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Last Name Zanassi

What is the origin of the last name Zanassi?

The surname Zanassi is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name Zanassi, which is a variant of the given name Giovanni, meaning "God is gracious" in Italian. Zanassi is a patronymic surname, indicating descent from someone named Zanassi or Giovanni.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Zanassi

The meaning and origin of the last name Zanassi

The surname Zanassi is of Italian origin, derived from the personal name Zane which in turn comes from the Venetian form of the name Giovanni, meaning "John" in English. The suffix "-assi" is a common ending in Italian surnames, often indicating a regional or familial connection. Therefore, Zanassi likely originated as a patronymic surname meaning "son of Zane" or "descendant of Zane." The name Zanassi is believed to have originated in the Veneto region of Italy, particularly in the city of Venice, where the name Zane has historical significance. Over time, individuals bearing the surname Zanassi may have migrated to other parts of Italy or even abroad, spreading the name and its variations to different regions and countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zanassi

The last name Zanassi is primarily concentrated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Within this region, the provinces of Bologna, Modena, and Reggio Emilia have the highest numbers of individuals with the surname Zanassi. Outside of Emilia-Romagna, there are smaller clusters of individuals with the last name Zanassi in the neighboring regions of Lombardy and Veneto. Additionally, there are some instances of the surname being found in other parts of Italy, particularly in the northern regions. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Zanassi indicates a strong presence in the Emilia-Romagna region, with smaller pockets of individuals in surrounding areas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zanassi

The last name Zanassi can be spelled as Zanassie, Zanacy, Zanasi, Zanassi, Zanass, Zanas, Zanasee, Zanassey.

Famous people with the last name Zanassi

One of the most famous individuals with the last name Zanassi is Matteo Zanassi, an Italian Renaissance composer known for his madrigals. Another well-known figure is Alessia Zanassi, a contemporary Italian actress who has appeared in various films and television shows. Additionally, Mauro Zanassi is a renowned Italian fashion designer known for his innovative designs and contributions to the industry. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have become well-respected figures in the world of music, entertainment, and fashion.

Genealogical research on the last name Zanassi

The surname Zanassi is of Italian origin and is believed to be derived from the personal name Giovanni, meaning "God is gracious." It is a relatively rare surname, with most occurrences found in the northern regions of Italy, particularly in Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. The Zanassi family may have a history of being involved in agriculture or trade, as these were common occupations in the regions where the surname is prevalent. The earliest recorded instances of the Zanassi surname date back to the Middle Ages, suggesting a long-standing presence in the region. Further research into parish records, census data, and archival documents may provide additional insights into the genealogy and history of the Zanassi family.

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 : 11 April 2025

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