Last Name Quaglino

The surname Quaglino has Italian origins. It is derived from the personal name Quintiliano, a variant of the Latin name Quintus, which means "the fifth" in Latin. Over time, this name evolved into various forms in different regions of Italy, one of them being Quaglino. The suffix "-ino" is a diminutive ending common in Italian surnames, often indicating a nickname or endearment based on the original given name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quaglino

The meaning and origin of the last name Quaglino

The surname Quaglino is an Italian patronymic name derived from the personal name "Quirico" or "Quintilio," both of which are names of Roman origin. The name "Quirico" is believed to be derived from Quirinus, the god of agriculture and medicine in ancient Rome, while "Quintilio" stems from the Latin word "quintus," meaning fifth. Over time, these names have been contracted and altered to form various Italian surnames, including Quaglino. The name Quaglino is most commonly found in central and northern Italy, particularly in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Tuscany. Notable individuals with the surname Quaglino include Settimio Quaglino, an Italian writer, and Franco Quaglino, a former racing driver from Switzerland.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quaglino

The surname Quaglino is predominantly Italian in origin, with the highest concentration of individuals bearing this last name found within Italy. Specifically, it's most frequent in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Veneto, which are known for their high population density and are rich in cultural and historical heritage. Outside of Italy, significant numbers of Quaglino descendants can be found in countries with a strong Italian immigrant presence, particularly in the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Australia. In the U.S., the highest concentrations are in states such as New York, Illinois, California, and Massachusetts. The dispersal pattern of the Quaglino surname reflects historical migration waves of Italians seeking better economic opportunities abroad.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quaglino

The surname Quaglino has various spellings and variations. The most common spelling is Quaglino, derived from the Italian word "quaglia" which means partridge. However, there may be slight differences due to regional dialects or errors in transcribing names during immigration. Some of these variations include Quaglini, Quaglione, Quagliniello, Quaglio, and Quaglin. These variations may also appear with diacritical marks such as Quaglino', Quaglini', or Quaglione'. It's important to note that the pronunciation of these names remains consistent, with a stress on the first syllable (kuh-GLY-noh).

Famous people with the last name Quaglino

Notable individuals with the surname Quaglino include:

1. Sven Constance Quaglino (born 1964), an American composer and conductor, known for his works for symphony orchestra, opera, chamber ensemble, and film scores.
2. Giorgio Quaglino (1908-1972), an Italian painter, known for his abstract expressionist works that explored the relationship between color and form.
3. Arnaldo Quaglino (born 1945), an Italian physicist, known for his contributions to quantum chromodynamics and lattice gauge theory. He has served as the director of the National Institute of Nuclear Physics in Italy.
4. Terence Quaglino (born 1958), a British restaurateur, known for founding the iconic London restaurant Quaglino's.
5. Marco Quaglino (born 1970), an Italian musician, singer-songwriter, and music producer. He is best known for his work with Italian pop group Afterhours.

Genealogical research on the last name Quaglino

The surname Quaglino is an Italian patronymic derived from the given name Quaglio, meaning "small valley" or "narrow gorge." The family originated from the towns of Bergamo and Brescia in Lombardy, northern Italy. The first historical records of the Quaglino family date back to the 14th century, with evidence of their presence in Bergamo during the Renaissance period. In the following centuries, the family expanded throughout Italy, particularly in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lazio. Some members of the Quaglino family emigrated from Italy to other countries, including the United States, where they settled primarily in cities with large Italian immigrant populations such as New York City and Philadelphia. Notable individuals bearing the name include Guido Quaglino, an Italian singer and actor, and Antonio Quaglino, a prominent figure in the Italian Communist Party.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Quaglino"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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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