Mariana History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Italy

Etymology of Mariana

The distinguished surname Mariana originated in an area of Italy, known as the Papal States. Although people were originally known only by a single name, it became necessary for people to adapt 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. Italian hereditary surnames were developed according to fairly general principles and they are characterized by a profusion of derivatives coined from given names. The most traditional type of family name found in the region of the Papal States is the patronymic surname, which is derived from the father's given name. During the Middle Ages, Italians adopted the patronymic system of name-making because it perfectly complemented the prevailing Feudal System. In Italy the popularity of patronymic type of surname is also due to the fact that during the Christian era, people often named their children after saints and biblical figures. The surname Mariana came from the given name Mariano which was used in honor of the martyr St. Mariano. The name may have been also derived from the expression "Maria Vergine" or "the Virgin Mary."

Early Origins of the Mariana family

Early History of the Mariana family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mariana research. The years 1436, 1565 and 1611 are included under the topic Early Mariana History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mariana Spelling Variations

In comparison with other European surnames, Italian surnames have a surprising number of forms. They reflect the regional variations and the many dialects of the Italian language, each with its own distinctive features. For example, in Northern Italy the typical Italian surname suffix is "i", whereas in Southern Italy it is "o". Additionally, spelling changes frequently occurred because medieval scribes and church officials often spelled names as they sounded rather than according to any specific spelling rules. The spelling variations in the name Mariana include Mariani, Mariano, Marianinni, Marianna, Marianelli and many more.

Early Notables of the Mariana family

Prominent among members of the family was Camillo Mariani (1565-1611), an Italian sculptor of the early Baroque; Giacomo Mariani, a Vicar in Assisi during the mid 15th century...
Another 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Mariana Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.