Last Name Payani

The surname Payani is of Indian origin, specifically from the region of Maharashtra. It is derived from the Marathi word "payan," which means "ankle" or "foot." It is possible that the surname Payani was originally used as a nickname or descriptor for someone with a noticeable feature related to their foot or ankle. Over time, this name would have been passed down through generations, eventually becoming a hereditary surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Payani

The meaning and origin of the last name Payani

The surname Payani is of Italian origin, derived from the personal name 'Patiano' or 'Pattiano', which in turn is derived from the Italian first name Patto, meaning "oath" or "pledge." The surname is believed to have originated in Southern Italy and is found predominantly in the regions of Calabria and Sicily. The name likely originally referred to someone who either took an oath or made a pledge, indicating trustworthiness or loyalty. Over time, the personal name evolved into a surname and has been passed down through generations of families with Italian ancestry. Today, individuals with the surname Payani can be found throughout Italy and in various parts of the world where Italian immigrants have settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Payani

The last name Payani is most commonly found in Iran, particularly in the central and southern regions of the country. It is also found in neighboring countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, where there are historical connections with Iran. In addition, there are smaller populations of people with the last name Payani in countries with significant Iranian diaspora communities, such as the United States, Canada, and Europe. Within Iran, the name is most prevalent in cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz. The distribution of the last name Payani reflects the historical movement of people within the region, as well as the influence of Iranian culture and language on surrounding countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Payani

Payani is a surname that may be spelled in various ways, with common variations including Payanni, Payanee, and Payany. Other possible spellings of the last name could include Piyani, Pyani, Peayani, and Payannie. Different regions and cultures may have their own preferred spelling of the surname, leading to a range of variations that reflect the diversity of languages and dialects. Despite the different spellings, these variations all likely stem from the same original surname and maintain a similar pronunciation. Individuals with the last name Payani may encounter different spellings throughout their lives, but each variation is a valid representation of their family name.

Famous people with the last name Payani

There are no famous individuals with the last name "Payani" in popular culture or history that are widely recognized. It is possible that the name may belong to a lesser-known figure in a specific industry or region, but they have not achieved widespread fame or recognition. The lack of well-known figures with the last name "Payani" may indicate that it is a rare surname or that individuals with this name have not made significant contributions in fields that would propel them to fame. It is important to note that fame is subjective, and individuals with the last name "Payani" may still have accomplished notable achievements in their personal or professional lives, even if they are not widely celebrated or known outside of their immediate circle.

Genealogical research on the last name Payani

The surname Payani is of Italian origin and has its roots in the Lombardy region. The name is believed to be derived from the personal name "Paiano," which in turn, comes from the Latin name "Paganus," meaning "villager" or "countryman." The earliest records of the Payani family date back to the 14th century in the city of Milan, where they were known for their involvement in trade and commerce. Over the centuries, the Payani family expanded throughout Italy, with branches settling in various regions such as Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto. Today, descendants of the Payani family can be found not only in Italy but also in other parts of the world, as members of the family emigrated to countries such as the United States, Argentina, and Australia in search of new opportunities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "payani"
• 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 : 27 June 2025

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