The surname Zanco is believed to have Italian origins. It is derived from a geographical location or topographic feature, specifically from the word "zanca" which means shinbone or knee in Old High German and later evolved into "zanca" in Italian. This suggests that an early bearer of this name might have lived near such a landmark. However, it's important to note that surnames like Zanco became hereditary as families moved and settled in various regions over time, often leading to slight variations in spelling.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Zanco
The surname Zanco is of Italian origin, specifically from regions such as Veneto and Lombardy. It is derived from the medieval occupational name "zancaro," which was given to someone who was a maker or seller of 'zanni,' wooden clogs used for walking on marshy ground. The name Zanco can also be found in some Spanish-speaking countries, where it may have been introduced by Italian immigrants. The surname has been recorded in various forms including Zancari, Zanconi, and Zancaro, reflecting the regional variations and changes over time in how surnames were spelled during the Middle Ages.
Geographical distribution of the last name Zanco
The last name Zanco has a predominant presence in Italy, where it originates from the region of Veneto. Historically, it is associated with the town of Zanoco near Padua. However, it also appears frequently in other Italian regions such as Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. In recent times, the Zanco surname has spread to various countries due to immigration, particularly to South America, including Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Additionally, small populations of people with the Zanco surname can be found in North America, Australia, and other European countries as a result of international migration.
Variants and spellings of the last name Zanco
The surname Zanco has several variants and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common variations include Zancho, Zancco, Zanko, and Zangho. These variations may have originated due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors during migration, or changes in spelling conventions over time. In Italian-speaking countries, the surname is most commonly spelled Zanco, derived from the Italian word "zanca" meaning "hoof." The variant Zancho may be more common in Spanish-speaking regions. Additionally, some families with this name may have migrated and adopted different spellings as they integrated into new cultures and languages.
Famous people with the last name Zanco
The Zanco family is notable for its contributions to various fields such as sports, entertainment, and politics. One of the most recognized members is Roberto Zanco, an Italian mathematician who was a judge at the International Court of Justice from 1987 until his retirement in 2003. In the world of sports, Cristian Zaccardo, born with the surname Zanco, is an Italian former professional footballer who played as a defender for clubs like Roma and Juventus. Additionally, American actress Lana Zakocela, whose last name is derived from Zanco, is best known for her roles in films such as "The Hunger Games" and "The First Purge." Lastly, Antonio Zanco, an Italian singer-songwriter, has gained popularity with hits like "Soldati" and "Nuvole e galli." Each of these individuals has made significant impacts in their respective careers.
Genealogical research on the last name Zanco
The Zanco surname is believed to have Italian origins, specifically from the region of Lombardy. Historically, the name was associated with the town of Ziano di Fiemme, where it was first recorded in the early 13th century as "de Zancis". Over time, the name spread across Italy and other parts of Europe due to migration and colonization. The name is thought to be derived from a local geographical feature or occupational reference, possibly referring to someone who lived near a type of tree or worked in a profession related to the zanna (Italian for "tooth" or "beak"). Notable figures bearing this surname include Italian mathematician Federico Zanco and Swiss politician Giovanni Zanco. The global distribution of the name is concentrated mainly in Italy, Switzerland, and Brazil, with smaller populations found in other parts of Europe and North America.
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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