 In 1202 it was mentioned as "Iornico", and around 1210-58 it was mentioned as "Zurnigo".Formerly, it was known by the German names of "Yrnis" or "Girnis".During the Middle Ages, the large "Vicinanza" of Giornico comprised 15-20 settlements or villages, which were distributed to several "Degagne", the exact border of some are still unclear.