SURNAMES IN ITALY

Surname Ceriàni

Origin and meaning

The authors agree that this surname has a toponymic origin. E. De Felice notes that it was formed from the place name Ceriano Laghetto, in the Como area, with frequent presence in Milan.

E. Rossoni broadens this perspective: while he confirms the derivation from the place name Ceriano —located in the Milan area—, he also notes as a possible origin the Latin nomen Cerilianus. He also adds that the surname can have a Venetian character, functioning as a gentilic of Cerea, a locality of the province of Verona.

Geographic distribution: Milan area, Varese area, Como area

📍 You can view how this surname is distributed in Italy: View distribution in Italy (Cognomix)

This entry brings together what 2 authors propose about the origin of the surname. In some cases they agree and reinforce a single hypothesis; in others, they contribute different views worth considering.

Sources

This entry of the Italian Surname Meanings dictionary is based on the following specialized onomastic sources:

  • De Felice, E. (1978). Dizionario dei cognomi italiani. Milano: Mondadori.
  • Rossoni, E. (2002). Origine e storia dei cognomi italiani. Retrieved from https://www.cognomiitaliani.org