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Last Name Della-giovanna

What is the origin of the last name Della-giovanna?

The surname "della-giovanna" is an Italian patronymic name, derived from the given name Giovanni, which means John in English. The suffix "della" signifies 'of' or 'belonging to', indicating a connection to someone named Giovanni. This name may have been originally given as a nickname for someone who resembled St. John the Baptist or St. John the Evangelist, both important figures in Christian tradition. Like many Italian surnames, della-giovanna evolved from the naming system used during the Middle Ages when personal names were often combined with geographical locations or occupations to help distinguish individuals within a community. The specific origins of this particular name can vary depending on the region and family history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Della-giovanna

The meaning and origin of the last name Della-giovanna

The surname Della Giovanna originates from Italy and is derived from the Italian language, specifically the combination of two elements: "della" (of) and "Giovanna" (Joan). Historically, it was an aristocratic or noble title given to someone who belonged to a family named Giovanna. This type of surname structure, where "della" is used before a personal name, is common in Italian and Italianate surnames, signifying either territorial or lineage origin. The exact origin of the specific branch Della Giovanna may be traced back to various regions within Italy, such as Tuscany, Lazio, or Piedmont, but it's important to note that the precise family history and migration patterns may vary among different families bearing this name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Della-giovanna

The surname Della Giovanna has its origins in Italy and is predominantly found within that country. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Giovanni, which means "God is gracious" in Italian. Historically, it was often bestowed upon individuals born to fathers named Giovanni. While most prevalent in Italy, particularly in the regions of Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, and Campania, there are also significant numbers of people with this surname in other Italian-speaking countries such as Switzerland, Argentina, and Brazil, due to migration over the centuries. The distribution of Della Giovanna outside of Italy is relatively sparse compared to its frequency within Italy itself.

Variants and spellings of the last name Della-giovanna

The surname Della Giovanna has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and personal preferences over time. Some common variants include Del Giovanni, De La Giovanna, Dele Giovani, and Dell'Occhiaio (which means "of the blacksmith" in Italian). These variations arise from the substitution of 'della' with other prepositions or the omission of the apostrophe. Other less common variants might include Del Giovana, De La Giovane, Dele Giovani, and Dell'Occhiaio (without the accent mark). It is also possible to find this name written as Giovanella, derived from a diminutive form of Giovanni, which means John in Italian. These variations highlight the flexibility and adaptability of Italian surnames over the centuries.

Famous people with the last name Della-giovanna

The Della Giovanna family is notable for producing several distinguished individuals. One of the most renowned members is Salvatore D'Elia della Giovanna, an Italian World War II veteran who was awarded the Medal of Honor by the United States for his bravery in combat during the Battle of Anzio in 1944. Another prominent figure is Anna Della Gioia, a noted physicist and professor at the University of California, Berkeley. She has made significant contributions to the field of physics, particularly in the study of superconductivity and nanotechnology. Lastly, there's Italian fashion designer Vittorio Missoni, who, along with his family, founded the luxury fashion brand Missoni, known for its distinctive colorful knitwear designs. Although not sharing the exact surname Della Giovanna, they are an illustrious family with diverse accomplishments in various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Della-giovanna

The surname della-giovanna is an Italian patronymic name, originating from the personal name Giovanni (John). It is believed to have been first used as a surname during the Middle Ages when naming patterns began to emphasize lineage and geographic origin. The della-giovanna family is primarily found in central Italy, particularly in the regions of Tuscany and Umbria. Notable individuals bearing this name include Giovanni della Giovanna, a 15th-century Florentine merchant and banker who played a key role in the Medici's rise to power, and Andrea della Giovanna, an Italian painter active in the late Renaissance. The della-giovanna family tree is rich with artists, merchants, and political figures, demonstrating their significant contributions to Italian society throughout history.

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 : 11 August 2025

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