Last Name Maugeri

The surname Maugeri is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. It is a variant of the original Germanic given name Mauricius, which means "moor" or "dark-skinned". Over time, this name was transformed into various forms in different regions of Italy, with Maugeri being one such derivative. The name likely arrived in Italy during the early Middle Ages as part of the migration of Germanic tribes into the Italian peninsula.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maugeri

The meaning and origin of the last name Maugeri

The surname Maugeri is an Italian name of Latin origins, derived from the personal name Maurus, which means "dark-skinned" or "moor". This name was popularized by the Romans and later became common in Italy. Over time, the spelling of the name evolved to the current form of Maugeri. The surname indicates a person who was either named Maurus at birth or acquired the name during their lifetime. It is widely distributed across Italy, particularly in regions such as Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. Notable figures with this surname include Francesco Maugeri, an Italian composer and conductor, and Luigi Maugeri, a prominent Italian scientist.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maugeri

The surname Maugeri is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the central and northern regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Tuscany. These areas have seen significant populations migration over time, which could account for its dispersal within these regions. A notable concentration of the Maugeri surname can be found in the provinces of Piacenza, Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna, and Florence. Additionally, smaller groups of individuals with this surname reside in other Italian regions as well as in some parts of Switzerland, where Italian immigration has been historically substantial. The Maugeri name is also present, albeit less frequently, in countries that have received significant Italian immigration, such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maugeri

The surname Maugeri has several variations and spellings, including Mauger, Maigre, Maghery, Magieri, and Maugere. These differences can be attributed to regional dialects, transliteration errors, and the passage of time. In Italian, the name Maugeri is derived from the given name Magorius or Magnus, meaning "great" or "large." The surname may have originated in regions such as Tuscany, Lombardy, or Piedmont in Italy. It is also possible that some families with this name migrated to other countries, where variations in spelling might have arisen due to differences in local languages and dialects. Regardless of the specific variation, all forms of Maugeri are associated with Italian heritage and history.

Famous people with the last name Maugeri

The Maugeri family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Giuseppe Maugeri (1923-2006), an Italian conductor and musicologist. Known for his interpretations of Verdi, Puccini, and Wagner, he was the Music Director of La Scala in Milan from 1975 to 1986 and conducted numerous premieres at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

In the world of sports, there's Marco Maugeri (born 1964), a former Italian footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Juventus, Sampdoria, and Atalanta. He also represented the Italian national team at the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

In academia, Alessandro Maugeri (born 1957) is a renowned Italian geologist and paleontologist. He has made significant contributions to understanding the history of life on Earth, particularly in the field of vertebrate paleontology.

These are just a few examples of prominent figures with the last name Maugeri, demonstrating the family's diverse achievements across different fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Maugeri

The surname Maugeri is of Italian origin and is believed to have derived from the medieval given name Mauro (meaning "dark-haired" or "moor"), which was popular among the Normans who invaded Italy during the Middle Ages. The surname evolved over time, with variations such as Magheri, Maugieri, and Mauger, all originating in Italy. Notable individuals bearing this name include Giuseppe Maugeri, an Italian composer and music teacher, and Pietro Maugeri, a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church during the 16th century. The Maugeri family is predominantly found in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Lombardy, with emigration to other parts of Italy and the world, particularly to Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States, over the past centuries. Genealogical research on the Maugeri family can be conducted using records from these regions, including vital records, census data, immigration documents, and church records.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Maugeri"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends