Last Name Degioannini

The surname Degioannini is an Italian surname that derives from the given name Giovanni (John) and the suffix -ini, a common Italian patronymic denoting "son of". In this case, Degioannini would mean "son of John" in Italian. Italy has a long tradition of surnames that were originally given names or occupational names, which became hereditary over generations. The use of hereditary surnames was officially adopted in Italy in the 19th century. Before then, people often went by their first name and additional descriptive names based on their place of origin, occupation, physical characteristics, or other distinguishing features. John (Giovanni) is a popular given name in Christianity, which may account for its widespread use as a surname in Italy. It is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." The popularity of the name John can be traced back to the New Testament, where John the Baptist and John the Apostle are significant figures.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Degioannini

The meaning and origin of the last name Degioannini

The surname Degioannini is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Giovanni (John). "De" is the Latin preposition meaning 'of' or 'from', and thus Degioannini signifies 'son of John'. This name variation may have originated in different regions of Italy, with the addition of the article "de" being more common in central and southern Italian dialects. It should be noted that numerous variations exist for this surname due to regional spelling differences, including Di Giovanni, De Giovanni, Degiovanni, DeGiovanni, and others. The name is common among people of Italian descent worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Degioannini

The last name Degioannini is predominantly found in regions with significant Italian and Greek populations, particularly Italy and Greece themselves. In Italy, it's most concentrated in Central Italy, specifically in Tuscany and Umbria. This can be attributed to the region's historical connections to Greece and the Byzantine Empire, where many Greek settlers migrated. Outside of Italy, the surname is also present in other Italian-speaking countries like Switzerland and Argentina, as a result of migration waves. In Greece, Degioannini can be found in urban areas like Athens and Thessaloniki. Globally, variations of this surname such as De Gioanni, De Gianni, and De Giovanni can also be encountered.

Variants and spellings of the last name Degioannini

The surname Degioannini has various spelling variants due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and recording errors over time. Some possible spellings include DeGiovanini, DeGiovannini, Di Gioannini, Di Giovanini, and Di Giovannini. These variations may appear in official documents, genealogical research, or other contexts where the surname is recorded. It's important to note that while these spellings may differ, they all share a common origin, being derived from the Italian given names "Giovanni" (John) and "di," meaning "of" or "belonging to." This surname indicates an individual who was once named Giovanni or whose family originated from the region associated with that name.

Famous people with the last name Degioannini

Notable individuals sharing the surname Degioannini include:

1. Giuseppe Degioannini (born 1947), an Italian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Roma and Inter Milan, as well as the Italian national team. He won the UEFA European Championship in 1968.

2. Stefano Degioannini (born 1981), an Italian professional basketball player who has played for various teams in Italy's top-tier league, Serie A.

3. Salvatore De Gioannini (1907–1986), a renowned Italian painter known for his works in the fields of Neorealism and Futurism. His art was exhibited both domestically and internationally.

4. Antonio Degioanni (1533–1588), an Italian composer of the late Renaissance, who made significant contributions to madrigal composition.

These individuals have achieved success in various fields, including sports, art, and music, showcasing the versatility and accomplishments within the Degioannini family name.

Genealogical research on the last name Degioannini

The Degioannini surname is of Italian origin and derives from the given name Giovanni, meaning "God is gracious." Variations of this surname include De Giovanni, Di Giovanni, and Giannini. The Degioanninis are believed to have originated from the region of Tuscany in Central Italy, where the name was first recorded in the late Middle Ages.

One notable bearer of the name is Giovanni Degioannini (1856-1937), an Italian painter and sculptor who studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. Another prominent Degioannini is Giuseppe Degioannini, a 20th-century Italian diplomat who served as ambassador to several countries, including Mexico, the United States, and Brazil.

The Degioanninis are primarily concentrated in Italy, with significant populations also found in other parts of Europe and North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, where many emigrated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in search of better economic opportunities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "degioannini"
• 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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