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Last Name Nani

What is the origin of the last name Nani?

The last name "Nani" is of Italian origin. It is believed to be a diminutive form of the given name Giovanni, which is the Italian form of John. It is a common surname in Italy and may have originated as a patronymic surname meaning "son of Nanni."

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Nani

The meaning and origin of the last name Nani

The surname Nani is of Italian origin and is believed to have derived from the medieval given name Nanni, a form of the name Giovanni, which means "God is gracious" in Hebrew. The name Nanni was a popular given name during the Middle Ages in Italy, and over time, it evolved into the surname Nani. The surname Nani is most commonly found in northern Italy, particularly in regions such as Lombardy and Veneto. It is possible that the surname may have originated as a nickname for someone with a positive and gracious personality, reflecting the meaning of the name Giovanni. Today, the surname Nani is still fairly common in Italy and can also be found in other parts of the world due to Italian emigration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nani

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Variants and spellings of the last name Nani

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Famous people with the last name Nani

Luis Nani, also known as simply Nani, is a renowned Portuguese footballer who has played for clubs such as Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon. He is best known for his pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability, and has won numerous league titles and individual awards throughout his career. Nani has also represented the Portuguese national team in several international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship. In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Nani is also recognized for his philanthropic work, particularly in his home country of Portugal. Overall, Nani is regarded as one of the most talented and successful footballers to have emerged from Portugal in recent years, and continues to be a prominent figure in the world of football.

Genealogical research on the last name Nani

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 April 2025

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