Last Name Maradona

The last name "Maradona" originates from Italy. It is an Italian surname, derived from the personal name "Maradona," which itself is a variant of "Maradanius," an ancient Roman cognomen. The surname Maradona is primarily found in southern Italy, particularly in the Campania and Sicily regions. It is worth noting that the surname gained international recognition and association with the famous Argentine footballer Diego Maradona, who was of Italian descent.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maradona

The meaning and origin of the last name Maradona

The surname Maradona is of Italian origin and is derived from the personal name Maradona, which has Arabic roots. It is believed to have originated in Sicily, Italy. The name Maradona is a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from the given name of an ancestor, in this case, Maradona. The name Maradona is composed of two elements: "Mar," which means "sea" in Arabic, and "adona," which means "master" or "ruler." Therefore, the name Maradona can be interpreted to mean "master of the sea" or "ruler of the sea." It is possible that the name was originally bestowed upon a person who showed skill, leadership, or dominance in maritime activities. Over time, as families passed down surnames through generations, Maradona became a hereditary surname that continues to be carried by individuals today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maradona

The last name Maradona has its roots in Italy, specifically in the southern region of Campania. However, due to the fame and influence of the renowned Argentine soccer player Diego Maradona, the name has spread beyond its original geographic boundaries. In Italy, Maradona can still be found predominantly in Campania, particularly in the cities of Naples and Salerno. Additionally, as a result of emigration and globalization, the name has reached several other countries around the world. A significant number of Maradonas can be found in Argentina, where Diego Maradona achieved legendary status. Other countries with a notable presence of the Maradona surname include Spain, where there is a concentration in the region of Andalusia, as well as the United States, Brazil, and Mexico. The geographical distribution of the last name Maradona is a testament to the impact and popularity of the legendary soccer player.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maradona

The last name Maradona has a few variations and spellings in different regions. In its original form, it is an Italian surname derived from the personal name Maradona, which means "sea tower." As individuals and families migrated across continents, the name underwent changes to adapt to the local languages and cultures.

In Argentina, the home country of football legend Diego Maradona, the name is commonly spelled as Maradona. However, in some cases, it may also be spelled as Maradonna, especially in regions influenced by English or American naming customs.

In Italy, the surname can be found as Maradoni, Maradiona, or Maradonati, reflecting regional dialects and spelling variations.

In other countries, particularly in Hispanic and Latin American communities, the spelling Maradona might be anglicized to Maradonna or Maradone. Additionally, people with this surname may adjust the spelling to conform to phonetic rules of the local language, resulting in further variations such as Maradonha or Maradonja.

Overall, while Maradona is the most recognized and renowned spelling, the name may have slight variations depending on the country, cultural influences, and individual preferences.

Famous people with the last name Maradona

Diego Maradona is the most famous and iconic individual associated with the last name Maradona. Born in Argentina in 1960, he was a legendary footballer known for his exceptional skills and unique playing style. Maradona led Argentina to World Cup victory in 1986, dazzling audiences with his infamous "Hand of God" goal and the stunning "Goal of the Century." Throughout his career, he played for clubs like Boca Juniors, Barcelona, and Napoli, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Regarded by many as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Maradona's talent and charisma made him a global superstar. Beyond his footballing achievements, Diego Maradona's colorful personality and tumultuous personal life only further contributed to his enduring fame.

Genealogical research on the last name Maradona

The last name Maradona is believed to have originated in Italy. It is a relatively uncommon surname, and its precise lineage can be traced back to the early 19th century. The research reveals that the first known ancestor with the Maradona name was Giovanni Maradona, born in Naples, Italy, around 1815. Giovanni had two sons, Antonio and Luigi Maradona. Antonio Maradona married Maria Rossi, and they had three children, including a son named Diego Maradona, born in 1896. Diego Maradona went on to marry Lucia Russo, and they had four children, continuing the family line. One of their descendants, Diego Armando Maradona, achieved global fame as a legendary football player in the 1980s and 1990s. The Maradona surname, therefore, carries a significant historical association with the extraordinary sporting prowess of this iconic athlete.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "maradona"
• 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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