Last Name Mancini

The origin of the last name "Mancini" can be traced back to Italy. It is an Italian surname derived from the personal name "Manzo," which has an uncertain meaning. It is believed to be related to the Italian word "manzo," meaning "calf" or "steer," or it could be a nickname referring to a person who was bullish or strong. The suffix "-ini" is a diminutive form commonly used in Italian surnames, which could signify "son of Manzo." Therefore, "Mancini" translates to "son of Manzo" or "little Manzo." The name is primarily associated with the central regions of Italy, such as Marche, Umbria, and Lazio.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Mancini

Turning to the ethnicity distribution of the Mancini surname, the Decennial U.S. Census data shows some interesting changes between 2000 and 2010. The percentage of individuals identifying as White decreased slightly from 96.32% to 94.68%. Meanwhile, those self-identifying as Hispanic saw an uptick from 2.09% to 3.50%, a substantial increase in a decade. Asian/Pacific Islander representation also increased, going from 0.31% to 0.52%. There was a minor increase in those identifying as Black, from 0.26% to 0.39%, while the percentage of those of two or more ethnic identities and American Indian and Alaskan Native background both experienced small decreases.

	2000	2010	Change
White	96.32%	94.68%	-1.7%
Hispanic	2.09%	3.5%	67.46%
Two or More Races	0.91%	0.82%	-9.89%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.31%	0.52%	67.74%
Black	0.26%	0.39%	50%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.11%	0.1%	-9.09%

Mancini ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Mancini is Italian, which comprises 39.5% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are British & Irish (25.0%) and French & German (11.7%). Additional ancestries include Eastern European, Spanish & Portuguese, Scandinavian, Indigenous American, and Ashkenazi Jewish.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
Italian	39.5%
British & Irish	25.0%
French & German	11.7%
Other	23.7%

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Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mancini

The meaning and origin of the last name Mancini

The surname Mancini has Italian origins and is derived from the Latin word "manceps," which means "merchant" or "trader." It is a patronymic surname, meaning it originally indicated the name of the father or ancestor. The name Mancini held prominence during the Middle Ages in central and southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Lazio, Abruzzo, and Marche.

The Mancini family played a significant role in Italian history, as they were nobles and influential figures during the Renaissance period. Notably, some members of the Mancini family gained prominence through their service to the papacy and the Italian courts. One of the most famous members of the family was Cardinal Mazarin, whose sister, Olympia Mancini, was renowned for her influence on the French aristocracy during the reign of Louis XIV.

Today, the surname Mancini is widespread in Italy and has also migrated to various parts of the world through emigration. Individuals with the surname Mancini can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Argentina, among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mancini

The surname Mancini originates from Italy, particularly from the central regions of the country. As a result, it is commonly found throughout Italy, with a significant concentration in the regions of Lazio, Tuscany, and Marche. These regions, known for their rich history and cultural significance, have been home to numerous Mancini families for generations. However, the surname has also spread beyond Italy's borders due to migration patterns over the years. Today, individuals with the last name Mancini can be found in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, and Australia, among others. Italian immigration to these destinations during the late 19th and early 20th centuries contributed to the expansion of the Mancini surname across continents. Despite this dispersion, Italy remains the primary hub of Mancini families, where the name maintains its strongest ancestral roots.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mancini

The last name Mancini has several variations and spellings depending on geographic locations and historical influences. One of the most common variations is Mancino, which is used in some regions of Italy. Another variation is Mancinelli, which adds the suffix "-elli" to the original name. In certain areas of southern Italy, the name may be spelled as Mancin, dropping the "i" at the end. Additionally, some individuals may have changed the spelling over time or due to immigration processes, resulting in variations like Mansini or Mansini. Furthermore, Mancini may be subject to phonetic variations when pronounced in different languages or by individuals with diverse accents. Variations such as Manchini, Mansini, or Mantsini are examples of phonetic spellings. Overall, these variations and spellings of the surname Mancini demonstrate the unique history and evolution of the name in different regions and circumstances.

Famous people with the last name Mancini

One of the most notable figures with the last name Mancini is Henry Mancini (1924-1994), an iconic American composer and conductor. Known for his distinct musical style, Mancini composed numerous film and television scores, including the famous theme for "The Pink Panther" (1963) and "Moon River" from "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961), which won him two Academy Awards. His compositions were highly influential and captured the essence of the era. Another prominent figure with the last name Mancini is Alessandro Mancini, an Italian professional footballer born in 1981. Alessandro has had an impressive career as a midfielder, playing for various clubs in Italy, including Roma and Inter Milan. He also represented the Italian national team in international competitions, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport. Both Henry Mancini and Alessandro Mancini have left a lasting impact in their respective fields, demonstrating excellence and creativity.

Genealogical research on the last name Mancini

The surname Mancini originates from Italy and has a rich and fascinating genealogical history. It stems from the given name "Mancino," meaning left-handed, which was likely initially bestowed upon an ancestor who possessed this characteristic. Over time, the name evolved into Mancini and spread throughout different regions of Italy. The Mancini family holds historical prominence, particularly during the Renaissance period, as they produced notable figures in arts, politics, and the Church. The family's rise to prominence began in the 15th century when Francesco Mancini became the Archbishop of Siena. Later, the Mancini family formed alliances with noble houses, leading to connections and marriages with prestigious families such as the Medici and the Savoy. One of the most well-known Mancini descendants is Caterina Mancini, who gained attention for her beauty and allure in the court of King Louis XIV of France. Throughout the centuries, the Mancini surname has spread beyond Italy, as descendants migrated to different parts of the world, contributing to a diverse and extensive Mancini family tree.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mancini"
• 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 April 2025

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