What is the origin of the last name Migliano?

The surname Migliano is of Italian origin, specifically from Southern Italy, particularly Sicily and Campania regions. It is a variant of the original name Migliaro, which means "big" or "great" in Italian, derived from the adjective "miglio" meaning "mile". Over time, it evolved into various spellings including Migliano, Migliara, Migliarelli, and others, as a result of regional dialects and transcription errors during immigration.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Migliano

The meaning and origin of the last name Migliano

The surname Migliano is an Italian patronymic name derived from the male given name Miguel, which is of Hebrew origin. In Hebrew, Miguel means "who is like God." This name was popularized by the Spanish conquerors in the Middle Ages and later adopted by Italians. The name evolved over time, with variations such as Migliorini (diminutive form), Migliaccio, and Migliorisi. In Italy, patronymic surnames were often formed by adding a suffix like "-i" or "-o" to the father's personal name. As a result, Migliano is a surname that signifies someone whose father was named Miguel. This surname is found predominantly in regions such as Campania, Abruzzo, and Calabria due to historical migration patterns within Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Migliano

The surname Migliano is primarily distributed across Italy and has its origins from the region of Campania, particularly Naples and surrounding areas. It is also found in significant numbers in other parts of Southern Italy such as Calabria, Sicily, and Puglia. Beyond Italy, smaller concentrations of individuals with the surname Migliano can be found in various Italian-speaking communities in Switzerland, Argentina, and Brazil due to historical migration patterns. In the United States, the highest populations of people with the last name Migliano are primarily located in New York, New Jersey, Florida, California, and Massachusetts, reflecting immigration from Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Migliano

The surname Migliano has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include: Megliano, Megliano, Melliani, Miliani, and Miglieni. These variations can be found across various countries and regions, indicating potential Italian origins. However, it is also possible for individuals with these surnames to have different ethnic backgrounds due to immigration and assimilation. It's essential to note that while some variations might appear similar, their pronunciation and regional distribution can differ significantly. Genealogical research can help clarify the specific origin and variation of individual family names like Migliano.

Famous people with the last name Migliano

Notable individuals with the surname Migliano include:

1. John P. Migliano - An American football coach who served as the head coach at the University of Cincinnati from 1938 to 1942. Under his leadership, the team won two conference championships and appeared in three bowl games.

2. Joe Migliano - An American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Joe E. Legend, who competed in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and Ring of Honor (ROH). He is a two-time ROH World Champion.

3. Alessio Migliano - An Italian engineer and entrepreneur, co-founder and CEO of Robotnik SpA, an Italian company specializing in mobile robots for professional use. He has received several awards for his contributions to the field of robotics.

4. Nick Migliano - A meteorologist who currently works as a senior meteorologist at The Weather Channel and as an on-camera meteorologist for WFLA in Tampa, Florida. He is known for his clear and informative weather reports.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as sports, engineering, and media.

Genealogical research on the last name Migliano

The surname Migliano originates from Italy and is derived from the occupational name "mugnaio," meaning "miller." Early records show that the name was concentrated mainly in the Apulia region, particularly in Bari, Barletta, and Trani. One of the earliest known bearers of this name was Rainardo Migliano, a notary public from Bari in the 13th century. The family later migrated to other parts of Italy and eventually spread to other countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, due to immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable figures with the surname Migliano include Italian journalist Antonio Migliano and Argentine poet Julio Migliani.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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