Last Name Scianna

The surname Scianna is an Italian patronymic name derived from the personal name "Sciano" or "Sciangio". This name was originally a short form of names such as "Desidario Sciano", with "Sciano" serving as a nickname based on various possible origins. One theory suggests that it might have originated from a diminutive of the Latin "Scintillus," meaning "spark" or "shining one." Another theory proposes that it comes from the Italian word "sciogliare," meaning "to release," and was used as a nickname for someone who was easygoing or relaxed. The name Scianna became widespread in central and southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Calabria, Apulia, and Sicily. It is also found among Italian immigrants across the world, due to large-scale emigration from Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Scianna

The meaning and origin of the last name Scianna

The surname Scianna is of Italian origin, derived from the medieval occupational name Mastro Schiavone, meaning "master mason" or "stonecutter." The name evolved over time into its current form, Scianna, which is thought to be a diminutive form of the word "sciato," meaning "chisel." It is commonly found among families who worked as stonemasons in various regions of Italy, particularly in Sicily. Notable individuals with this surname include filmmaker Bernardo Sciganza and soccer player Giuseppe Scianna. The name has also been spelled in various ways over the centuries, including Schianna, Scienza, and Shianna, among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Scianna

The last name Scianna has its origins from southern Italy, particularly the region of Calabria. It is one of the most common surnames in this region and is also found in substantial numbers in neighboring Sicily. Over time, due to migration patterns, people with the surname Scianna have spread across various parts of the world. In North America, large Italian-American communities have significant populations bearing the last name Scianna, particularly in cities such as New York, Chicago, and Boston. Similarly, in Australia, a sizable number of individuals with the last name Scianna can be found in urban centers like Melbourne and Sydney due to post-war immigration from Italy. In Europe, aside from Italy, there are also notable populations of Sciannas in Spain, Portugal, France, and Germany as a result of both historical movements and more recent migrations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Scianna

The surname Scianna has several variations and spellings due to phonetic changes and regional differences over time. Some of the most common variations include Schianna, Scianna, Shianna, Shyana, Schiana, Sciana, and even Scian. These variations may be found in different parts of the world where individuals with Italian ancestry have settled. The original Italian form is Scianna, which originates from the region of Sicily. However, over time and through immigration, the spelling has been subject to alterations and adaptations to suit local pronunciation and phonetic rules in various countries.

Famous people with the last name Scianna

Notable individuals with the surname Scianna include:

1. Angelo Scianna (born 1946), an Italian photographer known for his black-and-white portraits and social documentaries, particularly focusing on the Italian mafia.
2. Stefano Scianna (born 1953), a Milan-based fashion and advertising photographer who has worked with top brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Gucci.
3. Luca Scianna (born 1960), an Italian photographer and graphic designer known for his work on album covers for musicians like Depeche Mode and U2.
4. Fabrizio Scianna (born 1958), an Argentine-Italian fashion and advertising photographer who has worked with brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, and Versace.
5. Dario Scianna (born 1962), a Milan-based art director and graphic designer, known for his work on logos, packaging designs, and branding projects for clients worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Scianna

The surname Scianna originates from Italy and is primarily concentrated in southern regions such as Calabria and Sicily. Its etymology can be traced back to the medieval Latin "scianus" or "schianus," meaning "cleaver" or "butcher." Over time, this occupational name evolved into a hereditary one.

Notable individuals with the Scianna surname include Italian actor Enzo Scianna and former soccer player Antonio Scianna. Historical records suggest that the Sciannas were involved in various professions, including farming, fishing, and craftsmanship.

Migration patterns show that many Sciannas emigrated from Italy during the 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily settling in the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Australia. In the U.S., significant populations of Sciannas can be found in New York City, particularly in Brooklyn and Queens, as well as in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Research into the genealogy of the Scianna family often involves exploring Italian archives for birth, marriage, and death records, as well as immigration and naturalization documents from various countries where the family may have resided.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Scianna"
• 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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