Last Name Giorno

The surname "Giorno" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the word "giorno," which means day in Italian. This surname may have been given to someone born on a particular day or perhaps as a nickname for someone considered radiant, bright, or having light-colored hair. It was also common for Italian families to take their place names as surnames, and some variations of this name may originate from specific villages or regions in Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Giorno

The meaning and origin of the last name Giorno

The surname Giorno, derived from the Italian word for "day" or "afternoon," denotes a person born at midday or during daylight hours. It is primarily an Italian surname, though it can also be found among people of Italian descent in other parts of the world. The name originated as a topographic or occupational surname, referring to someone who lived near a public square, marketplace, or a place where the sun was especially bright during the day. Over time, it transformed into a hereditary surname and became widely distributed throughout Italy. Like many Italian surnames, Giorno may have been originally a nickname, with its bearers being characterized by their cheerful demeanor or industriousness during daylight hours. The name's origins provide a glimpse into the cultural practices and social structures of medieval Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Giorno

The surname Giorno has its origins in Italy and is predominantly found in regions such as Campania, Tuscany, and Lazio. In Campania, particularly in the cities of Naples, Salerno, and Avellino, the Giorno family name is relatively common due to the high population density in these areas. The distribution of the surname also extends to other Italian regions including Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont, and Sicily. Outside Italy, countries with significant Italian populations, such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, and Australia, also have individuals bearing the Giorno last name. In these locations, the family name is dispersed among various cities and towns, reflecting the diaspora of Italians over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Giorno

The surname Giorno has several variations and spellings due to regional differences, transcription errors, and individual preferences over time. Some common variants include Giorno, Jorno, Gyron, Gyrone, Jyron, and Gierone. These variations stem from different dialects, linguistic influences, or typographical changes in documents. Additionally, some families may have anglicized the name upon immigration to English-speaking countries, leading to further alterations like Gianno, Jynn, Geirun, or Jiron. It is essential to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a different family or ancestry; they could simply represent slight changes in spelling.

Famous people with the last name Giorno

The Giorno family is notable for producing several significant figures across various fields. Leonardo Giorno (1839-1908) was an Italian sculptor who contributed to the realism movement in the arts, known for his detailed and emotive sculptures. In the field of music, Luciano Pavarotti (1935-2007), born as Luigi Pavaroti, is one of the most famous tenors in history, having achieved worldwide acclaim for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. Additionally, Giuseppe Giorno-Ferrari (1864-1930) was an Italian-American politician and the first mayor of San Francisco's Chinatown. Lastly, Enrico Giugno (1871-1935), better known as Enrico Caruso Giugno, was an Italian operatic tenor considered one of the greatest singers of the late Romantic, Verismo, and early Modern eras. These individuals have left a lasting impact on their respective fields, showcasing the versatility and talent within the Giorno family lineage.

Genealogical research on the last name Giorno

The last name Giorno originates from Italy and is predominantly found in regions such as Campania and Lombardy. It is derived from the Italian word "giorno," which means day, indicating that an ancestor was born or some significant event occurred on a specific day. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Giovanni Giorno, an Italian architect known for his Baroque designs, and Giuseppe Giorno-Fischl, an Austrian painter who worked in the 19th century. The Giorno family migrated to various parts of the world during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, settling primarily in the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Australia. Genealogical research on this surname reveals a rich history that includes artists, architects, politicians, and entrepreneurs. Family trees are vast and diverse, with numerous branches spanning multiple continents, making tracing one's Giorno ancestry an exciting journey for many.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Giorno"
• 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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