Last Name Nini

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nini

The meaning and origin of the last name Nini

The surname Nini is of Italian origin, derived from the diminutive form of the female given name Nina, which itself comes from the Greek word for "grace" or "favor." It is commonly believed that Italian surnames emerged during the Middle Ages, when hereditary family names were adopted as a method of identification among increasing population growth, urbanization, and trade. The Nini surname may have been originally used to identify a family that was associated with a female named Nina or a family where the matriarch was named Nina. Over time, it became a permanent part of the family's identity and was passed down from generation to generation. Today, the surname Nini can be found among Italian-speaking communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nini

The surname Nini is predominantly distributed in regions with significant Italian-speaking populations, such as Italy and Switzerland. It also appears with lesser frequency in other parts of Europe, including France, Spain, and Portugal. In North America, the highest concentrations of individuals bearing the name Nini are found in countries with a large Italian diaspora, notably the United States and Canada. The name's presence in these regions primarily reflects historical immigration patterns from Italy to the Americas during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, the name has been recorded in countries of South America, such as Brazil and Argentina, which also host sizeable Italian communities. However, it is important to note that the geographical distribution of the surname Nini is not exclusive to these areas and may be found in other parts of the world due to migration or historical reasons.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nini

The surname Nini has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some of the most common variations include:

1. Nini (Italian) - Commonly found in Italy, this spelling is often associated with feminine first names.
2. Niní (Spanish and Portuguese) - This variation is more commonly used as a diminutive for female given names in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries.
3. Nyni (Hawaiian) - In Hawaiian culture, Nyni is a surname that can be found among people of diverse ethnicities.
4. Nyoni (African) - In some African languages, especially Shona and Ndebele, Nyoni is a surname or a term of endearment for a woman.
5. Neeny (English) - Although less common, this spelling can be found among English speakers, often as a variant of the given name Neena or a nickname for another name beginning with "Neen".
6. Nynae (Irish) - This is an archaic or rare form of the Irish surname Ó Nualláin, which means "descendant of Nuallán".

Famous people with the last name Nini

The last name Nini is associated with several notable figures in various fields. In music, Aníbal Carrasco Nuni, known as El Niño de la Esquina, is a Uruguayan singer-songwriter and guitarist who gained international recognition for his tangos. In the realm of visual arts, Enrico Nunni, an Italian painter, has made significant contributions to the world of art with his figurative and abstract works. The late Alphonse Nini was a French sculptor known for his bronze statues depicting historical figures and everyday life scenes. Lastly, Lise Nini, born in France, is a renowned dancer who has made her mark in the world of ballet, performing with prestigious companies such as the National Ballet of Canada and the New York City Ballet. These are some of the notable individuals sharing the last name Nini, each making significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Nini

The surname Nini is primarily Italian and Germanic in origin. In Italy, it's derived from the given name Nicola (Nick), while in Germany, it can be a short form of various names ending in 'Ninus,' such as Augustinius or Valentinianus, both of Roman origin.

The earliest recorded instances of the surname Nini date back to the late Middle Ages. In Italy, records from the Republic of Genoa show Niccolò Nini (1340-1405), a notable painter and sculptor who worked on numerous architectural projects in Genoa and Florence.

In Germany, records from the 16th century feature individuals such as Johannes Ninus, who was a jurist in the Duchy of Bavaria in 1527, and Hans Nyn, who served as a city councilman in Esslingen am Neckar between 1490 and 1500.

Throughout history, families bearing the surname Nini have contributed to various fields such as art, politics, science, and commerce, making significant contributions to their respective societies.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Nini"
• 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 : 11 June 2025