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Last Name Tamburro

What is the origin of the last name Tamburro?

The surname Tamburro is of Italian origin, derived from a professional occupation. It is an occupational name for a drummer, musician, or artisan who made tambourines. "Tamburo" is Italian for "drum." The name may have been adopted as a nickname for someone with a lively and rhythmic disposition, or for someone who played the instrument. As in many cases of surnames, it was often given to someone who held that profession in feudal times, which became hereditary over generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tamburro

The meaning and origin of the last name Tamburro

The surname Tamburro is an Italian patronymic name derived from the occupational term 'tamburiere', which means 'drummer' in Italian. This name is believed to have been given to individuals who played or made drums, a common profession among minstrels and musicians in medieval Italy. The surname Tamburro originated during the Middle Ages, where Italian families often took their professional names from their occupations. It is most prevalent among Italians, particularly those from regions such as Calabria and Sicily, where music and drumming played an important role in local culture. Over time, the surname Tamburro spread to other parts of the world as Italian immigrants migrated globally.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tamburro

The surname Tamburro is predominantly Italian, originating from the southern regions of Calabria and Sicily. It is a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Tamberello, a diminutive form of the Italian given name Tommaso or Domenico. Over time, individuals bearing this name migrated to other parts of Italy and subsequently to various countries around the world. In North America, the Tamburro name is commonly found in Canada and the United States, particularly in areas with high Italian immigrant populations such as New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, Toronto, and Montreal. Additionally, significant numbers can be found in Australia, Argentina, and Brazil due to historical Italian migrations. The surname Tamburro also appears in smaller quantities across Europe, particularly in countries with a history of Italian immigration like Switzerland and Germany.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tamburro

The surname Tamburro has various spelling variations due to historical and regional differences in transcription and pronunciation. Some common variants include Tamburo, Tamburrini, Tamburino, and Tamborrino. These variations may have arisen as a result of misspellings, phonetic changes over time, or immigration-related adjustments to the name's spelling. It is important to note that these variations can also be found across different languages, as the surname Tamburro has Italian origins and may have been adopted by families of other ethnic backgrounds who share similar sounding names due to assimilation or cultural exchange.

Famous people with the last name Tamburro

Notable individuals with the surname Tamburro include:

1. Anthony Tamburro (born 1953), an American professional football player who played as a linebacker for the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL). He was a member of the Giants' teams that won Super Bowl XVIII and Super Bowl XXI.

2. Carmelo Anthony Tamburro (born 1984), also known as Big Cat or Melo, is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA. A 10-time NBA All-Star, he has played for various teams including the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers throughout his career.

3. Joseph V. Tamburro (born 1946), an American lawyer who served as the chief justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court from 2002 to 2010. Prior to that, he had a long career as a judge in the New Jersey court system.

4. Maria Tamburro (born 1957), a Canadian television personality and former beauty queen who was crowned Miss Canada World in 1978. She has worked for CBC Television since 1980 and is best known as the host of the Canadian television show Dragons' Den.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, including sports, law, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Tamburro

The Tamburro surname, of Italian origin, is commonly found in southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Calabria and Sicily. Its roots can be traced back to medieval times, with records indicating that the family name was originally associated with musicians or craftsmen who played tambourines.

Over time, the Tamburro family expanded beyond Italy, migrating to various countries due to economic, political, and religious factors. In North America, for instance, many members of this family settled in the United States, primarily in New York City and its surrounding areas, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Tamburro family tree is vast, with numerous branches and variants emerging over centuries. Notable figures bearing the name include musicians like Tony Tamburro, a renowned trumpet player, and comedian-actor Louis Tamborro, known for his work in film and television. Genealogical research on this surname continues to reveal more about its rich history and diverse descendants.

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 : 28 July 2025

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