Last Name Milani

Learn more about the origin of the last name Milani

The meaning and origin of the last name Milani

The surname Milani is an Italian name, derived from various locations across Italy that bear this moniker. For instance, there's Milano (Milan), one of Italy's most populous cities, which might have contributed to the origin of this surname. Other possibilities include small towns like Milana in Tuscany and Molina in several Italian regions, which may have also influenced the name's prevalence among Italians. The surname Milani is a patronymic, indicating that it was originally derived from the given name of the father or an ancestor. It should be noted, however, that the exact origin of the name can vary depending on individual family histories and migrations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Milani

The surname Milani has its origins in Italy, where it is most prevalent. In Italy, it is primarily concentrated in regions such as Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, and Tuscany. Milan, the largest city in Lombardy, is likely a significant contributor to the name's frequency in that region. Outside of Italy, the surname Milani can also be found among Italian diaspora communities, particularly in countries like Argentina, Brazil, United States, and Australia, where Italian immigration was substantial during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In these countries, the name's distribution tends to reflect the migration patterns of Italians from specific regions within Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Milani

The surname Milani has various spellings and variations, some of which include:

* Millani
* Miliani
* Miliani
* Milanai
* Miliany
* Milijani
* Miljani
* Miliyani

These variations may have arisen due to differences in spelling conventions, transcription errors, or regional dialects over time. The original Italian surname is believed to be derived from the city of Milan, hence its phonetic similarity with the name of that city.

Famous people with the last name Milani

Notable individuals sharing the surname Milani include:

1. Vlado Milani (born 1942), an Italian journalist and writer who has worked for RAI, Italy's public broadcasting company, since 1963. He is known for his reports on events such as the Vietnam War, the Middle East, and South America.

2. Mira Sorvino (born 1967), an American actress, singer, and activist. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1995 for her role in Woody Allen's film "Mighty Aphrodite."

3. Giorgio Milani (1920-1980), an Italian film director who is best known for his films "The Time of the Gypsies" and "La Bussola di San Pietro." He was a founding member of the neorealist movement in Italian cinema.

4. Franco Milani (born 1957), an Italian film director, producer, and screenwriter who has directed films such as "My Brother is an Only Child" and "The Best of Youth."

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields in journalism, acting, filmmaking, and activism.

Genealogical research on the last name Milani

The surname Milani originates from Italy and is primarily found in regions such as Tuscany, Lombardy, and Veneto. It is a variant of the more common Italian surnames Milioli, Milli, and Mellini. The name is believed to have been derived from occupations related to mills or from a place named Milo. The Milani family's history dates back to medieval Italy where they were often associated with the ownership or operation of watermills or windmills. Notable figures bearing the surname Milani include the Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani, the composer Giuseppe Milani, and the footballer Andrea Milani. The spread of the name Milani to other countries is primarily due to Italian immigration, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with significant populations now found in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Milani"
• 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 : 28 July 2025