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Last Name Zagame

What is the origin of the last name Zagame?

The surname Zagame originates from Italy and is derived from a medieval occupational name for a gamekeeper or huntsman. The name comes from the Italian word "zaga," meaning hunt or game. It was commonly found in regions such as Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple origins and regional variations, so this is one possible explanation for the origin of the Zagame surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zagame

The meaning and origin of the last name Zagame

The surname Zagame originates from Italy and is derived from various Italian locales bearing the same name. The town of Zagarolo, located near Rome, is one such place. The name Zagarolo itself comes from the Latin "Casal Zagari," meaning "the house of the Zagari family." Over time, the surname's spelling evolved to Zagame as it was adopted by various families who either resided in or hailed from these regions. As with many Italian surnames, Zagame is a patronymic name, indicating that it was originally used to denote membership within a family or household. The Zagame surname is now found predominantly among the Italian diaspora worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zagame

The surname Zagame is primarily found in Italy, with the majority of its occurrences concentrated in regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. In particular, the city of Bologna, located in Emilia-Romagna, has a high percentage of individuals bearing this surname. Other Italian provinces where Zagame is commonly found include Modena, Parma, Reggio Emilia, and Piacenza. The name may also be found in smaller numbers in other parts of the world due to Italian immigration, particularly in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zagame

The surname Zagame has several variations and spelling formats, often due to differences in translation, phonetic interpretation, or regional dialects. Some common variants include Zahgami, Zagamia, Zagamy, Zagamiy, Zagamme, and Zacchia (a more ancient form of the name). These alterations may occur depending on factors such as the country of origin, immigration records, or personal preference. It's essential to note that different spellings may have distinct meanings in various cultures or languages, so it is crucial to consider context when interpreting these variations.

Famous people with the last name Zagame

Notable individuals with the surname Zagame include:

1. Mario Zagame, an Italian footballer who played as a defender for teams like Juventus and the Italy national team. He won two Serie A titles and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup during his career.

2. Frank Zagami, an American politician who served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 1983 to 2014. He was also a former member of the Nassau County Legislature.

3. Tony Zagame, an Australian racing driver and team owner. He competed in various motorsport categories, including the V8 Supercar series, where he won three championships as a team owner.

4. Alessandro Zagame, an Italian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Serie C Group B club Lecce. He began his career at Juventus and has also played for other clubs like Torino and Hellas Verona.

5. Michael Zagami, an American author and journalist who has written about religion, politics, and entertainment. He is a frequent contributor to The Huffington Post and The Daily Beast.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as sports, politics, journalism, and literature.

Genealogical research on the last name Zagame

The surname Zagame originates from Italy and is primarily found in regions such as Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise. It is derived from the medieval given name Zaccaria, which was a variant of the Hebrew name Zacharias. The name became a surname during the late Middle Ages, when the use of hereditary surnames was becoming more common. One of the earliest records of the surname Zagame dates back to 1230 in Abruzzo, where a certain Zaccaria da Zagama is mentioned. Throughout history, notable individuals bearing the surname Zagame have made contributions in various fields such as military, politics, and arts. The name has several variations including Zagamia, Zagamiello, Zagamino, and Zagamoni.

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 : 26 July 2025

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