Show ContentsMagnani History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Magnani surname has at least two possible derivations. The Italian word "magnano" means "blacksmith" or "locksmith," and no doubt in some instances, this surname was of occupational origin. There are also several places in Italy called Magnano or Magnani and the surname was also likely taken on from some of these place names.

Early Origins of the Magnani family

The surname Magnani was first found in Bolgna (Latin: Bononia), the largest city and the capital of Emilia-Romagna Region. Early record show that a bearer of Magnani was a government magistrate in 1223. In those ancient times only persons of rank, the podesta, clergy, city officials, army officers, artists, landowners were entered into the records. To be recorded at this time was in itself a family honor.

Early History of the Magnani family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Magnani research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1422, 1442, 1571, 1653 and 1797 are included under the topic Early Magnani History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Magnani Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Magnani, Magnaghi, Magnaguti, Magnanini, Magnano, Magnini and many more.

Early Notables of the Magnani family

Prominent among members of the family was

  • Giovanni Battista Magnani (1571-1653), an Italian architect, known for his work in Parma

Magnani Ranking

In France, the name Magnani is the 7,117th most popular surname with an estimated 1,000 - 1,500 people with that name. 1


United States Magnani migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Magnani Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Ernesto Magnani, aged 32, originally from Reggio Em., Italy, who arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Duca d'Aosta" from Genoa, Italy 2
  • Crega Magnani, aged 19, originally from S. Marie Albiano, Italy, who arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Duca Degli Abruzzi" from Genoa, Italy 2
  • Iole Magnani, aged 32, originally from Buenos Aries, Argentine, who arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Vauban" from La Plata, Argentine 2

Contemporary Notables of the name Magnani (post 1700) +

  • Dante Alfred Magnani (1917-1985), American NFL football player who played from 1940 to 1950
  • David P Magnani, American politician, State Senator in Massachusetts (1993-2004)
  • Paolo Magnani (1926-2023), Italian prelate in the Roman Catholic Church, Emeritus Bishop of the Diocese of Treviso
  • Roberto Magnani (b. 1977), former Italian professional footballer
  • Primo Magnani (1892-1967), Italian gold medalist racing cyclist at the 1920 Summer Olympics
  • Massimo Magnani (b. 1951), former Italian gold medalist marathon runner in the 1981 Marathon Cup
  • Lorenzo Magnani (b. 1952), Italian philosopher
  • Aurelio Magnani (1856-1921), Italian clarinetist and clarinet teacher
  • Lorenzo Magnani, Italian professor in the Department of Philosophy of the University of Pavia, in Pavia, Italy
  • Anna Magnani (1908-1973), Italian actress who the Academy Award in 1955 for best actress


  1. http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
  2. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result


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