Last Name Marino

The surname Marino is of Italian origin. It derives from the Latin word "marinus" meaning "of the sea," and it was originally used to identify someone who lived near a body of water or who was a sailor or fisherman. Over time, the name spread throughout Italy and became common among various regions and families. The popularity of the surname Marino is also due to the influence of the Roman Catholic Church, as St. Marinus, the legendary founder of the Republic of San Marino, is a well-known historical figure in Italian history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Marino

The meaning and origin of the last name Marino

The surname Marino is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "Marius", which was a common name in ancient Rome. Over time, it evolved to become the more frequently used form "Marinus" in Latin and eventually morphing into the Italian surname "Marino". This surname was often given to individuals who lived near a body of water or were associated with the sea, as "maris" means sea in Latin. The name spread throughout Italy during the Middle Ages and remained popular due to its association with the sea and maritime tradition. Today, it is not only widely used in Italy but also among Italian immigrants and their descendants across the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Marino

The surname Marino is predominantly distributed across Southern Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain, reflecting its origins from these regions. In Italy, it is most common in the southern regions like Campania, Sicily, Apulia, and Calabria, where the name has historical ties to seafaring and fishing communities. In Spain, Marino is prevalent in the Basque Country, Galicia, and Valencia. Additionally, significant populations bearing the surname can be found in the Americas, predominantly among Italian and Spanish descendants in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, and the United States. Furthermore, small communities with the surname Marino exist in parts of Africa, Asia, and Oceania due to historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Marino

The surname Marino has several variations and spellings due to linguistic differences and historical influences. Some common variations include:

1. Marrino
2. De Marino
3. Di Marzio
4. Da Marino
5. Marrone (Italian dialect)
6. Macchione (Sicilian dialect)
7. Marignano (French or Italian)
8. Merino (Spanish)
9. Marinow (Bulgarian)
10. Mariniu (Lithuanian)
11. Marinyi (Ukrainian)
12. Marinho (Portuguese)
13. Marín (Catalan)
14. Marino-Rickert (hyphenated)
15. Marriner (English, occupational name for a maker of nets or a sailor)

These variations can be found throughout different regions and cultures, demonstrating the global reach and historical impact of the Marino surname.

Famous people with the last name Marino

Prominent individuals bearing the surname Marino include:

1. Dick Mariano, an American television personality and restaurateur, best known for his role in the reality show "Kitchen Nightmares" and as the proprietor of Restaurant 21 in New York City.

2. Gina Marino, an American actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows such as "The Sopranos," "Sex and the City," and "NCIS."

3. John Marino, a Canadian professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted by the team in 2018.

4. Tony Marino, an American professional wrestler who competed under various ring names like "The Barber" and "Hacksaw Jim Duggan." He is a three-time World Wrestling Council Heavyweight Champion.

5. Steve Marino, an American professional golfer who has played on the PGA Tour and European Tour. In 2010, he won the Stadion Classic at UBS Warburg.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, garnering recognition and acclaim.

Genealogical research on the last name Marino

The surname Marino originates from Italy and is predominantly found in regions such as Sicily, Campania, and Calabria. It is derived from the Latin word "Marius," referring to a free man or servant of the Roman family Marius. In feudal times, it was common for Italians to adopt their master's surname, thus explaining its widespread usage. The earliest known records of the Marino family date back to the 13th century in southern Italy. Throughout history, notable individuals with the name Marino have made significant contributions across various fields. For instance, Domenico Marino was a renowned sculptor during the Baroque period, while Giuseppe Marino served as Prime Minister of Italy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the Marino family is dispersed globally, with numerous descendants residing primarily in Europe, North America, South America, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Marino"
• 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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