The surname Zaccagnino is an Italian patronymic surname derived from the given name Zaccaria (Italian form of Zacharias), which was borne by several saints and figures in Christian tradition. It is believed that this surname was first used as a nickname for someone who resembled one of these figures, or perhaps was born on the feast day of one of them. The Italian suffix "-ino" denotes diminutive or affectionate form, so Zaccagnino might have originally meant "little Zaccaria." This surname was brought to America by immigrants from Italy in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Zaccagnino
The meaning and origin of the last name Zaccagnino
The surname Zaccagnino is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Zaccaria (or Jacopo), which itself has Hebrew origins. In the Middle Ages, personal names were often modified to create surnames, and in this case, the suffix "-no" or "-ni" was added to denote "son of," making it a patronymic name. The name Zaccaria means "God's remembrance" in Hebrew, likely brought by Jewish settlers to Italy during the Middle Ages. The spread of this surname is predominantly found in regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy, where Jewish communities were established during that period. Over time, like many other Italian surnames, the Zaccagnino family may have experienced migrations due to various historical events, contributing to its current distribution across Italy and other parts of the world among Italian diaspora communities.
Geographical distribution of the last name Zaccagnino
The surname Zaccagnino has its origins in Italy and primarily concentrates in the regions of Piemonte, Liguria, and Lombardia, with significant densities found in the provinces of Genoa, Alessandria, and Milano. Although it is predominantly Italian, minor populations carrying the surname can be traced to other parts of the world due to historical immigration. For instance, there are communities with individuals bearing the name Zaccagnino in Argentina, Canada, France, and the United States, particularly in New York City. The global dispersal of this Italian surname reflects the diaspora of Italians during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as they sought new opportunities abroad.
Variants and spellings of the last name Zaccagnino
The surname Zaccagnino has various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in translation, regional dialects, and individual preferences over time. Some common variations include: Zacagnino, Zakagnino, Zaccagno, Zakkagno, Zacchigno, Zackigno, and possibly others as families migrated or assimilated into different cultures. It is important to note that these variations may arise from transcription errors, phonetic adaptations, or regional dialects. The original Italian form of the name is likely "Zaccagno," but the spelling can change significantly depending on factors such as the language in which it was recorded and the individual's preference for how the name should be written.
Famous people with the last name Zaccagnino
The Zaccagnino family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. In the world of entertainment, Angelo Zaccagnino is a respected figure, having worked as a casting director for numerous films and television shows, including "The Sopranos" and "Boardwalk Empire." Another prominent member is Anna Zaccagnino, an accomplished pianist who has performed with esteemed orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic. In the realm of academia, Luigi Zaccagnino is a renowned philosopher and professor at the University of California, Berkeley, whose work focuses on the philosophy of mathematics and logic. Moreover, in the field of law, Michael A. Zaccagnino served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York from 1986 until his retirement in 2014. These individuals, each excelling in their respective domains, highlight the diverse accomplishments of those bearing the last name Zaccagnino.
Genealogical research on the last name Zaccagnino
The Zaccagnino surname originates from Italy, particularly the region of Sicily, where it is believed to have emerged during the Middle Ages. The root "Zacco" or "Zacca" indicates a person who is small in stature, while "-gnino" or "-gino" denotes a diminutive form, suggesting that the original bearer of this surname may have been a small, diminutive man. Over time, variations such as Zaccagno, Zaccagna, and Zacagnino emerged due to dialectical differences within Italy. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Filippo Zaccagnino, an Italian lawyer, politician, and journalist; and Maria Concetta Zaccagnino, an American actress and singer. The genealogical research on the Zaccagnino family in North America primarily focuses on tracing their migration patterns from Sicily to places like New York, Philadelphia, and Montreal during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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