Last Name Giambarresi

Learn more about the origin of the last name Giambarresi

The meaning and origin of the last name Giambarresi

The surname Giambarresi is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name "Giacomo" (James), which is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'supplanter' or 'one who follows.' The surname's development can be traced back to medieval Italy, where it was common for surnames to be based on the father's occupational name, geographical location, or personal attributes.

The addition of "barresi" indicates that an individual once held a position as a barrier or gatekeeper, likely in a castle or fortress. Over time, this surname has been variously spelled Giambarresi, Djambaresi, and other variations due to phonetic changes, transliteration, and regional dialects. It is most commonly found among the Italian population, particularly in regions such as Sicily and Calabria.

Geographical distribution of the last name Giambarresi

The surname Giambarresi is predominantly Italian, with the majority of its occurrences found within Italy. Specifically, it is most prevalent in regions such as Calabria and Sicily, reflecting the historical migration patterns from these areas. Outside of Italy, significant numbers of individuals with this last name can be found in countries with large Italian diaspora communities, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States, particularly in states like New York and New Jersey. In general, Giambarresi is a relatively uncommon surname globally, indicating its strong association with Italy and the Italian heritage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Giambarresi

The surname Giambarresi has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects over time. Some common variants include:

1. Giambarresi: This is the original Italian spelling, derived from the given name Gian (John) and the profession Bara (blacksmith).
2. Jambaresi: A less common variant in English transcription.
3. Zanbarrasi: A variant that originated due to phonetic changes over time or regional dialects, where 'Zan' is an alternative form of 'Gian' in some Italian dialects.
4. Imbarasci: Another variant derived from the same roots as Giambarresi but with different phonetic developments over time.
5. Di Giambarresi or De Giambarresi: These are forms that indicate the family belongs to a specific town or region, often prefixed by 'di' (from) or 'de' (of). For example, Di Giambarresi di Verona or De Giambarresi di Firenze.
6. Jambarese: A minor English spelling variation.
7. Gianbarrasi: Another variant due to phonetic changes over time, where 'rr' may be pronounced as a single 'r' in some Italian dialects or by non-native speakers.
8. Zanbarro: This is not a direct variant but rather another Italian surname that shares similar roots, derived from the given name Gian and profession Bara (blacksmith). However, it has a different ending, suggesting a separate family origin.

Famous people with the last name Giambarresi

The Giambarresi family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Antonio Giambarresi, an Italian mathematician known for his work on algebraic number theory and Diophantine equations. He served as a professor at the University of Pisa. In the world of sports, Giorgio Giambarresi is recognized as a former footballer who played for teams like Inter Milan and Napoli in Italy, as well as for the Italian national team during the 1970s. In entertainment, Paolo Giambarresi is an acclaimed actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, earning critical acclaim for his roles in "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and "The Great Beauty." Lastly, Marzio Giambarresi is a prominent political figure in Italy, serving as the President of the Province of L'Aquila from 2014 to 2019.

Genealogical research on the last name Giambarresi

The Giambarresi surname is Italian and originates from the region of Calabria, specifically from the town of Rossano in the province of Cosenza. Historically, it is believed that the name derived from the occupation of a "barberis" or "barbero," referring to someone who was a barber, or more likely, a member of a group of mercenaries known as the Barberini family during the Middle Ages. As with many Italian surnames, Giambarresi likely originated from a specific place name or occupation in feudal Italy. The earliest records of the Giambarresi family can be traced back to the 13th century, with several branches spreading throughout Calabria and Sicily over the centuries. Notable figures bearing the name include Cardinal Girolamo Giambarresi (1535-1602), an influential figure in the Roman Catholic Church, and Giovanni Giambarresi (1894-1973), a well-known physician and scientist.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "giambarresi"
• 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 : 25 July 2025