Trivia: What does Leonardo da Vinci’s surname represent?
His mother’s maiden name
His most famous artwork
His father’s first name
His birthplace
Correct Answer: His birthplace
So why is this answer correct? : Leonardo da Vinci was born in 1452 in Anchiano, Tuscany, near the Italian town of Vinci. His name means “Leonardo of Vinci,” which was a common way for Italians to formulate surnames in the 15th century. During his time, he was simply called “Leonardo” or “Il Florentine,” because he lived near Florence.