Last Name Mariano

The surname Mariano is of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It is a form of the male given name Marian (from Latin Marius), which was popularized by Saint Marianus, a martyr venerated in both Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. The surname may have been adopted as an occupational name for someone associated with St. Mary, such as a priest or a caretaker of a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is also possible that it was used as a patronymic, derived from the given name Mariano, meaning "servant of the lord" (from Latin Marcus, meaning "Mars," and the suffix -ianus, meaning "belonging to"). The surname Mariano can be found in various countries with a history of Spanish or Portuguese influence.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mariano

The meaning and origin of the last name Mariano

The surname Mariano is predominantly of Hispanic origin, particularly Spanish and Portuguese derivation. It's an occupational name derived from the Latin term "Marius," which was originally used as a given name. In medieval Spain and Portugal, it evolved to become a surname for someone who held the office of a notary public or scribe, known as a 'maestro' in Spanish or 'marinho' in Portuguese, both meaning master. Over time, the spelling variants such as Mariano, Marian, Marin, and Mariño emerged due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and name simplification during migration. The surname Mariano is now widely distributed among Hispanic communities worldwide, especially in Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mariano

The surname Mariano is predominantly found in countries with strong Portuguese and Spanish influences, particularly Portugal, Spain, and their former colonies. In Portugal, it ranks among the top 20 most common surnames, with high concentrations in the regions of Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Aveiro. In Spain, it is more frequent in Galicia, Asturias, and the Canary Islands due to historical immigration from Portugal. The name also appears in significant numbers in Latin America as a result of Portuguese colonization, with high frequencies in Brazil, where it is the 14th most common surname, and other former Portuguese colonies like Angola and Mozambique. It can also be found among immigrants from these regions in the United States, particularly in states with large Portuguese-American populations such as Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mariano

The surname Mariano has multiple variations and spellings due to regional differences and historical transcription errors. Some common variants include:

1. Marianno
2. de Mariano
3. da Mariano
4. del Mariano
5. di Mariano
6. Don Mariano
7. Sr. Mariano
8. Jr. Mariano
9. M'Mariano
10. MacMariano
11. McMariano
12. O'Mariano (Irish variant)
13. F. Mariano (Felipe, Fernando, or Francisco as the first name)
14. L. Mariano (Luis, Lorenzo, or Leonardo as the first name)
15. J. Mariano (Juan, Jose, or Josep as the first name)
16. M. Mariano (Manuel or Miguel as the first name)
17. R. Mariano (Ramiro, Rafael, or Roberto as the first name)

These variations may also be found with additional prefixes such as y, de la, del, los, and la, depending on the region of origin.

Famous people with the last name Mariano

Pedro Mariano Ferreira Sousa, commonly known as Pedro Eusébio, is a Portuguese former professional footballer who played as a forward. Known for his prolific goalscoring ability and agility, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He spent most of his club career with Benfica, where he won numerous awards, including the Ballon d'Or in 1958. Eusébio scored a record 637 goals in 642 official games for Benfica between 1954 and 1975, earning the nickname "The Black Panther." In international football, he represented Portugal from 1957 to 1973, scoring a record 41 goals in 63 matches.

Another notable figure with the surname Mariano is Julia Mariano, an American actress who starred in films such as "The Big Lebowski" and "Ghost World." Born in 1965, she has been active in the entertainment industry since the late 1980s. Known for her versatile acting skills and unique personality, she continues to appear in various film and television projects.

Genealogical research on the last name Mariano

The surname Mariano originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Portugal and Spain, where it is a common variation of the name Maria or Marian, derived from the Latin Mariah, meaning "star of the sea." The name's Christian origins are often associated with the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus in Catholicism.

The Mariano family has a significant history in both Portugal and Spain. In Portugal, the Mariano lineage can be traced back to the 16th century with prominent members serving as knights during the Age of Discoveries. In Spain, the name is particularly common in Galicia, where it was often associated with the maritime and military sectors.

The surname also spread to Latin America due to colonization, with a high concentration in countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, reflecting the Portuguese and Spanish influence in these regions. In the United States, the Mariano family is most prevalent in states with significant Hispanic populations such as California, Texas, and Florida.

Throughout history, the Mariano family has produced notable figures in various fields, including politics, arts, and sciences, showcasing their diverse contributions to society.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mariano"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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