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Last Name Tamburini

What is the origin of the last name Tamburini?

The surname Tamburini is of Italian origin. It derives from an occupational name for a maker or seller of tamburi, a type of small drum used in traditional Italian music. The name can also be found in other regions of Europe where Italian immigrants settled, such as France and the United States. In some cases, it may also have been a nickname for someone who was particularly skillful at playing the tambourine or had a lively and spirited nature.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tamburini

The meaning and origin of the last name Tamburini

The surname Tamburini is of Italian origin, derived from the Occitan word "tambura" or "tamburello," which means a type of small drum or tambourine. This surname was originally given to individuals who were skilled musicians, specifically those who played the tambourine. The name Tamburini can be found in various regions of Italy such as Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Lombardy, but it is most commonly associated with the city of Bologna. Over time, the surname spread across Europe due to Italian immigration waves, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Tamburini family name is primarily found today in Italy, France, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tamburini

The last name Tamburini is predominantly Italian in origin, with the majority of its bearers residing in Italy. According to the Italian Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), Tamburini is ranked among the top 4,000 most common surnames in Italy and is particularly prevalent in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Tuscany, and Umbria. The name also has a significant presence in the Italian diaspora, with large communities of Tamburinis found in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and other countries with a strong Italian immigrant population. Outside of Italy, small numbers of people carrying the Tamburini surname can be found in various parts of Europe and other continents, primarily due to historical migrations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tamburini

The surname Tamburini has several variations and spellings across different countries and regions. Some common variants include Tomburini, Tambourini, Tamburini, Tamberini, and Tamborini. These variations can occur due to differences in pronunciation, spelling conventions, or transcription errors over time. It's also important to note that some families might have slight modifications in the spelling based on regional dialects or personal preferences. For instance, Italian-American families with the surname may sometimes spell it as Tamborine, which is a musical instrument derived from the original name. These variations underscore the rich history and cultural diversity of the Tamburini family name.

Famous people with the last name Tamburini

Notable individuals bearing the surname Tamburini include Giuseppe Tamburini (1862-1937), an Italian sculptor and medallist known for his works in marble and bronze, including a monument to Vincenzo Gioberti in Turin, Italy. Another significant figure is Franco Tamburini (born 1948), a Swiss composer and conductor who has worked extensively with orchestras worldwide, such as the London Symphony Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic. In sports, Andrea Tamburini (born 1973) is an Italian former footballer who played for clubs like Parma, Inter Milan, and Fiorentina, winning the UEFA Cup with Parma in 1995. Lastly, Giacomo Tamburini (born 1985), also known as DJ TENASHARI, is an Italian DJ, remixer, and music producer who has gained international acclaim for his work in electronic dance music.

Genealogical research on the last name Tamburini

The Tamburini surname is primarily of Italian origin, deriving from the medieval occupation of tamburo (drum), suggesting that early ancestors may have been drum makers or musicians. The earliest known records show the presence of individuals with this name in the region of Emilia-Romagna during the Middle Ages. Over time, Tamburini migrants dispersed across Italy and beyond its borders.

In the 16th century, records indicate that branches of the family settled in regions such as Lombardy, Tuscany, and Veneto. One notable lineage can be traced to the city of Bologna, where the Tamburinis were active in academia, politics, and the arts during the 18th and 19th centuries. Emigration from Italy began in earnest in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with significant numbers settling in North and South America, particularly Argentina and Brazil. Today, Tamburinis can be found worldwide, preserving their heritage while adapting to diverse cultures and environments.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 12 June 2025

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