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Last Name Lanzo

What is the origin of the last name Lanzo?

The surname Lanzo is of Italian origin. It is believed to be a locational surname derived from the town of Lanzo in northern Italy, specifically in the Piedmont region. The name may have originated from the Latin word "lancea" meaning spear, or from the Latin name "Lanceanus" which was a Roman family name. Over time, variations of the surname Lanzo have also been found in other regions of Italy and can be traced back to different historical periods.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Lanzo

The meaning and origin of the last name Lanzo

Lanzo is a surname of Italian origin, derived from the medieval given name Lanzo, which comes from the Germanic name Lantuwin, meaning "land friend" or "land warrior." It is believed to have originated in northern Italy, particularly in regions such as Lombardy and Piedmont. The name Lanzo may have been used as a nickname for someone who was known for being a trustworthy or loyal friend, or for displaying qualities of leadership and strength. Over time, the name evolved into a hereditary surname passed down through generations. Today, individuals with the surname Lanzo can be found in various parts of the world, often tracing their ancestry back to Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lanzo

The surname Lanzo is most commonly found in Italy, particularly in the southern regions of Calabria and Sicily. These areas have historically been the main locations for families with this surname, with a significant concentration in cities such as Catanzaro, Palermo, and Reggio Calabria. In addition to Italy, the surname Lanzo can also be found in other parts of Europe such as Spain, where some individuals with this surname have migrated over the years. The distribution of the surname Lanzo is relatively limited outside of Europe, with only a small number of individuals bearing this surname in countries such as the United States and Canada. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Lanzo is most prevalent in Italy, particularly in the regions of Calabria and Sicily.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lanzo

The last name Lanzo can also be spelled as Lanz, Lanzon, Lanzoni, Lanci, Lantso, Lanto, Lanzillo, Lanzini, Lanzarote, Lanzola, or Lanzetti. These variations may have originated from different regions or countries and could have been adapted over time due to migration or linguistic changes. The name Lanzo may have different meanings or significance in various languages or cultures, but ultimately all variations of the name likely have a common ancestral origin. Despite the different spellings and variations, individuals with the last name Lanzo can trace their family history and heritage through various historical records, genealogical research, and DNA testing to uncover their roots and connections to their relatives around the world.

Famous people with the last name Lanzo

One famous person with the last name Lanzo is Salvatore "Sally Bugs" Lanzo, a notorious mobster who was associated with the Genovese crime family in New York City during the mid-20th century. Lanzo was a feared enforcer for the mob and was known for his violent and ruthless tactics. He was involved in various criminal activities, including racketeering, extortion, and murder. Lanzo was eventually arrested and convicted on multiple charges, leading to a life sentence in prison where he died in 2006. Another famous person with the last name Lanzo is Alex Lanzo, a popular Italian singer and songwriter known for his smooth vocal style and romantic ballads. Lanzo has released several successful albums and singles over the years, earning him a dedicated fan base worldwide. His music has been praised for its emotional depth and heartfelt lyrics, making him a respected figure in the music industry. Lanzo continues to perform and record music, delighting audiences with his soulful voice and charismatic stage presence.

Genealogical research on the last name Lanzo

The surname Lanzo is of Italian origin and likely derives from the name "Lanz." The name is believed to have originated in the region of Sicily, with some records tracing it back to medieval times. Variants of the name can also be found in other regions of Italy. Through genealogical research, it is possible to track the lineage of individuals with the surname Lanzo and uncover their ancestors, migration patterns, and historical connections. By examining birth, marriage, and death records, as well as census data and other historical documents, it is possible to paint a clearer picture of the Lanzo family history. Further research into specific family branches and connections may reveal more about the origins and evolution of the surname Lanzo over the centuries.

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 : 11 April 2025

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