Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Macagnan

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Macagnan?

The surname Macagnan is of Italian origin. It is derived from a medieval given name "Agnano" or "Agnolo," which means "lamb" in Latin. This name was often given to children born around the time of Easter, symbolizing rebirth and renewal. Over time, the name evolved into various forms such as Macagnani, Agnani, and Macagnan, with the "Mac-" prefix indicating a son or descendant of someone with that name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Macagnan

The meaning and origin of the last name Macagnan

The surname Macagnan is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Agnello, which means "lamb" in Italian. The suffix "mac-" is a diminutive form, meaning "son of," hence the name Macagnan originally meant "son of Agnello."

The name appears to be primarily found in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. It's worth noting that many Italian surnames originated from the late Middle Ages when naming patterns began to switch from a system based on local origins, to one based on the father's name and profession. This shift is known as "Stemma cognominal" or "naming by cognomen." The surname Macagnan, like many Italian names, has been passed down through generations, creating a rich cultural heritage for those who bear it.

Geographical distribution of the last name Macagnan

The surname Macagnan is primarily found in Italy, specifically in the region of Piedmont, where it originated from the town of Agliè. Over time, the Macagnans migrated to other parts of Italy and abroad, with significant concentrations found in cities such as Turin, Milan, and Genoa. In recent times, there have also been notable Macagnan communities established in various countries with Italian diaspora, including Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. The name has spread globally due to Italian immigration waves, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Macagnan

The surname Macagnan has multiple variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variations include Macagnano, Macagnana, Maccagnan, Maccagnano, and Macagnone. These variations may arise from slight changes in spelling over time, or differences in dialect and phonetic interpretation of the name. The Italian surname Macagnan is believed to have origins related to professions involving agriculture, with possible derivations from terms such as "maca" (meaning "peel" or "root vegetable") and "-gano" (a suffix denoting occupation).

Famous people with the last name Macagnan

Notable individuals with the surname Macagnan include:

1. Carlos Alberto Macagnan (born 1946), a Brazilian writer and literary critic, known for his novels "O Rei do Mato" and "A Terra Tremula."
2. João Bosco Macagnan Filho (1937-2016), a Brazilian politician who served as the Governor of Rio Grande do Norte from 1987 to 1991.
3. Júlio César Pereira de Macagnan (born 1954), a Brazilian engineer and politician, who was the Governor of Pará from 2007 to 2011 and the President of the National Congress of Brazil from 2016 to 2017.
4. Luiz Fernando Macagnan (born 1945), a Brazilian musician and composer, who is considered one of the founders of MPB (Música Popular Brasileira). His most famous compositions include "A Felicidade" and "O Que Tudo É."
5. Mario Henrique Macagnan da Silva (born 1948), a Brazilian economist, banker, and diplomat who served as the President of the Inter-American Development Bank from 2016 to 2021.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as literature, politics, music, and economics, contributing to Brazil's cultural and political landscape.

Genealogical research on the last name Macagnan

The Macagnan surname is believed to have originated from the Italian region of Piedmont, specifically the town of Agliè, where it is thought that the family had roots dating back to the Middle Ages. The name can be translated as "son of Agnani," derived from the personal name Agnanus, which was a diminutive of Agathius, meaning "good."

Over time, various branches of the Macagnan family migrated and established settlements in other parts of Italy and Europe. In the 19th century, a significant number of Macagnans emigrated to South America, particularly Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Some families also settled in North America, with the majority arriving in the United States between 1880 and 1920.

Today, the Macagnan surname can be found in various countries, primarily in Italy, Brazil, Argentina, and the United States. Genealogical research continues to uncover more about the history and evolution of this family name, providing valuable insights into its origins and the journeys of its members over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Mac d

Last name • surnames > mac-d

The last name "MacD" is of Scottish origin, derived from the patronymic surname meaning "son of D." It is a common prefix in Scottish surnames, denoting descent from a specific anc...

#2 Mac-araeg

Last name • surnames > mac-araeg

The surname Mac Araeg has its origins in Ireland. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac an Ríogh", meaning "son of the king". This surname was traditionally borne by descendants...

#3 Macabalan

Last name • surnames > macabalan

The last name "Macabalan" is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the port district in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. The name is likely to have originated from the local plac...

#4 Macabansag

Last name • surnames > macabansag

The last name Macabansag is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Tagalog word "kabansag" meaning "famous" or "renowned."

#5 Macabante

Last name • surnames > macabante

The last name Macabante is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Tagalog word "kabante," meaning brave or courageous.

#6 Macabebe

Last name • surnames > macabebe

The last name "Macabebe" has its origin in the Philippines, particularly in the town of Macabebe in the province of Pampanga. The surname is often associated with families of Kapam...

#7 Macabidang

Last name • surnames > macabidang

The last name "Macabidang" is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Tagalog word "kabidang," which means "partner" or "companion." This surname is commonly found in the Philip...

#8 Macabinlar

Last name • surnames > macabinlar

The last name Macabinlar has its origin in the Philippines. It is derived from the word "kabinlar," which means "north" in the Maranao language, a language spoken by the Maranao pe...

#9 Macabontoc

Last name • surnames > macabontoc

The last name Macabontoc is of Filipino origin.

#10 Macabou

Last name • surnames > macabou

The last name Macabou is a name that comes from the Caribbean culture, and more specifically from Martinique. It is probably of Creole origin and can have African roots. Unfortunat...

#11 Macadag-um

Last name • surnames > macadag-um

The last name "Macadagum" is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the word "kadagum," which means "bravery" or "courage" in the Maguindanao language spoken in the Philippines.

#12 Macadenden

Last name • surnames > macadenden

The surname Macadenden is of Scottish origin. It is believed to be derived from the Gaelic personal name Mac Adain, meaning "son of Adam." The name is thought to have originated in...

#13 Macadow

Last name • surnames > macadow

The surname Macadow is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Old Gaelic name Mac Adaim, meaning "son of Adam." The name Adam itself comes from the Hebrew name Adām, which mea...

#14 Macafe

Last name • surnames > macafe

Macafe is a variant of the surname Macafee, which is of Scottish origin. It is believed to be a Gaelic surname derived from the personal name "Caoimhin," which means "handsome" or ...

#15 Macahis-abraham

Last name • surnames > macahis-abraham

The last name "Macahis Abraham" appears to have a diverse origin. The surname "Macahis" traces back to the Philippines and is of Filipino origin. On the other hand, "Abraham" is of...