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Last Name Altavilla

What is the origin of the last name Altavilla?

The last name "Altavilla" is of Italian origin. It is a locational surname derived from the combination of the Italian words "alta," meaning high, and "villa," meaning town or village. Therefore, the name likely originated from a town or village situated at a high location. It is a relatively common surname in Italy, particularly in the southern regions such as Sicily and Calabria.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Altavilla

The meaning and origin of the last name Altavilla

Altavilla is an Italian surname of Norman origin dating back to the Middle Ages. The name is believed to have originated from a place called "Altavilla" in Italy, which translates to "high town" in English. The Norman Conquest of Italy in the 11th century led to the establishment of several noble families with the surname Altavilla. The name is closely associated with the House of Hauteville, a prominent noble family that played a significant role in the history of Italy and Sicily during the medieval period. Over time, the Altavilla surname spread across different regions of Italy and has variations such as Alta Villa and Alta Vila. Today, descendants of the Altavilla family can be found across Italy and in other parts of the world as well.

Geographical distribution of the last name Altavilla

The last name Altavilla is primarily found in Italy, specifically in the regions of Sicily, Calabria, and Campania. It is a relatively uncommon surname, with the highest concentration of individuals bearing this name residing in the southern part of the country. The origins of the name Altavilla can be traced back to the Italian word "alta," meaning high or elevated, and "villa," meaning town or village, suggesting a possible link to a high-lying settlement. As a result, those with the last name Altavilla may have ancestral ties to these specific regions in Italy. While there may be some individuals with the surname Altavilla residing in other countries due to migration or immigration, the bulk of individuals with this surname can be found in Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Altavilla

The last name Altavilla may also be spelled as Altavila, Altavila, or Altavilla. Variations of this surname include Alteville, Altavillas, Alta-vila, and Altevila. Other possible spellings are Altevilla, Altovilla, and Altevillas. The name Altavilla is of Italian origin and typically refers to someone from a town or village called Altavilla. This surname may also have variations based on regional dialects or accents. Regardless of the spelling or variation, the name Altavilla is unique and has a rich cultural history. It is important to note that variations in surname spellings may occur due to factors such as migration, intermarriage, or translation from different languages. Overall, Altavilla and its various spellings are all valid representations of this distinct and meaningful last name.

Famous people with the last name Altavilla

There are no famous people with the last name Altavilla that are widely known in popular culture or history._altavilla is a common surname in Italy, particularly in the southern regions such as Calabria and Sicily. However, it does not appear to be associated with any notable figures in the fields of entertainment, politics, sports, or other areas of public life. While there may be individuals with the surname Altavilla who have achieved success in their respective fields, they are not widely recognized outside of their local communities or industries. As a result, the name Altavilla does not carry the same level of recognition or prominence as other more well-known surnames.

Genealogical research on the last name Altavilla

The surname Altavilla is of Italian origin and is believed to have originated from the region of Sicily. The name derives from the Italian words "alta" meaning "high" and "villa" meaning "town" or "village", possibly indicating that the original bearers of the name were from a prominent or elevated location. The Altavilla family is said to have been a noble and influential family in Sicily during the medieval period, known for their involvement in politics and warfare. One of the most famous members of the Altavilla family was Roger I, who was the Count of Sicily and later became the first King of Sicily in the 11th century. Today, descendants of the Altavilla family can still be found in Italy and around the world, carrying on their legacy through their name and heritage.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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