Last Name Rebani

The surname "Rebani" is of Italian origin. It derives from a profession related to bees and honey production. In particular, it was used for people who were involved in the breeding of bees or the making of honey products. This association can be traced back to the Middle Ages when beekeeping was an essential occupation in many European societies due to the importance of honey as a food source and the valuable by-products derived from beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly. The term "apicoltore" or "melifero" in modern Italian can still refer to someone who keeps bees for profit or hobby.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rebani

The meaning and origin of the last name Rebani

The surname Rebani is an Italian and Sardinian name, with potential origins in various regions and time periods. In some cases, it may derive from the Middle Ages, where it could be related to the occupation of a reaper or someone who worked on a reaping machine (in Italian, "re" meaning "king" or "master," and "bano" meaning "beater" or "operator"). In other instances, Rebani might have originated from a specific place-name, such as the town of Rebenna in Sardinia. Alternatively, it could be connected to the personal name Reccabane, which was common among the Lombards and Goths who settled in Italy during early medieval times. As with many surnames, the exact origin and meaning of Rebani may vary depending on the specific family lineage and geographical location.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rebani

The surname Rebani is predominantly found in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, particularly in the canton of Grisons (Graubünden), where it represents one of the most common surnames. It is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. Historically, the name is associated with the Valtellina valley in northern Italy, which was part of the Swiss confederation until 1797. The name Rebani is derived from the Occitan word "rebanh," meaning "shepherd" or "cowherd," reflecting the pastoral tradition of many families who bore this surname. Today, individuals with the surname Rebani can be found globally due to migration and dispersal over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rebani

The surname Rebani has several spelling variations, including but not limited to Rebanni, Rebanis, Rebanich, Rebaini, Rebane, Rebaine, Rebayne, and Rebayni. These variations may arise from differences in transcription, translation, regional dialects, or individual preference over time. It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a separate ancestry or familial relationship, as they often result from changes in spelling conventions or scribal errors during historical record-keeping processes. The name Rebani is of Italian origin and may be derived from the word "rebeno," meaning fir tree or pine tree, suggesting that an early bearer of the surname may have lived near a forest of such trees.

Famous people with the last name Rebani

Notable individuals bearing the surname Rebani include:

1. Giacomo Rebani (born 1962), an Italian politician who served as the Mayor of Ravenna from 2004 to 2018 and was a member of the European Parliament from 2018 to 2019.

2. Andrea Rebani (born 1957), an Italian film director, screenwriter, and actor known for his films "The House with a Thousand Rooms" and "The Pupils."

3. Stefano Rebane (born 1984), an Estonian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for the Estonian club Flora Tallinn and the Estonia national team. His full name is Stefano Toomas Rebane.

4. Giovanni Battista Rebani (1736-1805), an Italian architect and engraver, known for his work on the designs of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields across Italy, Estonia, and history.

Genealogical research on the last name Rebani

The surname Rebani originates from the Italian-speaking regions, particularly in Friuli and Trentino, with its earliest known records dating back to the 16th century. One of the first documented instances of the name can be traced to Giovanni Battista Rebani, who lived in Caporetto (present-day Kobarid, Slovenia) around the year 1580. The name is believed to have derivatives such as Raban, Rabano, and Rabini, all sharing similar origins. The name may be related to the Latin word "rabinus" or "rabbinus," meaning a scholar of Jewish law, though it's important to note that this does not imply any specific religious affiliation for the Rebani family. The distribution of the surname has expanded through migration over time, with significant communities found in the Americas, particularly the United States and Canada. Today, Rebani remains a common name among Italian descendants and is celebrated as part of their rich cultural heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Rebani"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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