Last Name Pacini

The surname Pacini has Italian origins. It derives from the given name Pacino, which is a diminutive form of the male given name Pasquale or Paolo, both of which are common Italian names. Over time, as is often the case with Italian surnames, the original given name was dropped, leaving only the surname Pacini. The earliest recorded use of the name Pacini dates back to medieval Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pacini

The meaning and origin of the last name Pacini

The surname Pacini is of Italian origin, derived from the medieval occupational name "Pastinarius," which meant a maker or seller of pasta. Over time, this occupation-based name was transformed into Pacini, with variations such as Paccini, Pacchini, and Pacino also found in Italy. The Pacinis are traditionally from Tuscany, though the surname can be found throughout Italy. As with many Italian surnames, Pacini was often used to identify a specific family within a town or region, serving as both a means of identification and social status. Today, the Pacini name is carried by individuals across the world, particularly in countries where Italian immigration has been significant, such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pacini

The last name Pacini is predominantly Italian in origin and has a significant concentration within Italy, particularly in the regions of Tuscany, Lazio, and Emilia-Romagna. According to data from FamilyEducation.com, the city of Arezzo in Tuscany ranks among the highest for the incidence of the surname Pacini. The name is also found in smaller numbers within other Italian regions as well as overseas Italian communities, such as Argentina and Brazil. Additionally, families with the last name Pacini can be found in countries where Italian immigration has been historically significant, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and France. Notably, the distribution of this surname reflects historical patterns of migration from Italy to other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pacini

The surname Pacini has various spellings and pronunciations, primarily due to regional differences and historical transcription errors. Some common variations include Pacini, Pacino, Pacinno, Pacenna, Paccini, Pacchini, Pacceni, and Paccino. In Italian, the name is generally pronounced as "Pa-chee-nee". The spelling may change when transcribed to other languages or dialects, leading to additional variations such as Pacheny (Russian) and Pakeni (Latvian). It's essential to note that while some variations may appear similar, they might have different origins or be associated with distinct families.

Famous people with the last name Pacini

The Pacini family has produced several notable figures in various fields. Giancarlo Pacini, an Italian operatic tenor, is renowned for his performances in operas such as La Boheme and Madama Butterfly during the late 20th century. Angela Pacini, a British actress, gained fame for her roles in films like The Trial of Tony Blair and HBO's Rome. Silvano Pacini, an Italian physicist, made significant contributions to the field of plasma physics and was a member of the National Academy of Sciences of Italy. Lastly, Luca Pacioli, while not having 'Pacini' as his surname, is often associated with the family due to the similarity in spelling. He was an Italian mathematician and Franciscan friar who co-authored the seminal text on double-entry bookkeeping, Summa de arithmetica, geometria, proportioni et proportionalita.

Genealogical research on the last name Pacini

The surname Pacini originates from Italy and is primarily found in Tuscany, particularly in the towns of Lucca and Pisa. Its earliest known ancestor was Pacino dei Bonaguida, who lived around the year 1280. Pacino's descendants include several notable figures such as composer Giacomo Pacini (1796-1883), known for his operas, and Antonio Pacini (1805-1897), a painter. The Pacini family is part of the Bonaguida branch, which was one of the oldest patrician families in Lucca, dating back to the Middle Ages. Over time, the Pacini name spread across Italy and eventually reached other parts of Europe and the Americas, with notable populations found in Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pacini"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends