Last Name Maisto

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maisto

The meaning and origin of the last name Maisto

The surname Maisto is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "magister," which means teacher or master. In medieval Italy, this profession often provided a social status, and as such, the name came to be used as a surname. Over time, it may have been corrupted or regionalized into various forms, including Maistri, Meistri, and others. The name spread across Italy and was carried by Italian immigrants to other parts of Europe and eventually to the Americas. Today, the Maisto surname is most common in regions such as Tuscany, Lombardy, and Veneto in northern Italy. As with many Italian surnames, it provides a glimpse into the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maisto

The surname Maisto has its origins in Italy and is predominantly found in regions such as Sicily, Tuscany, and Calabria. It is also present in smaller numbers throughout other Italian provinces. Outside of Italy, the distribution of the Maisto name includes significant populations in Argentina, Canada, the United States, and Australia, as a result of Italian immigration over several centuries. The diaspora has spread the name to cities such as New York, Toronto, Buenos Aires, Sydney, and Melbourne, among others. Additionally, it can be found sparsely in countries with historical ties to Italy due to migration or cultural exchange, including France, Spain, and Malta.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maisto

The surname Maisto has several spelling variations, including Maiesto, Maysto, Meisto, Maisto-Lopez, Maistone, Maistri, Maistro, Maiestos, and Maestho. These variations may be due to differences in transcription, regional dialects, or family preference over time. In some cases, additional elements such as hyphenated names (e.g., Maisto-Lopez) or anglicized versions (e.g., Maistone) might have emerged during migration and assimilation processes. The name's origin can be traced to Italy, where it is derived from the word "maestro," meaning master or teacher in English. This surname was likely given as a professional designation to someone skilled in a particular craft or trade.

Famous people with the last name Maisto

Notable individuals bearing the surname Maisto include:

* Paul Maisto, an American artist and illustrator known for his work in comic books, including Marvel Comics. He has collaborated with several well-known creators such as Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
* Angelo Maisto, a pioneering Italian-American musician who was one of the first to popularize the accordion in jazz music during the 1920s and 30s. Known for his innovative improvisational style, he influenced many subsequent accordion players.
* Michael Maisto, an American psychologist who specializes in the study of human memory and learning. He is a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has written numerous scholarly articles on memory processes and their implications for education.
* Joseph Maisto, an American collector and appraiser of rare books and manuscripts. He owns one of the largest private collections in the world and has published several books on the subject, including "The Book on the Books: A Compendium of Collecting."

Genealogical research on the last name Maisto

The surname Maisto is primarily of Italian origin and is predominantly found within Italy. It is derived from the occupational name 'maestro', meaning teacher or master. The name emerged during the Middle Ages when professions became hereditary, thereby creating a system of last names.

Some early records reveal that people with the surname Maisto lived in the region of Tuscany and Sicily as early as the 14th century. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Girolamo Maisto, an influential composer during the Baroque period who was born in Naples, Italy, and Giovanni Maisto, a prominent Neapolitan painter active in the 17th century.

The Maisto family migrated to America predominantly between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, settling primarily in states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, where they have maintained a strong presence ever since.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Maisto"
• 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