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Last Name Nino

What is the origin of the last name Nino?

The last name "Nino" has various possible origins and meanings, depending on the region and culture: 1. Spanish and Italian Origin: "Nino" is a surname of Spanish and Italian origin. In Spanish, "nino" means "child" or "little boy". It can be a given name or a nickname that became a surname over time. 2. Basque Origin: In Basque, "nino" means "little". Therefore, the last name "Nino" could have originated in the Basque region, which spans parts of northern Spain and southwestern France. 3. Filipino Origin: "Nino" can also be a Filipino surname, especially in the Philippines. In this context, it is often derived from the Spanish influence on Filipino naming customs. Overall, determining the precise origin of the last name "Nino" may require further research or genealogical investigation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nino

The meaning and origin of the last name Nino

The surname Nino has multiple origins and meanings depending on its geographical context. One possible origin dates back to the medieval period in Italy, where the name Nino derives from the given name "Giovannino," which is a diminutive form of Giovanni, meaning "God is gracious" in Hebrew. This surname may have been used to distinguish a person named Giovanni who was the youngest in their family or had a small stature. Another possible origin of the Nino surname can be found in the Philippines, where it is derived from the Spanish word "niño," meaning "child" or "boy." It is likely that some Filipinos acquired this name during the Spanish colonization era, perhaps originating from a family profession or a child being baptized with the name. The surname Nino has therefore evolved with various meanings and etymological backgrounds.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nino

The last name Nino has a primarily Spanish origin and is relatively common in various Spanish-speaking countries. It is derived from the given name "Niño," meaning "child" or "infant" in Spanish. The geographical distribution of the last name Nino is widespread, with significant concentrations found in Mexico, Colombia, and the Philippines due to historical and cultural connections. In Mexico, the Nino surname is prevalent throughout the country, particularly in the northern states such as Nuevo León and Tamaulipas. Colombia also has a considerable number of individuals with the last name Nino, primarily in regions like Antioquia and Valle del Cauca. Additionally, the Philippines, which was under Spanish colonial rule for several hundred years, has a notable population of Ninos, particularly in Luzon and the Visayas regions. However, it is important to note that due to migration and assimilation, individuals with the last name Nino can be found in various other countries around the world, particularly in regions with a significant Spanish-speaking population.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nino

The last name "Nino" can have various variations and spellings depending on cultural and regional influences. For instance, in Spanish-speaking countries, it is commonly spelled "Nino," which means "child" in Spanish. However, in the Italian language, the same surname is often spelled as "Ninò" or "Nini." In the Philippines, a former Spanish colony, the name can be spelled as "Niño" with an accent mark on the letter "o." Additionally, people with the last name "Nino" who have migrated to English-speaking countries might anglicize their surname, resulting in different spellings such as "Ninow," "Nyneaux," or "Neenow." It's important to note that due to various factors like migration, historical events, and personal choices, many different variations of the name may exist, resulting in an array of spellings for the last name "Nino."

Famous people with the last name Nino

One of the famous individuals with the last name Nino is Emilio Nino Pena, a renowned Puerto Rican painter born in 1938. He is considered one of Puerto Rico's foremost abstract artists and has exhibited his work internationally. Nino Pena's vibrant and captivating paintings often incorporate bright colors, geometric shapes, and elements of surrealism, making him a distinctive figure within the art world.

Another notable individual with the last name Nino is Daniela Nino, a Colombian beauty queen who was crowned Miss International Colombia in 2011. She represented her country in the Miss International pageant, showcasing her elegance and charm on an international platform.

Additionally, the Nino family is known for their involvement in the sport of boxing, with several talented fighters bearing the last name. One such boxer is Michael Nino, a Filipino professional who has competed in various weight divisions and has made a name for himself in the boxing community.

These are just a few famous people with the last name Nino, each contributing their unique talents and accomplishments to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Nino

The last name Nino has its roots in various regions across the world, making it a fascinating subject for genealogical research. One key origin is in Spain, where Nino is a common Hispanic surname, derived from the medieval given name 'Ninno,' a diminutive form of 'Nuno' or 'Nono.' It is believed to have originated from the Latin name 'Nonius' or 'Ninnius.' Over time, the Nino name spread to other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Argentina, and the Philippines through migration and colonization. Furthermore, the Italian region of Sicily also has a significant presence of the surname, influenced by the Spanish occupation during the medieval period. Another possible origin is the Portuguese name 'Ninô,' which is used as a patronymic surname. Individuals tracing their genealogy with the last name Nino may find diverse ancestral connections across different cultures and regions, reflecting the rich historical movement and heritage associated with the surname.

Last name distribution maps

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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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