Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Tomaino

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Tomaino?

The surname Tomaino is of Italian origin. It is derived from the given name Tommaso (Thomas) and is a variation of the Italian surnames Tomasi, Tomasone, or Tomasoni. These names are patronymic, meaning they were originally given to sons of a man named Thomas. The suffix "-ino" indicates diminutive form, suggesting that the original bearer was considered small in some way. Over time, this name has been adopted and spread by Italian immigrants to various parts of the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tomaino

The meaning and origin of the last name Tomaino

The surname Tomaino is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Tommaso (Italian for Thomas). It originated among people who were named after their father or a close ancestor, who was named Tommaso. The name Tommaso itself has Latin origins, being derived from the Aramaic "tōma" meaning twin and the Greek "sēbas," meaning respectable.

The name Tomaino can be found primarily in southern Italy, particularly in Sicily and Calabria, where it likely emerged during the Middle Ages. Patronymic surnames became more prevalent as governments began to establish systems for keeping track of their citizens, and it was common for people to adopt a surname derived from their father's given name to help differentiate between families with similar names. The surname Tomaino has been carried by many notable Italians throughout history, including artists, politicians, and scholars.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tomaino

The last name Tomaino is predominantly distributed in Italy, particularly in the regions of Sicily and Calabria. A significant number of individuals with this surname can be found in the provinces of Messina, Catania, Cosenza, and Reggio Calabria. It is also present, though less frequently, in other Italian regions such as Lombardy, Piedmont, and Tuscany. Outside Italy, a notable number of Tomaino descendants reside in countries with large Italian diaspora populations, including the United States, Canada, Argentina, Australia, and Brazil. The geographical distribution of this surname reflects historical patterns of Italian migration and settlement both within and outside Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tomaino

The surname Tomaino possesses several variants and spellings. Some common spelling variations include Tomayno, Tomayna, Tumaini, Tumana, and To Mai No. These alterations often arise from differences in transcription, translation, or regional pronunciation. The name is of Italian origin, deriving primarily from the region of Sicily, where it can be found as "Tomaino" or "Di Tomaino". Additionally, it may have been anglicized to Tumaini, Tumana, or To Mai No in some cases. It's essential to note that these variations are not exhaustive, and the name could potentially have further derivatives based on factors such as geographical influence, family preference, or historical events.

Famous people with the last name Tomaino

The Tomaino surname has been associated with notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent is Maria Tomaino, an American mathematician who specializes in number theory and algebraic geometry. She is a professor at the University of Utah and has made significant contributions to the Riemann Hypothesis, a longstanding problem in mathematics.

Another notable figure is Joe Tomaino, an American musician known for his work with the rock band Anthrax. As the bassist for the group since 1992, he played a crucial role in their album "Sound of White Noise" and has been part of their successful tours worldwide.

Lastly, Salvatore Tomaino was an Italian-American painter who worked during the mid-twentieth century. He was known for his abstract expressionist paintings that were deeply influenced by his Italian heritage. His works can be found in numerous museums and private collections around the world. These individuals demonstrate the diverse talents and achievements of those carrying the Tomaino surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Tomaino

The surname Tomaino is Italian and originates from the regions of Calabria, Apulia, and Sicily. It is derived from the personal name Tommaso (Thomas), which was brought to Italy by the Normans during their conquest in the 11th century. The name Tomaino likely refers to a descendant or supporter of Thomas, reflecting the strong influence of Norman culture on Italian naming practices.

Over time, various spellings and forms of the surname have emerged due to regional dialects, scribal errors, and family preference, such as Tummino, Tomeno, Tomaina (feminine), and others. The spread of the Tomaino family can be traced through historical records, with notable migrations from Italy to other parts of Europe, particularly France and Spain, during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. In more recent history, significant numbers of Tomainos emigrated to America, primarily to New York, Philadelphia, and Boston, in search of economic opportunities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the Tomaino family can be found throughout the world, with strong concentrations in Italy, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Tom

Last name • surnames > tom

The surname Tom has multiple origins across different cultures. In some cases, it can be a short form of names like Thomas, which is derived from the Aramaic name "Toma," meaning t...

#2 Tom breezy

Last name • surnames > tom-breezy

The surname "Tom Breezy" has an English origin. "Tom" is a given name of English origin, derived from the Aramaic name "Ta'oma," meaning "twin." "Breezy" is a surname derived from ...

#3 Tom ho

Last name • surnames > tom-ho

The last name "Tom Ho" is of Chinese origin. "Tom" is a common surname in China, while "Ho" can also be a surname in Chinese culture.

#4 Tom kuruvilla

Last name • surnames > tom-kuruvilla

The last name "Tom Kuruvilla" is of Indian origin. The surname "Tom" is a common Indian surname, while "Kuruvilla" is a Malayalam Christian surname originating from the word "Kurie...

#5 Tom mathew

Last name • surnames > tom-mathew

The last name "Mathew" originates from the Hebrew name "Matityahu," meaning "gift of God." It is derived from the first name Matthew, which was ultimately derived from the Hebrew n...

#6 Tom nagu

Last name • surnames > tom-nagu

The surname "Tom Nagu" is of Japanese origin. It is derived from the Japanese words "tom" meaning "friend" and "nagu" meaning "long-lasting" or "enduring."

#7 Tom puthothu

Last name • surnames > tom-puthothu

The last name "Tom Puthothu" is of Indian origin. It is a combination of the Malayalam word "tom" which means "son of", and "Puthothu" which is a common family name in Kerala, a st...

#8 Tom vayalumkal

Last name • surnames > tom-vayalumkal

The last name "Vayalumkal" is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Kerala. It is derived from the Malayalam language and likely refers to a person hailing from a place ...

#9 Tomacruz

Last name • surnames > tomacruz

The surname "Tomacruz" is of Spanish origin. It is believed to be derived from the combination of the words "toma" meaning "take" or "seize" and "cruz" meaning "cross". This sugges...

#10 Tomadín

Last name • surnames > tomadin

The name Tomadin has Italian origin. It is a toponymic surname that refers to the town of Tomadio in the region of Friuli-Venecia Julia, in northern Italy.

#11 Tomadon

Last name • surnames > tomadon

The last name "Tomadon" does not have a widely known origin or meaning. It is possible that it could be a rare surname or a variant spelling of a more common surname. Further resea...

#12 Tomagcao

Last name • surnames > tomagcao

The surname Tomagcao is of Filipino origin. It is believed to have come from the Tagalog or Visayan languages in the Philippines. The exact meaning or history of the surname may va...

#13 Tomaizah

Last name • surnames > tomaizah

The last name Tomaizah is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the given name Tomaizah, which was a traditional Arabic name.

#14 Tomaizi

Last name • surnames > tomaizi

The surname Tomaizi is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name Tommaso, which is the Italian form of the name Thomas. The name Thomas comes from the Aramaic name ת...

#15 Tomaka

Last name • surnames > tomaka

The last name Tomaka is of Polish origin. It is derived from the personal name Tomasz, which is the Polish form of Thomas.