Azzo

Azzo is a masculine given name of Italian origin, most prominently associated with medieval northern Italy. It appears in historical documents as well as genealogical records tied to noble families of Lombardy and the surrounding regions. In addition to its use as a given name, it has occasionally appeared in patronyms and as a surname in later periods.

The etymology of Azzo is not definitively established. The name is generally regarded as a Lombard-Germanic form, with possible roots related to meanings such as noble or distinguished. Variants and related forms include Azo and Azzone, the latter used by the Visconti family in the 14th century, illustrating how the name evolved in different Italian lineages.

Historical figures bearing the name include Azzo VI, marquis of Este, an influential 11th-century Lombard noble from the Este lineage, and Azzone Visconti, who ruled Milan in the early 14th century. The form Azzo and its variants recur in genealogical lists of northern Italian nobility across the Middle Ages, reflecting its prominence in the era.

In modern times, Azzo remains a relatively rare name in Italian contexts, typically encountered in historical works, genealogical projects, or literary references intended to evoke medieval Italy. The form Azzone is largely historical, with modern descendants of related families occasionally drawing on historic variants in naming.

Related names include Azo, Azzi, and Azzone.