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Last Name Dragna

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What is the origin of the last name Dragna?

The surname "Dragna" is of Italian origin and it is derived from a place name. It is believed to have originated from the town of Dragona in the province of Messina, Sicily. The name is derived from the Greek "drakon," meaning dragon, referring to a mythical creature or a symbol used in heraldry. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have been subject to variations due to regional dialects and scribal errors.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dragna

The meaning and origin of the last name Dragna

The surname Dragna is of Italian origin, specifically from the southern region of Sicily. It is derived from the Latin word "draconem," which means "dragon." This surname may have been originally given to someone who was thought to be fierce or powerful, much like a dragon. Over time, it became a hereditary name for various Italian families. The Dragna family, known for their contributions in art and science, originated from the city of Messina, Sicily. The surname has since been spread globally due to migration waves, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dragna

The surname Dragna has its origins in Italy and is predominantly found in regions such as Sicily, Calabria, and Campania. However, it has also been dispersed globally due to Italian immigration, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Significant populations of people with the Dragna surname can be found in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Argentina, Australia, and Brazil. In the U.S., states with the highest concentration of Dragnas include New York, Pennsylvania, California, Massachusetts, and Michigan. The spread of this last name reflects historical migration patterns and the diaspora of Italian communities around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dragna

The surname Dragna has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common variations include Dragna, Dragnaa, Dragnja, Draghn, Dragne, and Dragni. These variations may arise due to transcription errors, regional dialects, or changes in spelling conventions over time. The original root of the name is likely Italian, where it derives from the word "drago," meaning dragon. Additionally, there may be Slavic origins to the name as well, with similar-sounding surnames found in regions like Croatia and Serbia. The correct spelling of a person's Dragna surname depends on their family history and geographical location.

Famous people with the last name Dragna

Notable individuals with the surname Dragna include:

1. Frankie Yankovic (1915-1998), known as the "King of Polka," was an American musician who popularized polka music in the United States. He won five Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Polka Music Hall of Fame.

2. Louis Dragna (1893-1956) was an Italian-American mobster and a prominent figure in organized crime during Prohibition and the early years of the Mafia Commission. He was a key member of the Chicago Outfit, also known as the Chicago Mafia.

3. Vincent Thomas "Jimmy" Dragna (1908-1957), brother of Louis, was another prominent figure in organized crime and served as boss of the New Orleans branch of the Chicago Outfit.

4. Salvatore Dragna (1921-2014) was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who fought in World War II and later became a successful businessman in California, known for his philanthropic activities. He served as president of the American-Italian Cultural Foundation.

5. Joe Dragna (born 1963) is an American actor, best known for his role as Tony Blaze in the 1984 film Karate Tiger and as the voice of Vega in the Street Fighter video game series.

Genealogical research on the last name Dragna

The surname Dragna originates from Southern Italy, specifically Sicily and Calabria. It is derived from the Italian word "dragone," meaning dragon, which may have been used as a nickname for someone thought to be fierce or powerful, like a dragon. The surname first appeared in records during the 12th century, with early bearers of the name residing primarily in the cities of Messina and Reggio Calabria. Over time, the Dragna family expanded throughout Italy, and many members emigrated to other parts of Europe and America during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly to countries like Argentina, Canada, and the United States. Notable individuals with the surname include Italian actor Renato De Carolis and American professional wrestler Paul Roma, both of whom have roots traced back to Southern Italy.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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