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Last Name Iacovino

What is the origin of the last name Iacovino?

The surname "Iacovino" is of Italian origin and is derived from the given name Jacopo (Italian for James). In Italian, "-ino" is a diminutive suffix often added to names as a form of affectionate or familiar nickname. So, "Iacovino" would have originally been a nickname for someone named Jacopo.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Iacovino

The meaning and origin of the last name Iacovino

The surname Iacovino is an Italian name that derives from the occupational or nickname for a small wine-maker or vintner, specifically one who makes small quantities of wine at home. The name comes from the Italian word "iacopo," which means Jacob in Hebrew, and the suffix "-ino," which generally denotes diminutive or little.

The surname Iacovino is believed to have originated in Italy, specifically in regions such as Tuscany, Campania, and Calabria, where winemaking has been a traditional occupation for centuries. The name was likely given to someone who excelled at or specialized in making small quantities of wine for personal consumption or local sale.

Over time, the name Iacovino spread throughout Italy and beyond as Italians migrated to other countries, particularly to North and South America. Today, it remains a common surname among people of Italian descent around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Iacovino

The surname Iacovino, of Italian origin, is predominantly distributed in regions of Italy where Sicilian and Neapolitan influences are significant. Specifically, it is most common in Sicily, Campania, and Calabria, due to the migration of people from these areas over centuries. In terms of international distribution, there are also notable populations of Iacovinos in countries with a large Italian diaspora, such as Argentina, Canada, and the United States. The highest concentrations outside Italy can be found in cities like New York, Toronto, and Buenos Aires.

Variants and spellings of the last name Iacovino

The surname Iacovino has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variations include:

* Iacobone
* Iacovella
* Iacobelli
* Iacobucci
* Iacoponi
* Iacobellis
* Iacovazzi
* Iacobino
* Iacovazzo
* Iakovino (Greek spelling)

These variations are mainly due to regional dialects, personal preference, or errors in transcription by census takers or clerks. It is not uncommon for individuals with the same surname to have slightly different spellings based on these factors.

Famous people with the last name Iacovino

The Iacovino surname is notably represented by several distinguished individuals across various fields. In the realm of music, Salvatore Iacovino is a renowned conductor and professor of music at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He has conducted numerous orchestras worldwide and won multiple awards for his contributions to music education.

In the entertainment industry, Mario Iacovone, also known as Mario Lanza, was an operatic tenor and film actor who gained popularity in Hollywood during the 1940s and 50s. His powerful voice earned him critical acclaim, and he remains one of the most successful crossover artists from opera to popular music.

In sports, Tony Iacovone was a minor league baseball player for several teams throughout his career, including the New York Yankees' organization. He is known for setting a record with the highest batting average in the history of professional baseball, playing for the independent San Francisco Seals in 1946.

Lastly, Patrizio Iacovino, an Italian politician and economist, served as a Minister of Economy and Finance in Italy from 2008 to 2011. He is a prominent figure in European economic policy discussions.

Genealogical research on the last name Iacovino

The surname Iacovino originates from Italy and is derived from the given name Jacopo, a variant of the Hebrew name Jacob, which means "supplanter" or "grabber by the heel." The name became popular in Italy during the Middle Ages due to the influence of St. James, known as Santiago in Spain, whose Italian form is Giacomo.

The Iacovino family may have originated from various regions in Italy, with some tracing their roots to Naples or the Abruzzo region. Some branches of the Iacovino family migrated to other countries, such as the United States, Australia, and Canada, during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Notable individuals with the surname Iacovino include Italian American actor Tony Iacovone, Canadian politician Nick Iacovino, and Australian musician Peter Iacono. Genealogical research for the Iacovino family can be challenging due to common misspellings of the name, including Jacovino and Iacobino, as well as variations in Italian naming conventions over time.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 27 July 2025

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