Last Name Nonni

The surname Nonni is of Italian origin. It is derived from a diminutive form of the given name "Nonna," which means grandmother in Italian. As a surname, it may have been used as a nickname for someone who was considered like a grandmother due to their kind or nurturing nature. Alternatively, it could also have originated as a locative surname, referring to someone from a place named Nonna. It is most common in Italy and among Italian-speaking communities around the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nonni

The meaning and origin of the last name Nonni

The surname Nonni is an Italian surname derived from the diminutive form of the given name "Nono," which translates to "grandfather" in English. It originally served as a nickname for individuals who were referred to as such due to their advanced age or resemblance to a grandfather figure. Over time, it became a hereditary surname and spread across Italy, particularly in the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. The name can also be found among immigrants from Italy in other parts of the world. Nonni is relatively uncommon compared to some other Italian surnames but remains an identifiable part of Italian and Italian-American communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nonni

The surname Nonni has its origins primarily in Italy, specifically in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna regions. Historically, it is a patronymic derived from the given name "Nonna," which means grandmother in Italian. While the surname Nonni is most prevalent in Italy, it also has a presence in other countries with significant Italian diaspora populations, such as the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and Australia. In the U.S., the highest concentrations of individuals with the last name Nonni can be found in states like New York, California, and Pennsylvania, reflecting the large influx of Italians during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, there are smaller communities of Nonnis in countries such as Canada, Switzerland, and Uruguay.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nonni

The surname Nonni has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Here are some common variations:

1. Nonni: This is the most straightforward variant, which is Italian in origin. It can be pronounced as 'noh-nee' or 'non-ee'.
2. Nunni: A slight variation of the original spelling, this version might result from a typing mistake but is still recognized as a valid form of the surname.
3. Nonney/Noni: In English, it's not uncommon to find the surname adapted slightly to better suit native pronunciation and spelling rules, with "nonney" and "noni" being examples of such adaptations.
4. Nunning: This is another adaptation that occurs when the Italian surname is anglicized, resulting in a different spelling while retaining the original sound.
5. Nooni: Similar to "noni," this variation might be an informal or casual abbreviation of the surname.
6. Von Nonni: Occasionally, the German prefix 'von' is added to foreign surnames, so it is possible to encounter a form such as von Nonni.

Famous people with the last name Nonni

Notable individuals with the surname Nonni include:

1. Enzo Nonni (1932-2018), an Italian footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Inter Milan and Fiorentina, and represented Italy at international level.

2. Randy Nonni (born 1965), an American musician known for his work with the punk rock band Social Distortion.

3. Maria Nonni (1894-1975), an Italian opera singer who was particularly known for her performances in the works of Verdi and Puccini.

4. Silvio Nonni (born 1962), an Italian politician who has served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies for the Democratic Party.

5. Loretta Nonni, an American actress who has appeared in films such as "The Great Gatsby" and television shows like "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."

Genealogical research on the last name Nonni

The Nonni surname, originating from Italy, is primarily found in regions such as Tuscany and Umbria. It is believed to be a nickname derived from the Italian word "nonno," meaning grandfather. Historically, the Nonni family can be traced back to the 13th century, with early records showing the presence of members bearing this surname in towns like Arezzo, Perugia, and Florence. As Italian families often migrated during periods of political upheaval or economic hardship, the Nonni name can also be found in other European countries, particularly in France and Switzerland, due to the migration waves of the 16th and 17th centuries. In the United States, the Nonni family settled primarily in New York City and Philadelphia, reflecting the Italian immigration boom during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Nonni"
• 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

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