Last Name Genovese

The surname Genovese originates from Italy and is associated with the city of Genoa (Genova in Italian). This name is typically a patronymic, derived from the given name "Januarius" or a variation thereof. The Latin form of this name was Iohannes, which evolved into Giovanni in Italian. Over time, as the naming convention shifted to using occupational names or names based on one's place of origin, descendants of people named Giovanni began to be referred to as "di Genova" (from Genoa). As families migrated and surnames became more widespread, the name "Genovese" emerged. It is common among Italian-Americans, particularly those with roots in the Genoa region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Genovese

The meaning and origin of the last name Genovese

The surname Genovese is of Italian origin, derived from the city of Genoa, located on the Ligurian coast in northwest Italy. Historically, Genoa was one of the most important maritime republics during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The name "Genovese" is an Italianized form of the Latin name "JANUARII," which refers to January, as the city was a Roman colony established in January according to the Roman calendar. Over time, the name was adopted by individuals who hailed from Genoa or had connections with the city, serving as a marker of their place of origin or ancestry. Today, the surname Genovese is found worldwide, particularly among Italian diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Genovese

The surname Genovese has its origins in the Italian region of Liguria, particularly in the city of Genoa (Genova in Italian). Historically, it was prevalent among families who lived and worked in this port city during the Middle Ages. Over time, emigration waves from Italy, primarily to countries such as the United States, Argentina, Brazil, France, and Canada, have spread the Genovese surname globally. In the United States, for example, the highest concentration of people with the Genovese name is found in the states of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, which have significant Italian-American communities. Today, the Genovese surname can be found in many countries, reflecting the historical migration patterns from Italy and the diaspora of its descendants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Genovese

The surname Genovese has multiple variations due to spelling differences and regional pronunciations. Commonly found variations include: Genovesi, Genovazio, Genova, Genovasio, Genovesino, and Jenocevic (in the Slavic language). These variations originate from the same Italian root, "Genova," which is the name of a city in Liguria, Italy. This city is also known as Genoa in English. The surname Genovese may have been adopted by individuals who were either natives of Genoa or had ancestors originating from that region. Over time and due to migration, different spellings evolved to accommodate the pronunciation preferences and local dialects of various countries.

Famous people with the last name Genovese

Lorena Bobbitt and Sal Genovese are among the most notable individuals with the surname Genovese. Lorena Bobbitt gained international notoriety following an incident in 1993 where she severed her husband's penis, leading to widespread media coverage and a subsequent trial. She later became an advocate for domestic violence victims. Sal Genovese, on the other hand, is known for his career in professional baseball. Drafted by the New York Yankees in 1943, he played as a shortstop and second baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1945 to 1957. He was a key member of the Yankees teams that won five World Series championships during his career. Both Lorena Bobbitt and Sal Genovese have made significant impacts in their respective fields, albeit in very different ways.

Genealogical research on the last name Genovese

The Genovese surname is of Italian origin, derived from the city of Genoa, located in the Liguria region of northwestern Italy. The name can be traced back to the Middle Ages when families and clans began to adopt unique names for easier identification. Over time, various branches of the Genovese family migrated across Europe and the world, with notable migrations occurring to France, Spain, Malta, and later, the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries. In America, many Genovese families settled in New York City, particularly Little Italy's neighborhood of Mulberry Street, where they were involved in various trades such as fishing, farming, and later, organized crime. Today, the Genovese family name can be found worldwide, with notable figures in politics, arts, sports, and business. Genealogical research on the Genovese surname is ongoing to uncover more about its history and dispersal across continents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Genovese"
• 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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