Last Name Poiani

The surname Poiani is of Italian origin. It is a locative surname, which means it was originally used to identify someone from a specific place, in this case, possibly from the town of Poiano in the region of Emilia-Romagna, Italy. However, it's important to note that the exact origin and history behind each surname can vary significantly, as many factors such as regional dialects, migration, and time periods can influence how names evolved over centuries. For a more accurate and detailed information about the specific lineage of Poiani, genealogical research or contacting an Italian genealogist may be helpful.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Poiani

The meaning and origin of the last name Poiani

The surname Poiani is an Italian name that likely derives from various geographical locations with similar names throughout Italy. The name could potentially originate from a place named "Poiano" in multiple regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, and Marche. In these regions, there are villages or hamlets named Poiano, suggesting a possible geographical origin of the surname. However, it's essential to note that surnames did not become common in Italy until the late Middle Ages, and they were often associated with a place-name where the family resided. The usage of the name Poiani signifies Italian ancestry or heritage for individuals bearing this surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Poiani

The surname Poiani has its roots primarily in Italy, particularly in the Emilia-Romagna region, where it is most concentrated in cities like Modena and Reggio Emilia. It's also found in smaller numbers in other Italian regions such as Lombardy, Tuscany, and Umbria. Outside of Italy, there are significant communities of people with the last name Poiani in Argentina, primarily in the provinces of Buenos Aires and Cordoba, due to Italian migration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller diaspora communities can be found in other South American countries like Brazil and Chile, as well as in North America, particularly in Canada and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Poiani

The surname Poiani has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include Poiany, Pojani, Poini, and Poian. These variations may arise from regional dialects, misspellings, or attempts to phonetically represent the name using a different language's alphabet. The Italian form of the surname is likely to be Pogiani or Poggiani, as these forms are more common in Italy and share a similar etymology with Poiani. It should be noted that the precise origin and meaning of the surname Poiani remain unclear, but it could potentially derive from a place name or occupational title, both of which were common sources for surnames during the Middle Ages.

Famous people with the last name Poiani

Notable individuals with the surname Poiani include:

1. Stefano Poiani (born 1968), an Italian cross-country skier who won a silver medal at the 1992 Winter Olympics. He also competed in five other Winter Olympic Games.

2. Alessandro Poiani (born 1975), an Italian ski jumper who participated in two Winter Olympics, in 1994 and 1998.

3. Fabio Poiani (born 1962), an Italian professional football coach and former player. He played as a goalkeeper for several clubs in Italy and managed teams like A.C. Milan, Inter Milan, and Bologna F.C.

4. Vincenzo Poiani (1853-1917), an Italian painter known for his works on historical themes and landscapes, particularly of Tuscany and the countryside around Florence.

Genealogical research on the last name Poiani

The surname Poiani originates from Italy and is predominantly found in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lazio. Its earliest known occurrence can be traced back to the late Middle Ages. One of the earliest records of the name appears in a document from Bologna, dating back to 1273, where a certain "Petrus de Poiani" is mentioned. Over the centuries, various branches of the Poiani family have developed, with some settling in other parts of Italy and even migrating overseas, particularly to Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, due to historical events such as the Italian diaspora and internal migration. The name Poiani is derived from a place name or topographical feature, likely referring to a person who lived near a pine grove or high ground. Today, the Poiani family maintains strong connections within their communities, with various genealogical societies dedicated to preserving their history and traditions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "poiani"
• 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 July 2025

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