Last Name Spinas

The surname "Spinas" is of Italian origin. It derives from a nickname for someone with a spiny or prickly personality, or perhaps originally denoted someone who was a specialist in thistles (spinaci in Italian) due to their occupation or physical appearance. Nicknames frequently evolved into surnames in the Middle Ages as a method of identification among increasing population sizes and mobility.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Spinas

The surname Spinas is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Spino, which means "thorn" in Italian. It is likely that the original bearer was known as Spino or some variant, and the surname emerged as a way to identify and distinguish individuals with this personal name. The name Spinas is particularly common in Italy, especially in regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. Over time, variations of the name have arisen due to spelling errors and regional dialects, including Spina, Spinazzola, Spinelli, and Spinosa. The name may also have originated from a place named Spina, which was an ancient Roman city in northern Italy, although there is no definitive evidence to support this theory.

Geographical distribution of the last name Spinas

The last name Spinas has its origins primarily in Italy, with a significant concentration in regions such as Sardinia and Calabria. According to genealogical databases, the surname is also prevalent in other Italian regions including Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Tuscany. Beyond Italy, there are notable distributions of Spinas in countries with substantial Italian diaspora populations, such as Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States, particularly in areas with a high concentration of Italian immigrants, like New York City, Chicago, and Boston. Additionally, smaller clusters can be found in other parts of Europe and North America, indicating possible dispersals during historical migrations. However, it's important to note that the distribution can vary significantly based on specific databases and methodologies used for research.

Variants and spellings of the last name Spinas

The surname Spinas has several variations and spelling alterations across different regions and cultures. Some common variations include Spina, Spyne, Spynas, Spinasse, Spinazze, and Spynasz. These variations may have arisen due to transcription errors during immigration, regional dialects, or simply personal preference. The root of the name is likely Italian, derived from the word "spina" meaning 'thorn' or 'spinous process'. Other possible origins suggest Greek roots, with the name meaning 'bud' or 'shoot', or even Spanish, where it could mean 'pine cone'. However, these origins are not definitively supported by historical evidence.

Famous people with the last name Spinas

Notable individuals with the surname Spinas include:

1. Francesco Spina (born 1946), an Italian politician and former member of the Chamber of Deputies for the Italian Communist Party.
2. Joe Spina (1948-2007), an American professional wrestler who performed under various names, including Big Daddy, The King Kong, and Killer Kowalski Jr.
3. John Spinas (born 1962), a British theatre and film actor known for his roles in productions like "The Lord of the Rings," "Victoria & Abdul," and "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again."
4. Lou Spina (born 1950), an American professional wrestler who performed under the ring name Captain Lou Albano and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996.
5. Steve Spina (born 1963), a former American football defensive tackle who played for the New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, and New England Patriots.
6. Teresa Spina (born 1967), an Italian politician who served as Undersecretary of State in the Italian Government from 2018 to 2019.
7. Tony Spina (born 1953), a former American professional wrestler who competed in the World Wrestling Federation during the 1980s, and was known by his ring name, King Kong Bundy.

Genealogical research on the last name Spinas

The surname Spinas is believed to have originated from Italy, specifically the region of Liguria and Emilia-Romagna. One of the earliest recorded instances of this name can be traced back to the mid-16th century in Genoa, a significant city in Liguria. The name Spinas could be derived from several sources, with possible origins including "spinato," meaning thorny or prickly, or "spina," meaning spine or thorn, reflecting the region's rugged landscape. Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Spinas have made notable contributions in various fields. For instance, Giorgio Spini (1583-1630), a noted humanist and philologist, was an influential figure during the Renaissance period. In modern times, notable figures with this name include Italian footballer Emanuele Spina and American musician Chris Spinoza.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Spinas"
• 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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