The surname Matranga is of Italian origin. It is derived from a place name in the region of Calabria, specifically Matrangetto, now known as Matranga, located in the province of Catanzaro. This geographical name likely comes from Latin origins and may have been applied to individuals who lived there or were associated with it. The use of surnames was not standardized in Italy until the 19th century, so the early history of this surname is subject to regional variations and local records.
The surname Matranga is an Italian patronymic name, derived from the given name Mattia (Italian form of Matthew), which itself is derived from the Aramaic name Matthias. The name Matranga is believed to have originated as a diminutive or nickname for someone with the given name Mattia, possibly meaning "little Mattia" in Italian. The term "ranga" in Italian can mean "young one," further supporting this theory. The name first appeared during the Middle Ages in Italy and has since been spread throughout the country by various migration waves. Over time, different regional variations of the surname have emerged due to phonetic changes, such as Matragni or Matrangaio. It is most commonly found in regions like Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Piedmont.
The surname Matranga is primarily distributed across Italy, with significant concentrations in the Emilia-Romagna and Liguria regions. The highest frequency can be found in the province of Genoa (Liguria), particularly in the cities of Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Chiavari. Other notable clusters of Matranga families exist in the provinces of Pavia, Parma, and Rovigo, all part of Emilia-Romagna. Outside of Italy, there are also small groups of Matranga descendants in Argentina, particularly in Buenos Aires and Córdoba, due to Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, you can find a scattering of individuals with this surname across North America and Australia, representing subsequent waves of emigration from Italy.
The surname Matranga exhibits various spellings and pronunciations, reflecting its historical origins and regional variations. The most common spelling is Matranga, with emphasis on the second syllable. Other possible spellings include Matrangah, Matrangia, Matrango, Matrangu, Matrangi, and Matranghe, depending on the region and family tradition. These variations may also be found with minor differences in spelling due to phonetic transcriptions, such as Matranga-h, Matrangia-o, or Matrango-o. It is essential to note that the origin of this surname can be traced back to Italy, specifically to regions like Campania and Lazio, although it may also be found in other Italian-speaking areas worldwide due to immigration. The name itself likely derives from a geographical location or occupation related to stonework or masonry, making it a unique piece of history for those who bear it.
Notable individuals with the surname Matranga include:
1. Giuseppe Matranga (1879-1926), an Italian-American organized crime figure and member of the New York City-based Morello Gang, who was involved in various criminal activities including bootlegging during Prohibition.
2. Salvatore Matranga (born 1945), an American entrepreneur and founder of Matranga Brothers Corporation, a successful automotive recycling business with locations across the United States.
3. Gaetano Matranga (1867-1920), an Italian immigrant who founded Matranga's Restaurant in Philadelphia in 1894, one of the city's oldest family-owned restaurants, which is still operating today.
4. John Matranga (born 1953), a retired American professional basketball player who played for five NBA teams during his career from 1976 to 1982.
These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as organized crime, business, food service, and sports.
The Matranga surname is of Italian origin and has roots in Southern Italy, specifically the provinces of Salerno and Avellino, where the earliest recorded instances date back to the late 14th century. It is believed to be derived from the medieval Latin word "matricula" or "matrangia," meaning "record book" or "family register." This suggests that the Matranga family may have been responsible for maintaining local records in their communities during the Middle Ages. Over time, the Matranga family spread across Italy, with significant populations settling in the regions of Campania, Apulia, and Sicily. The diaspora of the Matranga family began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as many members emigrated to the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and Australia. Today, the Matranga surname can be found worldwide, with a significant concentration in North America. The Matranga family history is one of migration, resilience, and the pursuit of new opportunities across continents.
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