Last Name Iannaccone

The surname Iannaccone is of Italian origin. It derives from a medieval naming practice where individuals were identified by their profession, place of origin, or patron saint. In this case, "Iannaccone" is derived from the personal name Giovanni (Italian for John) and the diminutive suffix "-cone". So, the name likely originated as a nickname for someone who was known as 'John's little one'. Over time, it became a hereditary surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Iannaccone

The meaning and origin of the last name Iannaccone

The surname Iannaccone is an Italian name derived from the personal name Giannacco or Giovanni, with the suffix "-one" added as a locative or occupational indicator. The name may have originated as a toponymic surname, meaning "from Gianacco," a place that no longer exists in modern Italy, or it could have been an occupational name for someone who was associated with Giovanni, such as a servant or apprentice. Over time, the spelling of the name has varied due to regional differences and changes in transcription, leading to different forms like Iannacone, Giannaccone, and Yannacone. It is most common in southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Calabria and Sicily.

Geographical distribution of the last name Iannaccone

The last name Iannaccone is predominantly Italian in origin, with a significant concentration in regions such as Campania, Apulia, and Sicily. Historically, it's associated with the city of Salerno, located in Campania. In Italy, it ranks among the top 20,000 most common surnames. Emigration from Italy, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, led to a geographical dispersal of the name. Significant populations of people with the last name Iannaccone can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America, particularly Argentina and Brazil, where Italian immigrants settled during this period. In the U.S., it is most prevalent in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and California, reflecting historical patterns of immigration from Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Iannaccone

The surname Iannaccone has several variations due to differences in spelling conventions and phonetic transcriptions over time. Here are some of the common forms:

1. Iannaconne, Iannacone, Iannaconi, Iannaccione, Iannacchione, and Iannaccio are Italian versions that emphasize different syllables or use alternative diacritical marks.
2. Giannacone, Giannaconi, and Giannacchione represent the French-Italian adaptation of the name.
3. Yannacone is a slight modification of the original spelling, possibly reflecting a more Americanized pronunciation or orthography.
4. Johnaccone or Jonaccone are English adaptations that replace the Italian "Giovanni" (John) with common English given names.
5. Lastly, there may be regional variations such as Iannacone (New York), Iannaccone (Massachusetts), or Iannacchione (Pennsylvania) based on immigrants settling in different regions of the United States and adopting local spelling conventions.

Famous people with the last name Iannaccone

Notable individuals sharing the last name Iannaccone include:

1. Robert Iannaccone (born 1946), an American composer and musician who has composed for film, television, and video games. He is best known for his work on the original MTV identification music, as well as compositions for shows like "Pee-wee's Playhouse" and movies such as "Beetlejuice."

2. James Iannaccone (1948-2015), an American sociologist known for his research on religion, secularization, and market models of religion. His work includes the book "The Righteous Revolt: The Origins of America's Puritan Movement in England," which examines the English background of the early American Puritans.

3. Carmine Iannaccone (born 1954), an Italian-American sociologist and economist, primarily known for his research on religion, culture, and human development. He has authored multiple books, including "The Tragedy of the Commons" and "The Economics of the Family."

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as music, academia, and sociology.

Genealogical research on the last name Iannaccone

The Iannaccone surname originates from southern Italy, particularly the region of Calabria, and is a variant of the original name Ionaccone or Gionaccone. The family can be traced back to the 16th century in the town of Bova Marina, with records showing that it was originally a patronymic name derived from the given name Giovanni. Over time, the spelling evolved due to various factors including dialectal differences, transcription errors, and migration patterns. The Iannaccone family migrated to the United States primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, settling mainly in New York, Pennsylvania, and California. Notable individuals with this surname include sociologist Robert B. Iannaconne, who specialized in the study of religion, and opera singer Anthony Ianni, known for his performances at the Metropolitan Opera House. The Iannaccone family retains a strong sense of identity and community, with numerous genealogical societies dedicated to preserving their history and heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Iannaccone"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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