Last Name Anselmi

The last name "Anselmi" is of Italian origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Anselmo, which itself is derived from the Germanic name Anselm. The name Anselmo comes from the elements "ans" meaning "god" and "helm" meaning "helmet" or "protection," so it can be interpreted as "protected by God" or "God's helmet." The surname Anselmi indicates that the family is descended from or associated with someone named Anselmo.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Anselmi

The meaning and origin of the last name Anselmi

The surname Anselmi is of Italian origin and holds a significant meaning. Derived from the given name Anselmo, it has deep roots in medieval Europe. The name itself has Germanic origins, originating from the combination of the Old High German words "ans," meaning "god," and "helm," meaning "helmet" or "protection." As a result, Anselmi can be translated to mean "god's helmet" or "protected by God."

The surname Anselmi became fairly common in Italy during the Middle Ages. It is believed to have originated in Lombardy, a region in northern Italy. Many families bearing this name held positions of authority or prominence within their local communities, including roles as knights, merchants, and landowners. Over time, the name Anselmi spread throughout Italy and even found its way to other parts of the world through emigration. Today, individuals with the surname Anselmi can be found across various countries, showcasing the enduring legacy of this ancient family name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Anselmi

The last name "Anselmi" is primarily found in Italy, particularly in the regions of Lombardy and Tuscany. Lombardy, in northern Italy, is the most common location where the Anselmi surname is concentrated. Cities such as Milan, Bergamo, Brescia, and Cremona have a significant number of individuals with this name. In Tuscany, the surname is prevalent in cities such as Florence, Siena, and Arezzo. However, it is important to note that the Anselmi name may also be found in other regions of Italy, albeit to a lesser extent. Moreover, due to emigration and migration patterns throughout history, individuals with the Anselmi last name can also be found in other parts of the world. Notably, some members of the Anselmi family may have immigrated to countries such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil, contributing to the dispersion of the surname beyond its Italian origins.

Variants and spellings of the last name Anselmi

The last name Anselmi has gone through several variations and spellings throughout history. These variations include Anselmo, Anselma, Anslemi, Anselme, Anslem, Anshell, Anshelm, Anselem, and Anselmus. These variations can be attributed to factors such as regional dialects, immigration, and historical spelling changes. For example, Anselmi is a common Italian spelling, reflecting the surname's origins in Italy. Anselmo and Anselma are variations that are often associated with Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, while Anslemi is commonly found in Albania. The variations Anselme and Anslem have historically been popular in France and England respectively. Anshell and Anshelm are rarer variations that have developed over time. Anselem is another variation found in different parts of Europe, and Anselmus is the Latinized version of the surname. Overall, these diverse variations and spellings represent the rich history and geographic diversity of individuals with the last name Anselmi.

Famous people with the last name Anselmi

There is limited information available on famous individuals with the last name Anselmi, as it is not a widely recognized surname in historical or contemporary contexts. However, when researching the name, one prominent figure that emerges is Italian singer and songwriter Umberto Anselmi. Born in the early 20th century, Anselmi achieved fame in Italy during the 1940s and 1950s through his music, captivating audiences with his distinctive voice and romantic ballads. With a career spanning several decades, Anselmi's songs resonated with the Italian public and continue to be appreciated to this day. While there may not be many well-known individuals with the surname Anselmi, Umberto Anselmi's contribution to Italian music showcases the talent that can be found within this unique last name.

Genealogical research on the last name Anselmi

The surname Anselmi is an Italian surname of ancient origins. The name derives from the personal name "Anselmo," which can be traced back to the Germanic elements "ans" meaning "god" and "helm" meaning "protection." The Anselmi family is believed to have originated in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, specifically in the cities of Milan and Bergamo, and their prominence can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Over time, the Anselmi family expanded and migrated within various regions of Italy and across international borders. Today, individuals with the surname Anselmi can be found not only in Italy but also in other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil. Genealogical research on the Anselmi family would likely reveal a rich and diverse history, encompassing diverse professions, achievements, and connections to other families and communities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Anselmi"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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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