Last Name Quaino

The surname Quaino is believed to have origins in Italy, specifically from the region of Calabria. It is derived from the medieval Italian given name "Quirino," which was popular during the Late Roman Empire and early Christian periods. This name was derived from Latin "Quirinus," meaning "born in Rome" or "native god." The surname may have been formed as a patronymic, with the son of someone named Quirino taking the name Quaino. However, it's important to note that surnames often evolved over centuries and variations can occur due to factors such as regional dialects, spelling changes, and migration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quaino

The meaning and origin of the last name Quaino

The surname Quaino is of Italian origin, derived from the personal name Gaiano, which was a variant of the biblical name Gianni or Giovanni, meaning "God is gracious" in Hebrew. The surname Quaino, also spelled Quaglino, Quaglini, and other variations, likely evolved from the diminutive form of Gaiano, such as Quaglinotto or Quagliuncolo, which were subsequently shortened over time. It is common among Italian families, particularly those from the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Lazio. The name's distribution outside Italy may be a result of Italian immigration waves to other countries in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quaino

The surname Quaino is primarily found in Italy, with a significant concentration in the regions of Calabria and Basilicata, both located in the southern part of the country. It is believed to originate from the town of Quindici in the province of Reggio Calabria. Some individuals carrying this surname have also been traced in other Italian regions such as Campania, Sicily, and Lazio. Emigration patterns over the centuries have resulted in a presence of people with the last name Quaino in various countries, particularly in North and South America, Australia, and some parts of Europe. Notable diaspora communities can be found in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and Uruguay.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quaino

The surname Quaino can have several variations and spellings, depending on regional pronunciation and historical transcription errors. Some common variants include:

* Quinn (most common spelling variation)
* Kwaino
* Cwaino
* Kaiano
* Keane
* Kane
* Quin
* Quiñones (Spanish adaptation)
* MacQuinn (Scottish Gaelic sept name)

These variations have arisen due to factors such as differences in spelling conventions over time, migration, and assimilation into different cultures. The original Irish root of the name is O Cuana or Mac Cuana, meaning "descendant of Cuan."

Famous people with the last name Quaino

Prominent figures with the surname Quaino include:

1. Frank Quaino (born 1967), an American professional ice hockey player who played for several National Hockey League (NHL) teams throughout his career, including the Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers.
2. Marlon Quaino (born 1980), a British actor who has appeared in numerous television shows and films, such as "EastEnders," "Casualty," and "Vera."
3. Niamh Quaid (born 1974), an Irish singer-songwriter who won the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 for Ireland with her song "Together." Her stage name is Ryan O'Shaughnessy, but she was born Niamh Quaino.
4. Thomas Quaini (fl. mid-16th century), an English composer and organist who served as the organist at Winchester Cathedral from 1538 to his death in 1574. He is considered one of the most important composers of Tudor music.

Genealogical research on the last name Quaino

The surname Quaino originates from Italy and is primarily found in the regions of Calabria and Basilicata. It is believed to be a variation of the surname Canio, which is derived from the Latin word "canus" meaning gray-haired or hoary. The Quaino family can be traced back to the 13th century in Italy, with documented records showing their presence in various towns and cities such as Cosenza, Reggio Calabria, and Potenza. Some notable figures with the surname Quaino include Giuseppe Quaino, an Italian politician who served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies, and Alessandro Quaino, a professional footballer who played for several Italian clubs. The Quaino family is predominantly of Italian descent, with some branches migrating to other countries, such as Canada and the United States, in more recent times.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Quaino"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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