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Last Name Romaniello

What is the origin of the last name Romaniello?

The surname "Romaniello" is of Italian origin. It is a diminutive form of the male given name "Romanillo," which itself is derived from the Latin word "Romanus," meaning Roman or citizens of Rome. Over time, this name has been anglicized to "Romaniello." The Romani people, often known as Gypsies, do not have a direct connection to this surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Romaniello

The meaning and origin of the last name Romaniello

The surname Romaniello is an Italian variant derived from the original Roman name "Romano," which means "a Roman." It originated among individuals who were natives or descendants of ancient Rome, likely during the Middle Ages when last names became more prevalent in Europe for administrative purposes. The suffix "-iello" is a diminutive that indicates affection, affectionately meaning "little Roman" or "dear Roman." Over time, it may have been used to distinguish one member of a family with the same name from others, emphasizing closeness or endearment. The spread of the Romaniello surname is primarily concentrated in Southern Italy, particularly in regions like Campania and Calabria.

Geographical distribution of the last name Romaniello

The surname Romaniello is primarily concentrated in Southern Italy, specifically in the regions of Campania and Apulia. According to data from FamilyEducation.com, it's most frequently found in the province of Caserta, which lies within the Campania region. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other parts of Italy and internationally among Italian diaspora communities, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States. It is worth noting that the Romaniello surname often originates from the Romano family, which was primarily located in the region of Rome, but over time, the name has migrated southward. This geographical distribution reflects historical migration patterns within Italy and the broader Italian diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Romaniello

The surname Romaniello has various spellings and pronunciations, depending on regional differences and individual preferences. Some common variations include Romanelli, Romaneillo, Romania, Romanoiello, Romanyello, and Romainello. All these versions share a similar origin, likely derived from the Italian word "romanello" which means "little Roman." This name might have been given to someone who was born in Rome or had Roman heritage, or it could be a nickname for a person with Roman-like characteristics. It's essential to note that the exact spelling can change based on local dialects and historical influences.

Famous people with the last name Romaniello

The Romaniello surname is associated with two notable individuals in different fields:

1. Frankie Romano, born as Frank Anthony Romano but professionally known as Frankie Romano or Romanzo, is an American actor and producer. He is best recognized for his role as Tony Vincenzo on the long-running daytime soap opera Guiding Light, for which he received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination in 1982.

2. Mike Romaniello, also known by his stage name DJ Romano, is an American disc jockey and record producer. He gained fame through his work with major artists such as Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Beyoncé, among others. His career spans over two decades, and he has been a prominent figure in the music industry since the 1990s.

Genealogical research on the last name Romaniello

The surname Romaniello originates from Italy and is believed to have roots in Naples, Campania region. It is a variant of Romanelli, derived from the masculine given name "Romanello," which is a diminutive of "Romano" or "Romanus." These names were initially used as nicknames for people associated with Rome or Romans due to their occupation, place of origin, or personality traits. Over time, these personal names became hereditary surnames in Italy and other parts of Europe during the Middle Ages when most surnames emerged. The Romaniello family can be traced back to various regions in Southern Italy, including Naples, Caserta, and Salerno. Notable individuals with this surname include musicians such as Joe Romaniello, composer of "Sinfonia Napoletana," and Frank Romano, a jazz trumpeter and composer. The Romaniello family diaspora includes many countries, particularly in North America, due to emigration waves in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 June 2025

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