682-1749), an Italian painter, and Giovanni Battista Cupani (1703-1780), an architect who worked on several important projects in Rome. The family is believed to have originated from the town of Caprarola, near Viterbo, where the Cupani Castle still stands today. The lineage can be traced back to the 16th century, with records showing that many Cupanis held prominent positions in various fields during that time.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 25 July 2025

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