Origin of the surname Giannini

The Origin of the Giannini Surname

One could reasonably argue that this is the most famous first and last name in the Christian world. It has been recorded since the 12th century in every European country and in a variety of spellings, of which it is believed there are over 1400 in total. These range from basic forms such as Jon or John (England & Wales), Evan (Wales), Ian (Scotland), Shane (Ireland), Ivan (Russia), and Jean (France) to the Italians Giovanni, Zanni, and Zoane, the Polish Janus, the Czech Jan, Janak, and Jansky, the diminutive forms Jenkin, Jeannet, Nannini, Zanicchi, and Gianuzzi, the patronyms Johnson, Joynson, Jenson, Jocie, Ivanshintsev, and Ivashechkin.

However, all spellings are derived from the Biblical Hebrew "Yochanan," which translates to "the one favored by Jehovah (with a son)." The name became particularly popular after the 12th century when returning crusaders from the Holy Land often named their children in memory of the father's pilgrimage, often with biblical names that then evolved into surnames. The earliest recordings of surnames can be found in Britain, including Thomas John in the "Hundred Rolls" of Buckinghamshire in 1279 and Arnold Johan in the "Letter Book" register of London in 1280. In Germany, Walterus filius Johannis appears in the documents of the city of Vaihingen in 1323, while the documents of the city of Friedberg in 1344 list Baumeister Johannssen. The first recorded spelling of the surname in any form is believed to be that of Pertus Johannis, dated 1230 AD. This is found in documents known as the "Close Rolls" of Suffolk County during the reign of King Henry III of England, 1216 to 1272.

It is derived from hypocoristic or augmentative variations, even composite, of the contracted form Gianni, which comes from the name Giovanni (from the Hebrew Yehohanan, "God was gracious").

Historical Spread of the Surname

Its spread since the Middle Ages is also attributed to the cult of the numerous Christian saints who share the name.

The surname Giannini is widespread throughout the peninsula, with the exception of the area around Venice.

Giannino appears to originate from the provinces of Naples and Caserta, but some stocks in Sicily and Apulia cannot be ruled out. Giannuzzi, widely spread in the south, probably originated from Salento. Giannuzzo has a line in the area of Lecce and a small one in Mazzarino in the Caltanissetta area. Gianuzzo, very rare, is Piedmontese. Gianoncelli is typically Lombard, specific to the Sondrio area, with a good presence also in the Brescia area. Iannini is present in central and southern Italy. Iannino has a Calabrian and a Sicilian lineage.

Descendant of little Giani, a pet form of Giovanni (gracious gift of Jehovah).

Quote: — Dictionary of American Family Names (1956) by Elsdon Coles Smith

Italian Origin and Heraldry

An Italian surname; from Florence. - Ser Lorenzo di Ser Giannino da Belforte, a notary of the Signoria in 1428 and 1430, belonged to this family. His son Duccio obtained the priorate in 1439. - Coat of arms: Azure, a mountain of six peaks or, surmounted by a flight of the same.