Last Name Maragno

The surname Maragno is of Italian origin. It is a diminutive form of the given name Magno, which means "great" or "large" in Latin. In Italy, the name was often given to large children or adults as a sign of respect, and it was also used as a nickname for people with impressive qualities. Over time, the surname Maragno was adopted by families across Italy and spread to other regions through migration. Today, it is most commonly found in Northern Italy, particularly in the region of Lombardy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maragno

The meaning and origin of the last name Maragno

The surname Maragno is an Italian patronymic name derived from the male given name "Margano" or "Marcanus," which has Latin origins. The name "Margano" or "Marcanus" means 'border, boundary' in Latin. This surname likely originated among people living near a geographical boundary, or possibly it was used to denote someone with a specific job that involved marking or defining boundaries. Over time, the name evolved into various spellings such as Maragno, Marghino, Marghetti, and others due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and surname simplifications during the Middle Ages. Today, the surname Maragno is primarily found in Italy but has also spread throughout other regions where Italian immigrants have settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maragno

The surname Maragno is predominantly distributed across Italy, particularly in the regions of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, where it originates from the small towns of Bergamo and Piacenza respectively. Additionally, significant populations bearing this surname can be found in Tuscany, Veneto, and Liguria. Beyond Italy, Maragno is also present in Argentina, due to Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller communities of individuals with the surname Maragno can also be found in other parts of South America and North America, primarily in countries such as the United States and Canada, as a result of further migration from Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maragno

The surname Maragno has several variations and spellings. These include Maragoni, Marghini, Marragno, Margani, Margone, and Margnini. They all stem from the Italian origin, where "Margno" means "little mound" or "small hill". It is important to note that the spelling can vary due to regional dialects, transcription errors over time, and personal preferences when emigrating to other countries. For example, in some areas of Italy, "i" might be pronounced as "e", leading to the variations Maragno becoming Marghe or Margeni. Similarly, the "g" sound can sometimes be replaced with a "c" or "ch", resulting in the forms Maragoni or Marachno. It is also common for spelling variations to occur when the surname is translated into another language and then transliterated back to Italian, as is the case with some of the listed variations.

Famous people with the last name Maragno

The Maragno family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most recognized is Joseph Maragno, an American classical pianist and composer who was a professor at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance for over three decades. Another prominent figure is Dario Maragno, an Italian professional footballer who played as a midfielder for various clubs in Italy and France. In the field of science, there is Dr. Daniel J. Maragno, a professor at the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science, known for his research on coastal oceanography and sea level changes. Lastly, Maria Maragno, an Italian-American author and poet, has gained recognition for her poetry collections, including "The Weight of Snow" and "Invention of Hunger." These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and achievements within the Maragno family lineage.

Genealogical research on the last name Maragno

The Maragno surname is of Italian origin, derived from the medieval occupation of a stonecutter or mason (muratore in Italian). Early records indicate that the Maragno family stemmed from the region of Liguria, specifically the city of Genoa, in the 14th century. The name spread throughout Italy and subsequently to other European countries through migration during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. Notable bearers of this surname include several Italian artists and scientists in the 16th and 17th centuries, such as architect Giovanni Battista Maragno and astronomer Giuseppe Maria Maragno. Genealogical research suggests that many Maragno descendants can be found in various parts of Europe today, with a notable concentration in Italy, Switzerland, France, Spain, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Maragno"
• 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

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