Last Name Gavino

The surname Gavino has its origins from the Iberian Peninsula, particularly Spain and Portugal. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name "Gavino," which is an old Hispanic form of the name Gavin. The name Gavin itself is believed to have Celtic origins, specifically derived from the Welsh name "Cadfan" or "Cadofan," meaning "battle lover." It's important to note that surnames like Gavino were often adopted as a means of identification and status within feudal societies.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gavino

The meaning and origin of the last name Gavino

The surname Gavino is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Basque region in northern Spain and southern France. It derives from the given name Gaspar or Gasiano, which was popular among Basques during the Middle Ages. The name Gaspar is thought to be derived from the Latin word "gasparius," meaning "treasurer" or "administrator." Over time, the name Gaspar evolved into the surnames Gasiano and Gavino in various regions of Spain. The surname Gavino can also be found in Italy, where it may have a different origin but is likely to be related to the Basque name due to historical migrations between the two areas. Today, the surname Gavino is relatively rare worldwide but is most common in Spanish and Basque communities, particularly in Mexico and South America, where many Basques emigrated during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gavino

The surname Gavino has a significant presence in various regions within Spain, particularly in the Balearic Islands, specifically in the island of Mallorca, and the autonomous communities of Valencia, Galicia, and Canary Islands. This name is also found among the Spanish immigrant population in several Latin American countries such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Argentina, where it has been adopted and passed down through generations. Additionally, there are pockets of Gavino families in the United States, predominantly in Florida due to historical immigration patterns from Cuba and Puerto Rico. The geographical distribution of this surname reflects historical events like colonization, migration, and cultural exchange that have shaped the diverse population dynamics within Spain and its global diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gavino

The surname Gavino has several variations and spelling alternatives. These include Gaveno, Gavenni, Gavini, Gavinon, Gavyno, and Gaweno, among others. Each variation may originate from different regions or time periods within the family's history. The root of the name is Latin, deriving from the personal name Gavinus, which is itself a derivative of the Roman name Gaius. The "i" at the end of some variants can indicate either a feminine form or a plural in certain languages and cultures. It's essential to research family history and genealogy records to determine the exact origin and spelling of one's surname for accurate identification purposes.

Famous people with the last name Gavino

Notable individuals with the surname Gavino include: 1. Juan Miguel Gavino - A Filipino politician who served as the representative for the second district of Zamboanga City from 2004 to 2010 and again from 2013 to 2016. 2. Maria Teresa Gavino - An Italian-American mathematician known for her contributions to algebraic geometry. She was the first woman to win the Gauss Prize in Mathematics in 2006. 3. Antonio Gavino - A Filipino actor and politician who served as a member of the House of Representatives from 1987 to 1998, representing the second district of Iloilo City. He is also known for his acting career, appearing in various Filipino films and television shows. 4. Josefa Gavino - A Filipina nurse who was awarded the Medal of Valor by then-President Ferdinand Marcos during the 1980s for her courageous actions during a hospital fire that claimed many lives. She is also known for her advocacy for the rights of nurses and healthcare workers in the Philippines. 5. Jose Gavino - A Filipino sculptor who was known for his realistic bronze sculptures, particularly his works related to Philippine history and culture. He was a member of the Siklab Artists' Group, one of the most influential art collectives in the Philippines during the 1960s and 1970s.

Genealogical research on the last name Gavino

The surname Gavino is of Spanish origin, specifically from the region of Galicia. It derives from the given name "Gabín" or "Gabino," which was popular during the Roman era and meant "a man from Gabii," an ancient town near Rome. Over time, as Spanish naming conventions evolved, many families adopted patronymic surnames, with the son's name being added to the father's given name, followed by the suffix "-o" or "-ez." This is likely how the last name Gavino came into existence. The earliest recorded spelling of the name appears in Galicia around the 13th century. Notable figures bearing this surname include several Spanish politicians, artists, and religious leaders throughout history. Today, Gavinos can be found primarily in Spain, particularly in Galicia, as well as in communities with Spanish descendants worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gavino"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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