What is the origin of the last name Pagazani?

The surname Pagazani is of Italian origin. It derives from various Italian locales named Pagana or Pagano, which mean "pagan" or "heathen" in Latin. These names were given to places that pre-dated Christian influence. Over time, individuals living in these areas began using these place names as surnames.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pagazani

The meaning and origin of the last name Pagazani

The surname Pagazani is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Pagaio or Pacaio, which was a diminutive form of the Late Latin name Paquiatus, meaning "peaceful." This name evolved into various forms such as Pacan, Pacani, and eventually Pagazani. The surname Pagazani is primarily found in Italy, particularly in the region of Umbria. It's worth noting that Italian surnames originated as a result of changes in the feudal system and the growing influence of Rome, leading to an increased need for identification among the population. Over time, many families adopted their given names as surnames, contributing to the diverse array of Italian surnames seen today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pagazani

The surname Pagazani is predominantly of Italian origin and has its highest concentration in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Lombardy, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. It's less frequent but still present in other parts of Italy, including Tuscany, Umbria, and Abruzzo. The distribution of the surname Pagazani outside Italy is relatively low. In North America, it's found primarily among Italian immigrants and their descendants, particularly in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Argentina. In the United States, for example, high concentrations of people with the last name Pagazani can be found in states like New York, California, and Pennsylvania.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pagazani

The surname Pagazani has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and regional dialects. Some common variations include Pagazzani, Pagassani, Pagasani, Pagacani, and Pagacczani. These variations may stem from misspellings or phonetic changes over time in different languages or regions. In some cases, the surname might have been altered by immigration officials during the process of entering a new country. It is important to note that while these variations exist, they all originate from the same root name, which is likely of Italian origin and possibly derived from place names such as Pagana (meaning pagan) or Pagani (meaning from Pagano).

Famous people with the last name Pagazani

Notable individuals bearing the surname Pagaziani include:

1. Franco Pagaziani (born 1964), an Italian former footballer who played as a midfielder for several clubs, including AS Roma and Fiorentina, and represented the Italy national team.
2. Giorgio Pagaziani (born 1957), an Italian actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, notably in the role of Giovanni Falcone in the miniseries "Il Giudice Ravvicinato" (The Nearby Judge).
3. Serena Pagaziani (born 1986), an Italian actress who began her career as a child actor and has since appeared in films, television shows, and on stage. She is best known for her role as Chiara in the film "Nati per vincere" (Born to Win).
4. Matteo Pagaziani (born 1987), an Italian footballer who plays as a defender for Serie B club Frosinone Calcio. He began his career with AS Roma and has also played for clubs such as Torino FC, Catania Calcio, and Chievo Verona.
5. Massimo Pagaziani (born 1957), an Italian physicist who specializes in the field of condensed matter physics. He has worked at the University of Florence since 1984 and is a member of several scientific societies, including the European Physical Society.

Genealogical research on the last name Pagazani

The Pagazani surname is primarily of Italian origin, with roots in various regions, particularly Lombardy and Veneto, although it can also be found in other parts of Italy. The name is believed to have evolved from the personal name "Paganello," a diminutive form of the medieval name "Paganus" or "Pagano," meaning "pagan" or "rural dweller."

Early records show that the Pagazani family lived in several towns, including Bergamo, Padua, and Venice. The family migrated to other parts of Europe, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries, due to economic reasons and political instability in Italy. Some Pagazanis settled in countries like Switzerland, France, Austria, and the United States.

In the United States, significant Pagazani populations can be found in cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, where they were often involved in the construction industry or small businesses. Researching your Pagazani ancestry may involve exploring Italian civil, church, immigration, and census records to trace your family's journey across generations.

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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