Guerini History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Italy

The distinguished surname Guerini can be traced back to the ancient and beautiful region of Venice. Although people were originally known only by a single name, it became necessary for people to adopt a second name to identify themselves as populations grew and travel became more frequent. The process of adopting fixed hereditary surnames was not complete until the modern era, but the use of hereditary family names in Italy began in the 10th and 11th centuries. Italian hereditary surnames were developed according to fairly general principles and they were characterized by a profusion of derivatives coined from given names. The most common type of family name found in the region of Venice is the patronymic surname, which is derived from the father's given name. During the Middle Ages, Italians adopted the patronymic system of name-making because it perfectly complemented the prevailing Feudal System. In Italy the popularity of patronymic type of surname is also due to the fact that during the Christian era, people often named their children after saints and biblical figures. The surname Guerini came from the Latin name Guarinus, which is in turn derived from the Old Germanic word wara, which means defense, protection. In Italy, the popularity of the personal name Guarino was influenced by the devotion to the saints bearing this name, especially for Saint Guarino from Bologna, Bishop of Palestrina of Rome.

Early Origins of the Guerini family

The surname Guerini was first found in Bologna (Latin: Bononia), one of the more prosperous cities at this early time. Records are found in the 12th century, when members of the Guarini family were involved in the government in Bologna.

Early History of the Guerini family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Guerini research. The years 1370, 1434, 1566 and 1567 are included under the topic Early Guerini History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Guerini Spelling Variations

In comparison with other European surnames, Italian surnames have a surprising number of forms. They reflect the regional variations and the many dialects of the Italian language, each with its own distinctive features. For example, in Northern Italy the typical Italian surname suffix is "i", whereas in Southern Italy it is "o". Additionally, spelling changes frequently occurred because medieval scribes and church officials often spelled names as they sounded rather than according to any specific spelling rules. The spelling variations in the name Guerini include Guarino, Guarini, Gueriento, Gueriao, Guerino, Guerini, Garin, Varini, Varin, Guariniello and many more.

Early Notables of the Guerini family

Prominent among members of the family was

Giovan-Battista Guarini was a famous poet and diplomat in Ferrara at this time, and taught philosophy at the University of Ferrara. He worked in the court of Alfonso II, the Duke of Ferrara, from 1567...

Guerini migration to the United States +

Discovered in the immigration and passenger lists were a number of people bearing the name Guerini:

Guerini Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Agostino Guerini, aged 24, who immigrated to the United States, in 1895
Delmina Guerini, aged 25, who immigrated to the United States, in 1895

Guerini Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Guiseppe Guerini, aged 20, who settled in America from Boyamo, in 1906
Carlo Guerini, aged 34, who immigrated to America from Casnigo, Italy, in 1908
Chiarina Guerini, aged 4, who landed in America from Pentima, Italy, in 1911
Assunta Guerini, aged 7, who landed in America from Pentima, Italy, in 1911
Adele Guerini, aged 8, who settled in America from Pentima, Italy, in 1911
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Guerini (post 1700) +

Carlos Guerini (1949-2023), Argentine footballer