Last Name Fulgenzi

The surname Fulgenzi is of Italian origin and derives from the medieval given name Fulgenzio, which is a variation of the Latin name Fulgentius, meaning "shining" or "illustrious." It was originally used as a personal name during the Late Antique period in Europe. Over time, this name evolved into a surname, becoming increasingly common among Italian families. The surname Fulgenzi can be found primarily in central and southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Sicily.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fulgenzi

The meaning and origin of the last name Fulgenzi

The surname Fulgenzi originates from Italy and is derived from the medieval given name Folco or Folchard, which means "hawk" in Old High German. This name was popular among the Normans, who invaded southern Italy during the Middle Ages, and was often used as a nickname for someone with hawk-like features or characteristics. Over time, the name evolved into various forms such as Fulco, Folchino, and Fulgenzio in different regions of Italy. The surname Fulgenzi is a variant of Fulgenzio, which became popular as a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Fulgenzio." Today, the name is most commonly found in the Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany regions of Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fulgenzi

The surname Fulgenzi is primarily Italian in origin and is predominantly found within Italy, particularly in the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Lazio, and Umbria. Emilia-Romagna, located in northern Italy, has the highest concentration of individuals bearing this surname. Within Emilia-Romagna, the provinces of Bologna, Modena, and Reggio Emilia have the most Fulgenzis. Tuscany, another region with a significant number of people with this surname, is located in central Italy. Lazio and Umbria, both in central Italy as well, also have populations with the surname Fulgenzi. Smaller numbers of individuals with this surname can be found in other Italian regions and in other countries due to immigration, particularly to countries like Argentina, Brazil, Switzerland, Germany, France, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fulgenzi

The surname Fulgenzi has various spelling versions due to historical transcription errors, regional dialects, and immigration factors. Some common variants include Fulgencio, Fulgenchia, Fulgensi, Fulginci, Fulgenzio, and Fulgencia. These variations may also appear with diacritical marks in some cases, such as Fulgènzi or Fulgéncio. Additionally, the name may be found with different suffixes, such as Fulgenzi Jr., Fulgenzi Sr., or Fulgenzini, indicating familial lineage or generational differences. These variations highlight the diverse origins and adaptations of the Fulgenzi surname throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Fulgenzi

Fulgenzi is an Italian surname with notable figures in various fields. One of the most recognized individuals is Salvatore Fulgenzi (born 1964), an Italian politician who served as the mayor of Reggio Calabria from 2006 to 2015 and later as the Regional President of Calabria from 2018 to 2019. In the world of academia, there is Giuseppe Fulgenzi (born 1946), an Italian linguist who specializes in ancient Greek and Byzantine studies, having published numerous works on the subject. Lastly, in the realm of music, Fabio Fulgenzi (born 1963) is a renowned conductor and musicologist known for his work with orchestras such as the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and the Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, making the Fulgenzi name prominent in various aspects of society.

Genealogical research on the last name Fulgenzi

The Fulgenzi surname is of Italian origin, primarily found in regions such as Calabria and Sicily. Its etymology is believed to originate from the medieval Latin term "filius Guilielmi," which translates to "son of William" in English. This patronymic name, common in many European countries, indicates that the original bearer was a son of an individual named William.

The Fulgenzi family has a notable history in Italy, with some branches migrating to other parts of Europe and North America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the United States, significant populations of Fulgenzis can be found in cities like New York, Chicago, and Boston, primarily due to immigration from Southern Italy. The family has made notable contributions to various fields, including politics, academia, and arts. Notable individuals with the surname Fulgenzi include political figures such as Giuseppe Fulgenzi, who served as a member of the Italian Parliament in the early 20th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "fulgenzi"
• 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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