Show ContentsVanzini Surname History

The distinguished surname Vanzini can be traced back to the ancient and beautiful region of Emilia-Romagna. Although people here were originally known by a single name, it gradually became necessary for them 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. The most common type of family name found in the region of Emilia-Romagna is the patronymic surname, which is derived from the father's given name. The surname Vanzini came from the name Avanzo, which comes from the Italian verb avanzsare, which means to advance. This name would have been ascribed to a child, usually the first born son and family heir, whose birth had been long awaited. The name also reveals that the parents felt the birth of their child would fulfill their lives. In medieval times, it was generally believed that a child's name would in some way bestow good fortune on the family.

Early Origins of the Vanzini family

The surname Vanzini was first found in Bologna (Latin: Bononia), where in 1306, when Bartolomeo Avanzi was listed there as a landholder at that time.

Early History of the Vanzini family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Vanzini research. The years 1375, 1389, 1490, 1550, 1570, 1600, 1612, 1645, 1656, 1679, 1686, 1718 and 1775 are included under the topic Early Vanzini History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Vanzini Spelling Variations

Italian surnames have a surprising number of forms in comparison with other European surnames because they reflect the regional variations and the many dialects of the Italian language, each of which has its distinctive features. For example, in Northern Italy the most standard Italian surname suffix is "I", whereas in Southern Italy the most typical surname suffix is "O". Sardinian is very different from other forms of Italian and in fact, it is considered to be its own distinct language. Additionally, spelling changes frequently occurred because medieval scribes, church officials, and the bearers of names, spelled names as they sounded rather than according to any specific spelling rules. As a consequence of the major changes in the Italian language and in the local spellings of Italian surnames that occurred over the course of history, there are numerous variations for the surname Vanzini. These spelling variations include Avancini, Avanzati, Avanzetti, Avanzi, Avanzini, Avanzo, Avanzaroli, Avanzolini, Davanzati, D'Avanzo, Davanzo, Vancini, Vanz, Vanzetti, Vanzetto, Vanzi, Vanzin, Vanzini and many more.

Early Notables of the Vanzini family

Prominent among members of the family was

  • Bartolomeo Luigi Avanzini was an architect in Modena in 1600, whose works include designs for the ducal palace of Modena
  • Pier Antonio Avanzini was a painter in Piacenza in 1656 whose works can be seen in the churches around Piacenza today

Migration of the Vanzini family

The records on immigrants and ships' passengers show a number of people bearing the name Vanzini: P. Avanzo, aged 39, who landed in America, in 1893; Rosina Avanzo, aged 20, who settled in America from Nola, in 1898; Nicola Avanzo, aged 45, who landed in America from Del Lazio, Formicola, in 1898.



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