What is the origin of the last name Maligno?

The surname Maligno is of Italian origin. It is derived from the adjective "maligno," which means "malicious" or "evil" in Latin and Italian. The name may have been given to someone perceived as having evil intentions, or it could have been a nickname for a person with a particularly gloomy or melancholic disposition. Over time, the name became hereditary, passed down through generations of an Italian family.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maligno

The meaning and origin of the last name Maligno

The surname Maligno is of Italian origin, derived from the adjective "maligno," which translates to "malicious" or "evil" in English. It is believed to have been used as a descriptive name for an individual who exhibited these characteristics. In Italian naming traditions, surnames often reflected the personal qualities or occupations of the family's ancestors. Over time, many Italians emigrated from their homeland, carrying their names with them. Today, the Maligno surname can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in countries that received a significant number of Italian immigrants such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. The name's origin suggests a history steeped in storytelling and cultural tradition, contributing to the rich tapestry of names within the Italian community.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maligno

The surname Maligno is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in regions such as Campania, Apulia, and Calabria where it represents one of the more common family names. Its frequency decreases significantly moving away from Southern Italy, although pockets can be found in other parts of the country like Lazio, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna. Outside of Italy, small communities bearing the Maligno surname exist primarily among Italian diaspora populations, notably in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States, reflecting historical migration patterns from Southern Italy. The distribution of the name Maligno is relatively concentrated geographically, with a high concentration in the boot-shaped Italian peninsula and some dispersed communities within the Italian diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maligno

The surname Maligno has several variations and spellings, including Maligno, Malinowsky, Malinowski, Malingoski, and Malinksi. These variations are primarily due to differences in spelling conventions over time and across different regions or cultures. For example, the Polish surname Malinowski may be spelled as Malignowski in some Italian families who have Polish ancestry. Additionally, the name may also undergo phonetic changes as it is passed down through generations, leading to alternate spellings such as Malingoski and Malinksi. It's important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a different origin or meaning for the surname; rather, they reflect the diverse historical and cultural contexts in which the name has been carried by individuals throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Maligno

One notable individual with the surname Maligno is Maria Elena Maligno, an American actress and producer. She began her career in the late 1980s and has since appeared in numerous television shows and films, such as "The X-Files," "Star Trek: Voyager," and "NCIS." Maligno's notable roles have included guest appearances on popular series like "ER" and "Gilmore Girls." In addition to acting, she is also a successful producer with credits on shows like "The West Wing" and "Eli Stone." Another well-known figure with the surname Maligno is Michael Maligno, an American author and journalist. He is best known for his work as a reporter and columnist for the Los Angeles Times, where he covered stories related to science and technology. His writing has been recognized with numerous awards, including two Pulitzer Prizes. Maligno's books include "The Atomic Bazaar: The Marketplace of Radiation in the Cold War" and "Racing Against Time: A True Story."

Genealogical research on the last name Maligno

The Maligno surname originates from Italy, specifically the region of Lombardy, and is thought to have derived from the medieval occupation of a "malignant," or malicious one. Early records show that the name was first documented in the late Middle Ages during the 14th century. The Maligno family can be traced back to the town of Corbetta near Milan, where they held notable positions and played essential roles within their community. Over time, members of the Maligno family emigrated from Italy, settling in various countries, most notably Argentina, Brazil, Chile, France, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, Venezuela, and the United States. In these new lands, descendants of the Maligno lineage contributed significantly to their respective communities, leaving a lasting impact through their professional achievements and contributions to society.

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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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