Last Name Zaino

The surname Zaino is of Italian and Spanish origin. In Italy, it derives from the personal name Gianni, a form of John, which was popularized by Saint John the Baptist or Saint John the Evangelist. The name was often diminutivized to Giannetto, Giannino, or Zan(n)o. In Spain, the surname Zaino is more commonly found among Sephardic Jewish families who were expelled from the Iberian Peninsula in 1492 and settled in Italy, North Africa, and the Ottoman Empire. It is possible that some of these families carried the name to other regions, such as Sicily or Malta, where it may have been adopted by the local Christian population. Over time, the surname Zaino has undergone various spellings and pronunciations in different parts of the world, including Zayno, Zaynou, Zeyno, etc.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zaino

The meaning and origin of the last name Zaino

The surname Zaino is an Italian variant of the medieval given name Giovanni, which means "God is gracious" in Hebrew. The name spread throughout Italy during the Middle Ages as a popular Christian name due to its religious connotations. Over time, it evolved into various regional forms such as Zayno, Zaini, and Zaino. In Southern Italy, specifically the regions of Apulia (Puglia) and Calabria, the surname Zaino is quite common and has been passed down through generations. This Italian surname reflects a rich history and cultural heritage that spans centuries, providing insight into the migration patterns and social structures of medieval Europe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zaino

The surname Zaino has its origins primarily in Southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Campania and Calabria. According to data from the FamilySearch website, a significant number of individuals with the surname Zaino are also found in other parts of Italy, including Sicily, Lazio, Puglia, and Molise. The name has also been recorded among Italian immigrants in various countries, with substantial populations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina. In the US, states like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have a high concentration of individuals with the surname Zaino. In terms of global distribution, Italy remains the country where the majority of people with the last name Zaino reside. However, the diaspora has spread the name to many other countries, reflecting the historical migration patterns of Italian families.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zaino

The surname Zaino has multiple variations and spellings. These include: Zayno, Zahno, Zaiano, Zayna, Zahna, Ziana, and possibly more due to regional dialects and transcription errors. It is of Italian origin, derived from the given name Gianni or Giovanni, which means "God is gracious." The Italian surnames often end in 'o' if the original bearer was a man, or 'a' if a woman. However, this may not always be the case as some Italian surnames are patronymic, derived from the father's name with '-i' added for male offspring and '-a' for female offspring. Therefore, it is important to note that these variations could also represent different origins or genders.

Famous people with the last name Zaino

Notable individuals with the surname Zaino include:

1. Vincent Zingg-Zaino (born 1978), an American artist and musician who is best known for his work as the bassist for the band Coheed and Cambria. His artworks have been exhibited in various galleries, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
2. Tony Zaino (born 1950), an American entrepreneur and business executive. He is a founding partner of AECOM Capital, a real estate investment management company, and has served as CEO of several other companies in the construction and engineering industries.
3. Frankie Zaino (1928-2016), an Italian-American musician who was known for his work with the doo-wop group The Mysterians. Their hit single "96 Tears" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1966.
4. Dominick J. Zaino (born 1957), an American politician who served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 2003 to 2019. He represented the 1st District, which includes parts of Staten Island and Brooklyn, and was the chairman of the Assembly's Committee on Codes.

These individuals represent diverse fields and have made significant contributions in their respective domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Zaino

The surname Zaino is of Italian origin, believed to have derived from the occupation of a craftsman who was skilled in working with zafferano (saffron), a valuable spice used for dyeing fabrics. The name has several regional variations, including Zayno and Zahnow, particularly in areas like Sicily and Southern Italy. Some early records suggest that the name may have originated from Genoa or other coastal towns, where trade was prevalent. Notable figures bearing this surname include the Zaino family of Genoa, known for their shipbuilding skills during the 16th century. The migration of Italian families to other parts of Europe and North America in the 19th and 20th centuries has resulted in a widespread distribution of the name today. Genealogical research on the Zaino family would require detailed examination of records from Italy, as well as immigration records from various countries around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zaino"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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 : 11 June 2025

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