Surname Domenico - Meaning and Origin

Domenico: What does the surname Domenico mean?

Domenico is an Italian name derived from the Late Latin name "Dominicus" which directly translates to "of the Lord," "belonging to God," or "devoted to the Lord" in English. This last name is quite popular in several parts of Italy including Sicily, Abruzzo, and Campania. Domenico was traditionally given as a baptismal name to boys born on Sunday, as "Dominicus" is also associated with "dies Dominica", which means "the day of the Lord” or “Sunday” in Latin. Therefore, the surname Domenico can signify a person or family's deep religious beliefs and devotion to Christianity, particularly to the Lord, Jesus Christ. However, the specific context or meaning behind a particular individual's last name can vary based on family history and tradition. It's also used as a first name and has several variations in different languages, such as Dominic in English, Dominique in French, and Domingo in Spanish.

Domenico: Where does the name Domenico come from?

The last name "Domenico" originates from Italy. The name is derived from a personal name in honor of Saint Domenico, the founder of the Dominican religious order. It was often given to boys who were born on Sunday, as "Domenico" translates to "of the Lord" or "belonging to God" in Italian and is synonymous with "Sunday" (Domenica).

Primarily, this surname is most common in southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Campania, Sicily, and Calabria. "Domenico" or its variants can also be found in other parts of Italy.

Globally, it has spread to various countries due to Italian migration over time. Therefore, you may encounter this surname in countries like the United States, Canada, and Argentina, where many Italian immigrants settled. However, the highest concentration of individuals with the surname "Domenico" remains in Italy.

Variations of the surname Domenico

Domenico is an Italian surname and given name typically derived from Santo Domingo, meaning Saint Dominic. Variations and derivettes of this surname can include Domenici, Domeniconi, Domenighini, Domeneghini, Domeneghetti, Domenichelli, Domenegazzo, and Dominici.

The spelling can also be slightly altered, resulting in variants such as Dominico or Domingo (in Spanish-speaking countries). The surname can be found with prefixes or suffixes too, with examples being De Domenico, Di Domenico, or Domenicozzi.

In some cases, people may use the anglicized version of the name, Dominic, as their surname. Likewise, women often use Domenica as a given name in Italy.

As with all surnames, it can be influenced by regional differences in spelling, cultural influences, and migration. Therefore, a person's personal or family history may have led to unique spellings or alterations of the original name.

Additionally, there are many other surnames that share the similar root with Domenico, pointing to a common lineage. These include Dom, Domm, Dominguez, Dominicci, and Dominick among others. Please note that while these names are etymologically related, a direct genealogical connection may not necessarily exist.

Famous people with the name Domenico

• Domenico Dolce: Famous Italian designer and co-founder of the luxury fashion house Dolce & Gabbana.
• Domenico Modugno: Italian singer, songwriter, actor, guitarist, and later in his career, a member of the Italian Parliament. His internationally known song "Nel blu, dipinto di blu" also known as "Volare" remains one of the most popular Italian songs.
• Domenico Cimarosa: Renowned 18th century Italian composer known for his opera compositions.
• Domenico Dragonetti: An Italian double bass virtuoso who worked at the St Mark's Basilica in Venice in the 18th century.
• Domenico Cerutti: Italian mathematician and philosopher in the 19th century.
• Domenico Scarlatti: Famous Italian composer known for his 555 keyboard sonatas. He lived during the Baroque period.
• Domenico Beccafumi: An Italian renaissance painter from the early 16th century.
• Domenico Ghirardelli: An Italian-born chocolatier, who after moving to the United States, founded the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company in San Francisco.
• Domenico Montagnana: An Italian master luthier known for his cellos and violins.
• Domenico Tedesco: An Italian-German football manager and former player. He has managed several German clubs, including FC Schalke 04. These are some of the most famous people with the last name Domenico.

Other surnames

Domenici