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Last Name Neri

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What is the origin of the last name Neri?

The surname Neri has Italian origins and is derived from a medieval occupational name for a lamp maker, from the Latin word "lampadarius," which means "a vendor of oil lamps." Alternatively, it could also be a habitational name from any of several places in Italy called Neri.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Neri

The surname Neri originates from Italy, specifically from the Roman region. It is derived from the Latin word "nerus," which means "light" or "candle." This name was often given to people born during the Christmas season, as the star that guided the Magi to Bethlehem was symbolized by a candle. Over time, the name Neri became a common Italian surname, especially in regions such as Tuscany and Umbria. Notable figures with the surname Neri include artists like Bernardo Daddi (1330-1384), known for his religious paintings, and Carlo Neri (1593-1650), a prominent sculptor in the Baroque period. The name has also been adopted by individuals of other nationalities, particularly those with Italian ancestry, spreading its reach globally.

Geographical distribution of the last name Neri

The surname Neri is predominantly Italian, with its highest concentration found in Tuscany, particularly in cities like Florence and Siena, reflecting the region's rich history. It is also prevalent in other parts of Italy such as Lazio, Umbria, and Emilia-Romagna. Significant numbers of people with the surname Neri can also be found in regions like Campania, Abruzzo, and Lombardy. Outside of Italy, countries with a notable presence of the Neri surname include Brazil, Argentina, Spain, and the United States, where it is primarily concentrated along the East Coast, particularly in New York City. The name's geographical distribution suggests a historical migration pattern from Italy to various parts of the Americas and Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Neri

The surname Neri has various spelling and pronunciation variations across different regions and cultures. The most common form is Neri, which originates from Italy, where it is pronounced as 'ne-RI:'. Some other spellings include Nerris, Naree, Narey, Narry, and Narrie, all of which are phonetic adaptations of the original Italian spelling for individuals who may have immigrated or whose families changed their name. In Spanish-speaking cultures, the surname can be found as Nery, with a slightly different pronunciation: 'ne-RY'. These variations highlight the global dispersal and cultural assimilation of the Neri name throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Neri

Among notable figures sharing the surname Neri are:

1. Bernini Family: The Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680), widely regarded as one of the greatest sculptors in history, and his son Pietro Bernini (1629-1694) who was also a skilled sculptor and architect.

2. Domenico Neri: An Italian painter active during the early Baroque period, best known for his frescoes in churches around Florence, including the famed Capponi Chapel at Santa Felicita.

3. Marco Neri: A contemporary artist whose work blends sculpture and drawing to explore themes of memory, history, and identity. He represented Italy at the Venice Biennale in 2017.

4. Niccolò Neri: An Italian Jesuit priest and mathematician who made significant contributions to the study of algebra during the Renaissance. His work "Isagoge ad Algebra" remains a valuable resource today.

Genealogical research on the last name Neri

The surname Neri originates from Italy and is predominantly found in regions such as Tuscany and Umbria. It is an occupational name derived from the Latin word "nerium," meaning "candle," and was likely used to identify a candle maker or vendor. The earliest known record of the family, according to Italian genealogical records, dates back to the 13th century in Florence, with Giunta Neri being mentioned in a document related to land ownership in 1286. Over the centuries, the Neri family expanded geographically and economically, with branches establishing themselves in various parts of Italy and later migrating to other countries due to trade or political reasons. Notable figures bearing the surname include Antonio Neri, a pharmacist and alchemist who worked for the Medici court during the Renaissance; and Pope Benedict XIII (1675-1730), born Pietro della Penna, who took the name Benedetto Neri upon his ascension to the papacy. The surname Neri remains relatively common in Italy and has spread globally through immigration waves.

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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