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Last Name Lanni

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What is the origin of the last name Lanni?

The surname "Lanni" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the given name Lanzo, a popular name in the Middle Ages in Italy. The name Lanzo is thought to be derived from the Latin word "landus," meaning "long" or "broad." Over time, the surname evolved into various forms such as Lancia, Lanci, and Lanni, reflecting regional variations and changes in spelling due to migration and record-keeping practices.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lanni

The meaning and origin of the last name Lanni

The surname Lanni is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "lana," which means wool or sheep. It is primarily found among people who lived near shepherds or in areas where sheep farming was prevalent, such as Tuscany and other parts of central Italy. The name originally referred to a person who worked with wool or had some connection to it, whether as a shepherd, weaver, or merchant. Over time, the name spread beyond the Italian peninsula due to migration and assimilation. Today, the Lanni surname can be found among people of diverse ethnicities but maintains its Italian roots and is recognized globally.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lanni

The surname Lanni is primarily found in Italy, where it originates from regions such as Tuscany and Umbria, with concentrations also in Sicily and Sardinia. Migration patterns have led to the dispersal of this name globally, particularly to countries with significant Italian diaspora populations. In North America, for instance, there are substantial Lanni communities in cities like New York, Toronto, and Boston. Australia, Canada, and Argentina also host notable numbers of individuals bearing this surname. The distribution of the Lanni family name thus reflects historic waves of Italian emigration, as well as subsequent migration trends across continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lanni

The surname Lanni has several variants and spellings, often due to regional dialects or transcription errors over time. Some common variations include Lanney, Lanny, Launy, and Lonnie, among others. Additionally, the name can be found with diacritical marks in Italian, such as Lanini or Lannini. In Portuguese, it can be spelled as Lanni, Lannie, or Lannigan (a more anglicized version). The origins of the name are primarily Italian and mean "small valley." Despite these variations, all spellings share a connection to the original Italian surname Lanni.

Famous people with the last name Lanni

The Lanni surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields. In the world of sports, Mark Lanni is a renowned baseball executive who has held positions such as General Manager for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Chief Operating Officer for Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs. On the entertainment front, Gina Lanni, an actress, is known for her roles in television shows like "The Good Wife" and "Chicago Fire." In academia, Richard J. Lanni, Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, has made significant contributions to the field of fluid mechanics. Lastly, Peter Lanni, a businessman, co-founded the successful investment firm, Cerberus Capital Management. These individuals demonstrate the diverse achievements and impact of those bearing the Lanni surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Lanni

The Lanni surname originates from Italy, specifically the regions of Tuscany and Umbria. It is derived from the Latin word "lania," meaning "cloak" or "mantle." This surname can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was common for individuals to adopt occupational names, reflecting their profession. In this case, Lanni could have been given to someone who made or sold cloaks or mantles. The earliest recorded spelling of the name appears in documents from Tuscany dating back to the 13th century. Notable figures with the Lanni surname include Pietro Lanni (1584-1657), an Italian painter and sculptor, and Giuseppe Lanni (1829-1908), an Italian engineer who contributed significantly to the development of railway networks in Italy. The Lanni family has also been prominent in North America since the 19th century, particularly in Canada and the United States, where descendants have made contributions in various fields such as politics, education, and business.

Last name distribution maps

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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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