Penna: Last Name Origin and Family Crest

Seen on a birth certificate or a ship's manifest, Penna is usually a form of Pinna. Read literally, Penna points to “Feather or quill, a Sardinian name”.

How the spelling arose

Spelled with “e” instead of “i”, Penna shows how the same name was heard and written differently. Local scribes, dialects and emigration all left their mark on how the name was written. You may also find the name written Pinnas and Pinnella.

Penna coat of arms

Heraldry is personal: arms associated with the Pinna surname were borne by specific families, and sharing the name does not mean sharing the blazon.

For the full story, order the Penna surname pack.