Soriano

Soriano is an Italian and Spanish surname with multiple geographical origins. In Italy, it most commonly derives from place names such as Soriano Calabro in Calabria and Soriano nel Cimino in Lazio. The name is particularly typical of southern Italy, especially Calabria and Sicily, reflecting the historical influence of these towns.

Etymology

The Italian surname is a toponymic, originating from the ancient Roman family name Surius or from the Latin soriani, meaning 'those from Soriano'. In Spain, the surname Soriano is a habitational name from the town of Soria in Castile and León, or from the term soriano, meaning 'inhabitant of Soria'. The Spanish form may also have Jewish (Sephardic) roots, as some bearers adopted the name after the expulsion from Spain.

Distribution

Today, Soriano is common in Italy, Spain, and Latin America. In the United States, according to the 2010 Census, Soriano ranked 1,361st in frequency and was most prevalent among Hispanic/Latino and Asian/Pacific Islander populations. The surname is also borne by many in the Philippines, due to Spanish colonial influence.

Notable Bearers

Notable individuals with the surname include:

• Fernando Soriano (born 1967), American musician and actor
• Eliseo Soriano (born 1947), Filipino religious leader
• Enrique Obar Miguel de Soriano (1917–2021), Filipino centenarian

Variants

Related Italian surnames include Soriani and Sorianelli, while Spanish variant Soriàno is occasionally found.

• Meaning: From the place names Soriano (Italy) or Soria (Spain)
• Origin: Toponymic surname
• Type: Regional local name
• Usage regions: Italy (south), Spain, Latin America, Philippines, United States