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Last Name Maiorana

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What is the origin of the last name Maiorana?

The surname Maiorana is believed to have Italian origins. It derives from the Latin term "major" meaning 'older' or 'greater', and was often used as a nickname for someone who was older or more important within a family or community. Over time, it became a hereditary surname in Italy. The spelling variations of this name include Maiorana, Majorana, and Maiorano.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maiorana

The meaning and origin of the last name Maiorana

The surname Maiorana is an Italian-origin name derived from the Latin word "major" which means 'greater' or 'larger'. This surname was often given to individuals who lived on a larger property, or were perceived as being more important or influential within their communities. In some cases, it may have been a nickname bestowed upon someone with a prominent physical stature or one who held a position of authority. The name Maiorana has roots in southern Italy, particularly in Sicily, where it originated among the Normans and has since spread throughout the Italian-speaking world due to migration and assimilation over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maiorana

The surname Maiorana is predominantly of Italian origin and has a significant concentration within Italy, particularly in regions such as Sicily, Calabria, and Campania, where it is believed to have originated from the medieval city of Maiorana, now known as Maierato in the province of Cosenza. The name also has a presence in other Italian regions including Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. Outside Italy, there are communities with the last name Maiorana in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Spain, and the United States. In North America, it is most common in cities with large Italian American populations such as New York City, Chicago, and Boston. Overall, the distribution of the surname Maiorana reflects the historical migration patterns of Italians to other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maiorana

The last name Maiorana has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common spelling variants include Majorana, Mayorana, Mejorana, and Majerano. These variations are primarily due to factors such as the use of different languages (Italian, Spanish, etc.), dialects, or typos. The original Italian form is Maiorana, derived from the Latin major (meaning greater) and anna (a diminutive suffix). This surname is common among people of Italian descent, particularly in Sicily where it originated. Other forms may have arisen due to errors during immigration, assimilation, or simply variations in how the name was recorded over time.

Famous people with the last name Maiorana

Notable individuals bearing the surname Maiorana include:

1. Vincent Maiorana (born 1960), an American actor best known for his roles in television series such as "Baywatch" and "Miami Vice."
2. Mark Maiorana (1958-2018), an American football coach who served as the head coach of the University at Buffalo's football team from 2000 to 2006, leading them to their first bowl game in school history.
3. Sal Maiorana (born 1960), an American journalist and columnist for Rochester, New York-based newspaper Democrat and Chronicle, known for his coverage of local sports, particularly the National Football League's Buffalo Bills.
4. John Maiorana (1925-2015), an American sculptor who is recognized as one of the leading abstract expressionist artists in the United States. His works can be found in various museum collections worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Maiorana

The surname Maiorana originates from Sicily, Italy. It is derived from the Latin term "majoranus," which means "greater" or "larger." The family's roots can be traced back to medieval times when landowners were often identified by their property size.

Over time, the Maioranas migrated across Europe and settled in various regions. In Italy, they were predominantly found in the provinces of Palermo, Messina, and Catania, with some branches also established in other parts of the country.

In the United States, a significant number of Maioranas immigrated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily settling in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. They were often involved in professions such as construction, agriculture, and various trades.

Today, the Maiorana family has a global presence with notable branches in Italy, the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, and other countries. Genealogical research continues to uncover more details about the family's history and connections across the globe.

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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