Last Name Spina

The last name "Spina" has Italian origins. It is derived from the Italian word "spina," meaning "thorn" or "spine." This surname likely originated as a nickname for someone who lived near a thorny plant or had a prickly personality. It is a fairly common surname in Italy and can be found throughout various regions of the country.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Spina

The meaning and origin of the last name Spina

The surname Spina is of Italian origin and holds multiple meanings. In Latin, "spina" translates to "thorn," suggesting a possible occupational name for someone involved with thorn-like objects or perhaps someone with a prickly personality. Additionally, the name could also have derived from the Latin word "spinus," meaning "pine tree." In this sense, the surname might have originated as a topographical name for someone who lived near such trees or a habitational name for someone from a place with a significant pine forest. Another possibility is that Spina is a patronymic surname derived from the given name "Spinus" or "Spino," ultimately derived from the Latin word "spina." Overall, the surname Spina reflects the diverse etymological roots and meanings found in many Italian surnames, often originating from a person's occupation, location, or personal traits.

Geographical distribution of the last name Spina

The last name Spina has a relatively widespread geographical distribution, with notable concentrations in Italy and Argentina. In Italy, the name has a strong presence primarily in the southern regions, particularly in Sicily, Calabria, and Campania. It is also found in significant numbers in other parts of the country, including Lazio, Lombardy, and Tuscany. The historical origins of the Spina surname can be traced back to Italy, further contributing to its prevalence in this country.

Outside of Italy, Argentina is another country known for having a considerable population of individuals with the last name Spina. This can be attributed to migration patterns from Italy to Argentina during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many Italian immigrants, including those with the surname Spina, sought better economic prospects and settled in various provinces across Argentina, such as Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Santa Fe. Consequently, the surname Spina has become part of Argentina's multicultural heritage. Although the name can be found in smaller numbers in other countries as well, its concentration in Italy and Argentina is particularly significant.

Variants and spellings of the last name Spina

The last name Spina has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Variations of this surname include Spinelli, Spini, Spinetta, and Espina. These variants can be found mainly in Italy, where the surname originates from, as well as in other countries with Italian communities. In addition to these variations, it is important to note that the spelling of Spina can also differ. It can be spelled with a single "n" as S-p-i-n-a or with a double "n" as S-p-i-n-n-a. The variation in spellings can be attributed to different factors such as regional dialects, immigration, and changes in surnames over generations. However, regardless of the specific spelling or variation, the shared root of these names is the Italian word for "thorn" or "spine," suggesting a possible connection to a place or occupation related to nature or agriculture.

Famous people with the last name Spina

One famous individual with the surname Spina is Walter Spina, an Italian diplomat who served as the Ambassador of Italy to the United States from 1989 to 1993. During his diplomatic career, he played a significant role in strengthening the relationship between Italy and the United States. Another notable figure is Enrico Spina, an accomplished Italian football player. He became known for his impressive playing style as a midfielder for several prominent teams, including Parma, Vicenza, and Udinese. Enrico's skill and dedication on the pitch made him a widely admired figure within the world of professional football. Additionally, Fabio Spina stands out as a respected Italian professor and researcher in the field of law. His contributions to legal studies have earned him recognition both in Italy and internationally, solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar in his field.

Genealogical research on the last name Spina

The surname Spina is of Italian origin and is derived from the word "spina," meaning "thorn" or "spine." The genealogical research on the last name Spina reveals its prevalence primarily in southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Calabria, Sicily, and Puglia. It was commonly found among agricultural communities, suggesting a possible origin rooted in farming or rural occupations. The Spina name can be traced back several centuries, with records indicating its presence as early as the 14th century. Over time, branches of the Spina family migrated to other parts of Italy and even across the globe, leading to a dispersion of the surname. Today, Spina descendants can be found in different countries, often associated with their Italian heritage. Genealogical research on the Spina surname involves examining birth, marriage, and death records, as well as other historical documents, to uncover the individual stories and connections within this ancestral line.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Spina"
• 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 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends