Last Name Savarino

The surname Savarino is of Italian origin. It derives from a place-name, most likely Savaria (now Zalaegerszeg, Hungary), which was an important Roman town in Pannonia and was later rebuilt by the Magyars. The name became a patronymic when someone from Savaria moved to Italy and his descendants took on the name as their surname. Over time, various spelling variations emerged, such as Savarini, Savarin, Savarino, etc., due to changes in pronunciation and scribal errors during record-keeping.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Savarino

The surname Savarino is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Sabba, Sabbatino, or Sabino, all of which are variant forms of the Roman family name Sabinus. The name Sabinus originated as a Roman cognomen, which was a surname used by members of the same family within the Roman Empire. Over time, these Roman families moved to different parts of Europe and adopted various languages, causing the spelling and pronunciation of their names to change. The Italian patronymic name Savarino is typically associated with regions such as Calabria, Sicily, Campania, and Tuscany, where it is relatively common. The name may have been derived from a place-name or from an occupational name related to the Sabine tribe of ancient Rome. However, the exact origin of the name Savarino remains unclear due to the lack of comprehensive historical records in medieval Italy. As with many Italian surnames, the name Savarino is deeply rooted in the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Savarino

The surname Savarino is primarily concentrated in Italy, particularly in the regions of Calabria and Campania. A significant number of individuals with this last name can be found in these two southern Italian regions, suggesting a historical origin from those areas. However, the diaspora of Italians across the world has resulted in Savarinos being present in various countries, notably in the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and Canada. The highest concentrations outside of Italy are often found in cities with significant Italian-American communities, such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston in the U.S., and Buenos Aires and Rosario in Argentina. The global distribution of the Savarino surname reflects both historical migration patterns and subsequent dispersion within those countries where Italians have settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Savarino

The surname Savarino has several variations and spellings, primarily due to regional differences and individual preferences. Some common alterations include Savarini, Savarana, Savaroni, Savarone, and Savarano. It is also found as Savarinu, Savarinnu, or Savarinou in some Italian-American communities. The spelling can also be influenced by the specific region of Italy from which the family originates, with Campania being one notable area where many people bearing this name hail. In addition to these variations, there might be minor differences due to phonetic changes over time or personal preferences in spelling. Regardless of its exact form, the Savarino surname is generally associated with Italian heritage and can be traced back to numerous regions within Italy.

Famous people with the last name Savarino

Notable individuals bearing the surname Savarino include Giuseppe Savarino (born 1972), an Italian professional football coach who managed various teams such as Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio, Torino F.C., and Parma Calcio 1913 in his career. In the world of music, Salvatore Savarino (1856-1930) was a tenor from Sicily known for his performances at La Scala and Covent Garden. Also noteworthy is Antonietta Savarino, an Italian actress who gained recognition in the 1970s for her roles in films like "The Godfather: Part II" (1974) and "Conan the Barbarian" (1982). Lastly, Salvatore Savarino was a prominent Italian-American scientist, serving as the chair of the Department of Biochemistry at Temple University. His research focused on protein structure and function.

Genealogical research on the last name Savarino

The surname Savarino originated from Italy and is primarily found in the regions of Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia. The name is derived from the Italian word "savaro," meaning 'Saracen' or 'Moors,' a testament to the influence of Arab settlers in Southern Italy during the Middle Ages. The family likely traces its roots back to these settlers or native Italians who adopted the name as a symbol of their defeat at the hands of Christian forces. Notable figures bearing the Savarino name include Giovanni Savarino, an Italian composer and conductor, and Salvatore Savarino, an Italian politician. The Savarino family tree may be traced back several centuries, with branches extending across Italy and to other countries where Italian immigrants settled. Genealogical research is ongoing to further uncover the history and ancestry of those bearing this distinctive name.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Savarino"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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