Last Name Secondo

The surname "Secondo" is of Italian origin. It is a diminutive form of the given name "Secondo", which means "second" or "following" in English. This name and its derivative surnames are common in Italy, particularly in regions such as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. The name has been used to denote a second son, a younger brother, or someone who comes after another person, depending on the context.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Secondo

The meaning and origin of the last name Secondo

The surname Secondo is an Italian name, derived from the Latin word "secundus", which means "second" or "following". It was often given to the second son in a family as a way to differentiate him from his elder brother. This practice, known as naming by birth order, was common among European families during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. The name Secondo can be found throughout Italy, particularly in Central and Northern regions such as Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardy. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Secondo Campanella, an Italian writer and philosopher, and Secondo Emilio Spivakovsky, an Argentine-Italian composer. The name carries a sense of continuity and following tradition, emphasizing the importance of family heritage and lineage in Italian culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Secondo

The surname Secondo is predominantly Italian, originating from various regions throughout the country. It is most frequently found in Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Piedmont, reflecting a historical concentration of populations with this last name in those areas. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other Italian regions, such as Lazio, Veneto, and Campania. Beyond Italy, there is a significant presence of the Secondo surname in Argentina, particularly in the cities of Buenos Aires and Cordoba, where many Italians emigrated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, the name can be found among the Italian diaspora in countries like Brazil, Canada, Uruguay, and the United States. It's worth noting that the distribution of this surname may also reflect historical migration patterns and settlement patterns within these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Secondo

The surname Secondo has multiple variations and spellings due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and family traditions. Some common versions include: Secondo, Secundo, De Segundo, Segundo, Segundi, De Segudu, Segudu, Segunda (feminine form), and a few others depending on the specific geographical location or ethnic group. The name is of Latin origin and means 'second' in English. It could have been given to denote a second-born child, or it may indicate that the bearer was born during a second marriage of one of their parents. Over time, this surname has evolved and adapted to different languages and cultures, resulting in its numerous variations.

Famous people with the last name Secondo

Secondo is an uncommon surname, but it has been associated with notable figures in various fields. One such individual is Secondo Campanella (1930-2007), an Italian mathematician known for his work in algebraic geometry and complex analysis. In the world of art, Secondo Marzi (1896-1974) was an Italian sculptor who worked during the Futurist movement, contributing significantly to modern Italian art. Lastly, Secondo Emilio Sora-Kokschitzky (1882-1956), born in Trieste, Italy, was a highly decorated Austro-Hungarian general who served as Chief of Staff of the Imperial and Royal Army during World War I. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements and contributions made by those bearing the surname Secondo.

Genealogical research on the last name Secondo

The surname Secondo originates from Italy and is primarily associated with the regions of Tuscany and Lombardy. The name is an Italian variant of the Latin name Secundus, which means "second" or "following." The name was often given to children born as the second child in a family, symbolizing their status as a follower or successor.

The earliest documented occurrence of the surname Secondo can be traced back to the 13th century in Italy. One of the earliest recorded bearers of this name was Giovanni Secondo, who lived in Florence around 1280. Throughout the centuries, the Secondo family has produced notable figures such as the Renaissance artist Lorenzo di Credi (also known as Lorenzo di Secondo) and the composer Giacomo Secondo Scaramella.

In modern times, variations of the name Secondo can be found throughout the Italian diaspora, particularly in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States, where Italian immigrants settled during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The distribution of the surname reflects these migration patterns, with large populations of Secondos found in these countries, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Secondo"
• 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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