Find out how popular the last name Magnàsco is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Magnàsco.

Magnàsco, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Magnàsco surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Magnàsco in America

Magnàsco is the 125639th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Magnàsco surname appeared 126 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Magnàsco.

The history of the last name Magnàsco

The surname Magnasco originates from Italy, specifically from the Liguria region, which includes the city of Genoa. The family name is believed to have emerged during the medieval period, around the 12th to 13th centuries. The exact etymology of the name is linked to an old place name. The name may derive from the Italian word "magna," related to "magnus," which means "great" in Latin. The suffix "-asco" often indicates a locational origin in Italian surnames, suggesting that the original bearers of the name hailed from a place or estate of some significance.

Historical records from Liguria indicate that the name Magnasco appeared in various forms over the centuries. An early mention of the name can be found in 14th-century manuscripts detailing the governance and social hierarchy of Genoa, a city-state that was influential during the medieval period. Understanding the evolution of the name involves recognizing variations such as Magnasca, which are less common but provide insight into the developmental history of Italian surnames.

Among the earliest individuals bearing the surname Magnasco, one notable figure is Alessandro Magnasco, also known as il Lissandrino, an Italian painter born in 1667 and died in 1749. Alessandro Magnasco was celebrated for his distinctive style, which combined elements of Baroque and Rococo, creating dramatic and often turbulent scenes on canvas. His contributions to the art world make him a significant historical figure carrying the Magnasco surname.

Records from the 17th and 18th centuries detail several other members of the Magnasco family involved in Genoese commerce and politics. For instance, Giovanni Battista Magnasco, born in 1688 and who later died in 1760, was a prominent merchant whose trade connections extended throughout the Mediterranean. His business ventures contributed to the economic landscape of Genoa during a period of considerable maritime activity.

In the early 19th century, Giuseppe Magnasco emerged as a key political figure. Born in 1793, Giuseppe took on various administrative roles in Genoa, advocating for reforms and modernization within the local government. His tenure as an official marked the transition of Genoa's society as it adapted to the broader changes following the Napoleonic Wars, aligning his legacy with the transformative era of European history.

Another Magnasco of historical note is Laura Magnasco, an influential patron of the arts born in 1845. Her support of Genoese artists and her establishment of several cultural institutions in the city enhanced the artistic heritage of Liguria. Laura's philanthropic efforts provided opportunities for countless artists and reinforced the Magnasco name as intricately linked with cultural advancement.

In summary, the surname Magnasco holds historical significance rooted in the medieval period of the Liguria region. With its etymological origins possibly connected to a prominent location or figure, and its bearers contributing significantly to various facets of culture, commerce, and governance, the name Magnasco is intrinsically tied to the rich history of Genoa and its surroundings.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Magnàsco

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Magnàsco.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Magnàsco was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Magnàsco was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Magnàsco, please contact us.

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