The surname Mauro has Italian and Portuguese origins. In both languages, it means "dark" or "black". This name was often given to people with dark hair or complexion. It is a common surname in Italy and Portugal. However, it can also be found among the Sephardic Jewish community, as a variant of Moro (Moor), which originally referred to North African Muslims who conquered parts of Europe during the Middle Ages.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Mauro
The meaning and origin of the last name Mauro
The surname Mauro has Italian origins and is derived from the Latin word "Maurus," which means Moor or Dark-skinned. Historically, the term was used to describe North African inhabitants, particularly those who were Muslim. In Italy, the name came to be used as a surname, often given to individuals with dark complexions or those of Arab or North African descent. Over time, the name spread beyond Italy and is now found among various ethnicities around the world, having been adopted by families who had Moorish ancestry or simply chosen for its distinctive sound. Today, the Mauro surname remains popular in Italian-speaking countries, but also has significant presence in regions with large Italian immigrant populations, such as South America and North America.
Geographical distribution of the last name Mauro
The surname Mauro has a predominantly Mediterranean origin and is most commonly found in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, particularly Italy, Spain, Portugal, and North Africa. In Italy, Mauro is one of the top 200 surnames, with a high concentration in regions such as Sicily, Calabria, Sardinia, and Lazio. The name is also prevalent in Spain and Portugal, especially in the eastern parts of those countries. In North Africa, it can be found among Arabic-speaking populations in countries like Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, and Morocco. Additionally, there are significant Mauro communities in South America, particularly Brazil, due to immigration from Italy and Spain. The surname Mauro is also present in smaller numbers in other regions worldwide, particularly in countries with a history of Italian or Spanish settlement.
Variants and spellings of the last name Mauro
The surname Mauro has several variants and spellings across different regions and countries. Here are some of them:
1. Mauro: This is the most common spelling, found primarily in Italy, Portugal, and Brazil. It is derived from the Latin "Maurus," meaning "dark-skinned" or "Moor."
2. Moro: A variant of Mauro, used mainly in Spain and South America. In some cases, it can also refer to a type of fish or to a Moorish person in English-speaking countries.
3. Moreau: This is the French variation of the name, pronounced similarly to "Mauro." It has been popularized by famous individuals such as Marquis de Sade and Gustave Moreau.
4. Maura: In Ireland and some Spanish-speaking regions, the name Mauro may be spelled as Maura for female names, which is derived from the Latin word for "bright" or "shining."
5. Morowitz: This is a Jewish variant of Mauro, found mostly in Eastern Europe and the United States. It likely originated as a nickname for someone with dark skin or features.
6. Morawetz: Another Jewish variation of the name, similar to Morowitz. It may also be found among German-speaking populations.
7. Murau, Morawe, Murawski: These are Slavic variations of Mauro, found primarily in Eastern Europe and among diaspora communities in other countries. They are typically pronounced differently from the Italian, Portuguese, or French versions.
Famous people with the last name Mauro
Notable individuals with the surname Mauro include:
1. Mauro Giuliano (1928-1994), an Italian actor known for his roles in films like "The Godfather" and "The Exorcist."
2. Mauro Icardi (b. 1993), an Argentine professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Paris Saint-Germain and the Argentina national team. He is the son of former footballer Diego Icardi.
3. Mauro McCoy (b. 1965), a Canadian actor, director, and screenwriter, best known for his roles in "Stargate SG-1" and "The X-Files."
4. Mauro Masi (b. 1942), an Italian politician who served as the Minister of Education, University, and Research in the Berlusconi IV Cabinet from 2008 to 2011.
5. Mauro Lujambio (1936-2014), an Argentine film director and screenwriter, known for films like "El Enfermo Imaginario" and "El Ojo Que Sobraba."
These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact in entertainment, sports, politics, and the arts.
Genealogical research on the last name Mauro
The surname Mauro originates from the Latin word 'Maurus', meaning Moor. It was primarily used to identify people of North African or Moorish descent who settled in Europe, particularly Italy and Spain, during the Middle Ages. In Italy, the name became popular due to the Norman Conquest of Sicily by the Normans, a group of mainly North African descent, in the 11th century. The Mauro family can be traced back to various regions in Italy, with significant populations found in Sicily, Calabria, and Campania. Some notable individuals bearing the name include Pope Victorius II (Mauro), who reigned from 1055 to 1061, and Giuseppe Mauro, an Italian composer known for his operas during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the Mauro family continues to be a significant part of Italian and global society, with its members contributing in various fields such as politics, arts, and sciences.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The surname Maubeau has French origins. It is derived from a place name, specifically from a village named "Maubec" located in the department of Vaucluse in southeastern France. Th...
The surname Maubert is of French origin, derived from the personal name Maubert, a variant of the name Gilbert. It is believed to have originated from the Middle Ages in France.
The surname Mauc originates from France. It is a habitational name derived from various places called Mauce or Mauves, located in several regions including Calvados, Maine-et-Loire...
The last name Mauchamp is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "macher," meaning "to crush or to bruise," combined with the word "champ," which means "field." T...
The last name "Maudassar" appears to have Arabic origins, specifically from the words "Maud" and "Assar." "Maud" likely means "proud" or "high," while "Assar" may mean "one who act...
The surname Maudier is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "maudire," meaning "to curse." The name may have originally been a nickname given to someone who was...
The surname "Mauduit" is of French origin. It comes from the Old French term "maudit," which means cursed or accursed. In medieval times, it was often given to someone who had been...
The surname "Maudy" is believed to have originated from various sources. One possible origin is from the Middle English personal name "Maudie" or "Maddy," which is a variant of the...
The surname Mauffray is of French origin, derived from a place name or from an occupational name. The place name Mauffray is found in the department of Orne and Manche regions in F...
The surname Maufret is of French origin and is derived from a place name or an occupational name. It originates from a location called Maufréty in the Gers department, southwester...
The last name Maugard is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "mugard" which means wall or hedge. It was likely used as a surname to identify someone who lived ...
The surname Mauger is of Old French origin. It is derived from a given name Maguer or Maugier, which was a medieval diminutive form of the name Magnus, meaning "great" in Latin. Th...
