What is the origin of the last name Mazzone?

The surname Mazzone has Italian origins and is derived from a common place name or nickname. The word "Mazzone" in Italian can mean "little macchia," referring to a spot or a small field marked with a specific tree, stone, or plant. Alternatively, it could be a diminutive form of the given name Mazzo, which is a shortened version of Matthew (Mattia) or Maurizio. The surname Mazzone can be found throughout Italy, particularly in regions such as Lombardy, Tuscany, and Umbria. It was often used by individuals who lived near or originated from places with the name "Mazzone" or were nicknamed for their physical appearance, resembling a small field or spot.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mazzone

The meaning and origin of the last name Mazzone

The surname Mazzone is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Mazzo, a diminutive form of Mattia (Matthew) or Magno (Magnus), both common names in medieval Italy. The name is believed to have originated from various regions in Italy, particularly Tuscany and Lazio. It was often used as a nickname for someone who was strong or powerful, derived from the Italian word "mazzo," meaning club or staff. Over time, it evolved into a surname, indicating family relation to the original bearer of the name. The Mazzone surname is presently found worldwide among the diaspora of Italians, with significant populations in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mazzone

The surname Mazzone is predominantly Italian in origin and has a significant presence within Italy, particularly in regions such as Campania, Lazio, and Sicily. Historically, the name was more common among inhabitants of Naples, a city in Campania, and its surrounding areas. Outside of Italy, the name can be found in various Italian diaspora communities, including Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States. In the US, concentrations of Mazzone families can be traced in cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Chicago. The name's distribution reflects historical migration patterns of Italians to these areas during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mazzone

The surname Mazzone has various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, phonetic interpretation, and historical records. Some common variations include Mazone, Mazzoni, Mazzona, Maçon, Maccone, Maccione, and Mazzun. These variations can be found in different countries, with Italian being the most common origin for the name. In English-speaking countries, it is often anglicized as Mason or Masson, although these are distinct surnames of French origin that share a similar pronunciation but different etymology. It's important to note that these variations can lead to confusion when researching genealogy or family history.

Famous people with the last name Mazzone

Notable individuals with the surname Mazzone include:

1. Gaetano Mazzone (1897-1964), an Italian-born American tenor who performed at the Metropolitan Opera, San Carlo, and La Scala.
2. Enzo Mazzone (born 1953), a former professional footballer from Italy, who played as a forward for clubs such as Sampdoria, Lazio, and Parma. He was part of the Italian national team that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
3. Giuseppe Mazzone (born 1964), an Italian-American businessman and founder of The Mazzone Hospitality Group, a restaurant company with locations throughout New York.
4. Franco Mazzone (born 1952), a Canadian racing cyclist who won the Canadian National Road Race Championship in 1980 and 1983. He also competed at the Olympic Games in 1976 and 1984.
5. Maria Grazia Mazzone (born 1964), an Italian scientist who is a professor of Environmental Chemistry at the University of Bologna. She has contributed research on environmental pollution and human health risks.

Genealogical research on the last name Mazzone

The Mazzone surname is of Italian origin, derived from the occupational name for a mason or builder. It is most prevalent in southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Naples and Calabria. Some variations of the name include Mazza, Mazzone, and Mazoni.

The earliest recorded instance of the Mazzone surname dates back to the 10th century, with a Giuseppe Mazzone appearing in historical records from Salerno, Italy. Throughout the Middle Ages, numerous bearers of the Mazzone name were involved in various occupations related to construction and stonework, such as masons, carpenters, and stonemasons.

During the Italian Renaissance, members of the Mazzone family held prominent positions in society, with some serving as architects, artists, and scholars. One notable figure is Giovanni Battista Mazzoni, a renowned 16th-century poet and humanist from Bologna.

In more recent history, many individuals bearing the Mazzone surname emigrated from Italy to other countries, particularly the United States and Canada, in search of better opportunities. Today, the Mazzone name can be found among various ethnic communities worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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