Show ContentsBenigni History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Benigni means "benign," "friendly," or "harmless." The name therefore probably originated as a nickname for a man who displayed those characteristics.

Early Origins of the Benigni family

The surname Benigni was first found in Sicily (Italian: Sicilia), the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The name was found early on in all parts of Italy, though it is especially common on the island of Sicily, where its most common form has always been Benigno. This form of the name is also common elsewhere in the southern part of mainland Italy, whereas the variations which end in "i" are more common in the north. The name means "benign," "friendly," or "harmless." The name therefore probably originated as a nickname for a man who displayed those characteristics.

Early History of the Benigni family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Benigni research. Another 62 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1200 and 1697 are included under the topic Early Benigni History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Benigni Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Benigni, Benigno, Benignetti and others.

Early Notables of the Benigni family

Prominent among bearers of this surname in early times was

  • Vicario Benigni (born 1697), an 18th century Peruvian general

Migration of the Benigni family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Ruggiero Ernesto Benigno, who arrived in New York in 1913 on board the S.S. Italia.


Contemporary Notables of the name Benigni (post 1700) +

  • Umberto Benigni (1862-1934), Italian Catholic priest and Church historian
  • Roberto Benigni (b. 1952), Italian Oscar-winning writer, director and actor
  • Mark D. Benigni (b. 1972), American politician, three-time Mayor of Meriden, Connecticut


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