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Last Name Arcangeli

What is the origin of the last name Arcangeli?

The surname Arcangeli is of Italian origin and is derived from a medieval nickname for someone who was believed to have had an angelic demeanor or who was thought to be particularly religious or pious. The name comes from the Italian word "arcangelo," which means archangel, a term used in Christianity to refer to powerful angels such as Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. The surname Arcangeli is most common in central and northern Italy, particularly in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Umbria. It is also found in smaller numbers in other parts of the world, including South America, where it was brought by Italian immigrants.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Arcangeli

The meaning and origin of the last name Arcangeli

The surname Arcangeli is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name "Arcangelo," which means "archangel" in English. This surname originated as a nickname for someone considered to be heaven-sent, or someone born on the feast day of an archangel. Alternatively, it may have been a habitational name for someone who lived near a church dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel. The name is most commonly found in Central and Northern Italy, particularly in the regions of Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Marche. Arcangeli is ranked among the top 10,000 surnames in Italy, with an estimated 28,345 bearers as of 2016.

Geographical distribution of the last name Arcangeli

The surname Arcangeli has its origins in Italy and is predominantly found in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Lazio, with the highest concentration in the province of Ravenna. It is also present in significant numbers in other Italian provinces, including Bologna, Florence, Rome, and Perugia. Outside Italy, Arcangeli migrants have spread to various parts of the world due to historical events such as immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The surname can be found in countries with large Italian diaspora communities, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and Australia. In these regions, Arcangeli families have established themselves in urban centers such as Buenos Aires, Toronto, New York City, and Sydney.

Variants and spellings of the last name Arcangeli

The surname Arcangeli has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in translation and regional dialects. Some common variations include Arcangeli, Arcangheli, Arcangelli, Arcanzani, Archiaparelli, Archiparelli, and Archigelis. These variations originate from the Italian language and reflect slight alterations in spelling or phonetic pronunciation. In some cases, these variations may also have arisen due to transcription errors or regional dialects during immigration processes. However, all of these names share a common origin, derived from the Italian name "Arcangelo," meaning "archangel" in English.

Famous people with the last name Arcangeli

The Arcangeli family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. In the realm of entertainment, Tony Arcangeli is recognized for his work as an American television announcer, best known for his voiceovers on game shows such as "The Price Is Right" and "Wheel of Fortune." On the other hand, in sports, Dino Arcangeli made a name for himself as a professional soccer player, having played for teams like FC Internazionale Milano and ACF Fiorentina during his career. In the field of science, Giuseppe Arcangeli was an Italian mathematician who made significant contributions to set theory and logic. Lastly, in politics, Marco Arcangeli is a prominent figure in San Marino's political landscape, serving as Captain Regent (the country's head of state) alongside Stefano Palmieri in 2016. These individuals exemplify the diversity and achievements of those with the surname Arcangeli.

Genealogical research on the last name Arcangeli

The Arcangeli surname originates from Italy and is believed to have derived from the given name Angelus, meaning "messenger of God." The name's earliest known records date back to medieval times, primarily in regions such as Tuscany, Lazio, and Emilia-Romagna. Notable Arcangeli figures include Matteo Arcangeli, a 16th-century philosopher and theologian, and Antonio Arcangeli, an Italian chemist who contributed to the study of phosphorus in the 18th century. The surname spread globally due to Italian immigration waves in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly to countries like Argentina, Brazil, the United States, and Canada. Today, Arcangeli is a common name among Italians and those of Italian descent worldwide.

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 : 28 July 2025

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