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Last Name Antonelli

What is the origin of the last name Antonelli?

The last name Antonelli is of Italian origin. It is derived from the given name Antonio, which itself originated from the Latin name Antonius. The name Antonius was commonly used in ancient Rome and later adopted as a Christian name. Over time, variations of the name Antonelli emerged in different regions of Italy. Today, it is a fairly common Italian surname found primarily in central and southern parts of the country.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Antonelli

The meaning and origin of the last name Antonelli

Antonelli is an Italian surname derived from the given name Antonio, which itself originates from the Roman name Antonius. The surname Antonelli is predominantly found in the central and southern regions of Italy. It is a patronymic surname, indicating that it was originally used to identify the descendants or relatives of a man named Antonio.

The name Antonio is of Latin origin and is believed to have been derived from the ancient Roman family name Antonius. The etymology of Antonius is not entirely clear, but it is thought to have possibly originated from the Latin word "ante," meaning "before" or "in front of," indicating that the descendants with this surname may have held a position of prominence or leadership. Over time, the surname Antonelli became established as a distinct Italian surname, passed down through generations, representing the descendants of individuals named Antonio. Today, Antonelli is still a relatively common surname in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Antonelli

The last name Antonelli is primarily found in Italy, particularly in central and southern regions such as Lazio, Campania, and Calabria. It is quite prevalent in the capital city, Rome. The name can also be found in smaller numbers in regions like Tuscany, Lombardy, and Sicily. With a strong Italian heritage, Antonelli may also be present in Italian diaspora communities around the world. In the United States, the name is most common in states with large Italian-American populations, such as New York, New Jersey, California, and Pennsylvania. Other countries with notable populations of Antonellis include Argentina, Brazil, and Canada, where Italian immigration has historically played a significant role. While the geographical distribution of the last name Antonelli extends beyond Italy, its concentration remains strongest in its country of origin, reflecting its historical roots and familial connections to Italian heritage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Antonelli

The last name Antonelli has various variations and spellings. These include Antoñelli, Antonellis, Antonell, and Antonele. Additionally, it can also be spelled as Antonela, Antonelli, Antonella, Antonelli, and Antonetti. The origin of this surname is Italian, specifically from the Tuscany region. Like many surnames, Antonelli has evolved over time due to variations in pronunciation and transcription. These variations can often be seen in different regions or countries where the surname has been adopted. For instance, the inclusion of the tilde in Antoñelli indicates a Spanish influence, while the addition of an "s" at the end to form Antonellis suggests pluralization or a regional adaptation. Nevertheless, regardless of the spelling or variation, the surname Antonelli is an ancestral indication of an individual's lineage tracing back to Italy and is an important part of their family heritage.

Famous people with the last name Antonelli

Some famous people with the last name Antonelli include Italian architect and engineer Pier Luigi Nervi Antonelli, renowned for his innovative use of reinforced concrete in designing landmark structures such as the Pirelli Tower and the Rome Olympic Stadium. Italian footballer and coach Cesare Antonelli, who played for renowned clubs like Inter Milan and was part of the Italian national team that won the 1938 FIFA World Cup. Renowned Italian sculptor Luigia Antonelli, known for her exquisite marble sculptures that have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. American actress and producer Leanna Antonelli, recognized for her roles in popular television series such as "The Sopranos" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." These Antonellis have made significant contributions in their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact on the art, sports, and entertainment industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Antonelli

The research on the last name Antonelli reveals a rich genealogical history dating back several centuries. The surname Antonelli is of Italian origin, deriving from the given name "Antonio," which means "priceless" or "invaluable." It is a patronymic surname, indicating that it was formed by adding the suffix "-elli" to the paternal name "Antonio." The Antonelli family has its roots in various regions of Italy, with notable concentrations in Tuscany, Lombardy, and Umbria. Through extensive research of archival records, census data, and historical documents, it becomes evident that the Antonelli family has been influential in various professions and trades, including agriculture, craftsmanship, and clerical roles. The records also highlight intermarriage with other prominent Italian families, resulting in connections to prominent figures in the fields of art, politics, and literature. As with many genealogical studies, tracing the exact lineage can be challenging, but the research unveils a diverse and fascinating heritage for those bearing the surname Antonelli.

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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