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Last Name Gravano

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What is the origin of the last name Gravano?

The surname Gravano is believed to have Italian origins. It is derived from various place names in Italy, particularly towns such as Gravina in Puglia and Gravina di Catania. In these locations, the name is derived from the Latin word "gravina" meaning a small steep valley or ravine. Over time, this place name evolved into a surname for families who originated from these areas. The spelling variations of the surname include Gravano, Gravina, and other similar forms.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Gravano

The surname Gravano is an Italian name derived from various possible origins. One suggested origin is from a place name, "Gravana" in Sicily or Puglia, where individuals might have resided before adopting the name as their surname. Another theory suggests that it could be a occupational name derived from the Italian word "gravaio," meaning gravel or pebbles, possibly indicating someone who worked with these materials. The name has been recorded in various forms over the years, including Gravano, de Gravano, and Gravanella, reflecting changes in spelling due to regional dialects and recording methods. Like many Italian surnames, the specific origin of Gravano is not definitively known and may vary between different families bearing the name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gravano

The surname Gravano is primarily distributed across Southern Italy, specifically in regions such as Calabria and Campania. It originates from the town of Gravina in Puglia, where it is still prevalent. Emigrants from these areas, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, brought the surname to various parts of the United States, most notably New York City. In America, it can be found in densely Italian-American neighborhoods such as Brooklyn and Staten Island. Additionally, there are Gravano descendants in Australia, Canada, and other countries where Italian immigrants settled in significant numbers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gravano

The surname Gravano has multiple variations and spellings due to historical, regional, and linguistic influences. Some common spelling variants of this Italian surname include Gravana, Graziano, Grazzano, and Grassano. In English-speaking countries, it may also be found as Gravano or even Gravon. It is derived from the Italian toponym "Gravana," which comes from the Latin "gravanea" meaning "gravelled place." The surname likely originated from a family who lived near such a location or owned property there. Additionally, it may have been an occupational name for someone involved in the process of gravelling roads. The variations and spellings provide insight into the historical migration patterns and cultural assimilation processes experienced by people bearing this surname over time.

Famous people with the last name Gravano

The Gravano family is notable for its contributions to American organized crime and politics, primarily associated with the Gambino crime family in New York City. One of the most prominent members is Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, who served as underboss of the Gambinos from 1985 to 1990. He was instrumental in the convictions of over 40 mobsters and testified against his former boss, John Gotti, leading to Gotti's conviction and life imprisonment. Another notable figure is Gravano's son, Nicholas Gravano, who ran for mayor of New York City as a Republican in 2013. Despite his family's criminal history, he distanced himself from it and advocated for reform in the criminal justice system.

Genealogical research on the last name Gravano

The Gravano surname originates from Southern Italy, specifically the region of Calabria. It is a variant of the Italian surnames Gravano and Graziano, both derived from the Latin "granum," meaning grain or seed. The surname was likely first used as an occupational name for a worker related to grains, such as a miller or farmer.

Over time, the Gravano family migrated to other parts of Italy and eventually to various countries around the world due to economic and political factors. In the United States, many Gravanos settled in New York City, particularly within Italian-American neighborhoods like Little Italy and East Harlem.

Notable figures with the Gravano surname include Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, a former mobster who served as a high-ranking member of the Gambino crime family, and Salvatore Gravano, his son who became an FBI informant and author. Other notable individuals with the Gravano surname include politicians, businessmen, artists, and academics.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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