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Last Name Zancanella

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What is the origin of the last name Zancanella?

The surname Zancanella is of Italian origin. It is derived from a geographical location, specifically a small town called Zancanella, which was located near Verona in the Veneto region of Italy. This surname likely originated as a means to identify individuals from a particular place. Over time, as people moved away from their hometowns, these names became hereditary and were passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zancanella

The meaning and origin of the last name Zancanella

The surname Zancanella is of Italian origin, derived from the geographical location or topographical feature "zanca" meaning "knee" or "bend," and "anella" meaning "ring." It suggests that an individual's ancestral home was situated near a bend in a river or road. The name may also have been used to identify a place where such a geographical feature existed, such as a bend in a field or landscape. This surname, like many Italian surnames, originated during the Middle Ages as a method of identification for individuals within their communities. The use of hereditary surnames became more common in Italy between the 10th and 14th centuries, evolving out of feudal systems and growing urban populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zancanella

The surname Zancanella is predominantly distributed in Italy, with significant concentrations in the Emilia-Romagna and Veneto regions, particularly in the provinces of Ferrara, Ravenna, Modena, Padova, and Treviso. This geographical pattern suggests a historical origin linked to the migration patterns of Italian families during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance periods. Some minor occurrences have also been noted in other parts of the world due to Italian immigration, including Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. The highest number of Zancanella surnames outside Italy can be found in Argentina, where Italian immigrants played a significant role in the country's development.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zancanella

The surname Zancanella has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some of these variations include:

1. Zancanelo
2. Zancanella-Calzavara
3. Zancaneli
4. Zancanellini
5. Zancanello
6. Zancanelli
7. Zancanelo-Zucchi
8. Zancanella-Casali
9. Zancanellotto
10. Zancanellis

These variations can also be found with diacritical marks, such as:

1. Zancanèlla
2. Zancanelà
3. Zancanèllo
4. Zancanèlli

Additionally, there may be variations that incorporate the given name or other family names, such as Giovanni Zancanella, which could become the surname Gianzancanella. It is also possible to find hyphenated forms like Zancanella-Bertolini or Zancanella-Dall'Olio. These variations highlight the flexibility and adaptability of the name across different geographical regions and time periods.

Famous people with the last name Zancanella

Notable individuals sharing the surname Zancanella include:

1. Giuseppe Zancanella (born 1948), an Italian journalist, writer, and television presenter, known for his work with RAI, Italy's national public service broadcaster.
2. Giovanni Zancanella (born 1965), an Italian politician who served as the Mayor of Trieste from 2007 to 2018.
3. Andrea Zancanella (born 1984), a professional footballer who played for several clubs in Italy, including AS Roma, Sampdoria, and Atalanta.
4. Marco Zancanella (born 1966), an Italian physicist and astronomer known for his research on cosmology and gravitational lensing. He has worked at the European Southern Observatory and the University of Geneva.
5. Giorgio Zancanella (1802-1875), an Italian composer, conductor, and organist who was active in the 19th century. He wrote operas, sacred music, and chamber music.
6. Luigi Zancanella (born 1945), an Italian scientist specializing in physics, specifically in astrophysics, cosmology, and general relativity. He has worked at the University of Trieste and the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics.

Genealogical research on the last name Zancanella

The surname Zancanella originated from Italy and is primarily found in the Emilia-Romagna region. The name is believed to have derived from the Italian word "zanca," meaning 'leg,' and "ella," a diminutive suffix, possibly referring to someone who had a characteristic leg shape or was nicknamed after a particular object resembling a leg.

Historically, notable individuals with the surname Zancanella include Pietro Antonio Zancanelli (1685-1740), an Italian physician and mathematician, and Dino Zanconcelli (1920-2013), a prominent Italian politician.

In terms of genealogical records, the earliest known instances of the surname Zancanella can be traced back to the 14th century in Bologna, Italy. Throughout history, variations such as Zanconcelli, Zanconcello, and Zanconcello have also been documented.

Today, the distribution of the surname Zancanella remains concentrated within Italy, but diaspora communities can be found in various countries around the world, particularly in North America and South America, as a result of immigration waves from Italy during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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