Last Name Luciani

The surname Luciani originates from Italy and is a variant of the name Lucchesi, which is derived from Lucca, a city in Tuscany. It is often associated with people from the region of Lucca or those who migrated from that area. As with many Italian surnames, Luciani is a patronymic surname, meaning it was originally used to denote the son of someone named Luca (Italian for Luke).

Learn more about the origin of the last name Luciani

The meaning and origin of the last name Luciani

The surname Luciani is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin name Lucius, which was given to freeborn Roman boys born on a Saturday or during the festival of Saturn (Saturnalia). Over time, the name evolved into the various forms seen today in different regions of Italy, such as Luciano and Lucia. The suffix "-iani" is a common Italian patronymic ending, denoting a son of Lucius or one who belonged to a family named "Lucio". The name spread throughout Italy during the Roman Empire and continued to be used in subsequent centuries, particularly in regions like Veneto and Tuscany. Today, the surname Luciani can be found worldwide among Italian diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Luciani

The surname Luciani is predominantly distributed across Italy and its surrounding regions, with significant concentrations in Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, reflecting their historical and cultural ties to the Republic of Venice. A sizeable number of people with this last name can also be found in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, a region known for its linguistic and cultural diversity. Beyond Italy, Lucianis can be found in France, particularly in Corsica due to historical migration patterns. There are also families with the surname in Brazil, mainly in the state of Paraná, where Italian immigration played a significant role in the region's development. Additionally, Lucianis have established communities in Argentina, Uruguay, and Switzerland, demonstrating the global dispersal of people bearing this name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Luciani

The surname Luciani has several variations and spellings. These include Luciany, Luchiani, Lucciani, Luciani, Luchjani, Lucchiani, and Lucjanic. Each of these spellings may be found across different regions and cultures, with slight alterations often due to local dialects or transcription errors over time. The original Italian form is believed to be "Luciano," but variations have arisen as the surname has been passed down through generations and adapted to fit local phonetic rules and orthographic traditions. In conclusion, the Luciani surname has numerous spelling variations that are all derived from its Italian origin.

Famous people with the last name Luciani

The Luciani family has produced several distinguished individuals across various fields. Giovanni Battista Luciani (1743-1823), an Italian Roman Catholic Cardinal, was proclaimed Pope John XXIII in 1958, serving until his death a year later. In the realm of science, astronomer William A. Luciani is notable for his contributions to the study of planetary rings and satellite systems, particularly those of Saturn. In sports, Franco Luciani, a Uruguayan footballer, made his name as a player for several European clubs, including AS Roma, before going on to manage multiple teams throughout Europe. Lastly, in literature, Italo Luciano (1920-1986), an American novelist and screenwriter of Italian descent, is best known for creating the character Dagwood Bumstead from the comic strip "Blondie." These are some of the most renowned figures bearing the last name Luciani.

Genealogical research on the last name Luciani

The surname Luciani is of Italian origin, derived from the medieval given name Luccianus, which itself is thought to be a diminutive of the male name Lucio or Lucius. The Luciani family is primarily found in the Veneto and Tuscany regions of Italy, with significant concentrations also in other parts of the country. Historical records show that the name appeared frequently in Florence during the Middle Ages. Notable figures bearing this surname include the 14th-century poet Dante Alighieri's friend, Guido Luciani; and the Italian astronomer Giovanni Domenico Cassini, who was a key figure in the Scientific Revolution. The family has also produced many other notable individuals in various fields such as art, literature, science, and politics throughout history. The surname has been carried to different parts of the world by emigrants, particularly to South America and North America, where it remains common today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Luciani"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends