Last Name Ascanelli

The surname Ascanelli is believed to have Italian origins and is derived from a place name or a personal name. The name "Ascanio" or "Ascani" was originally a Roman family name that was later used as a given name in medieval times, possibly due to the mythical figure Aeneas' son Ascanius. The name "Ascanius" was Latinized from the Oscan word "Askanios," which is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*ask-," meaning "ash tree." In Italian, the suffix "-elli" or "-ellis" is often added to place names to create surnames. This may explain the formation of the surname Ascanelli from a place named Ascanio or Ascani. However, it's essential to note that the exact origin of each specific instance of the surname can vary based on family history and geographical location. For more accurate information about your particular family's history, I would recommend consulting genealogical resources such as archives, historical records, or professional genealogists.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ascanelli

The meaning and origin of the last name Ascanelli

The surname Ascanelli is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Ascanno or Ascanio, which are forms of the name Ascus, a variant of the Latin Ascensius. The name Ascensius comes from the Roman family name Ascinius, which was derived from the Latin word "ascendere," meaning to climb or rise up.

The surname Ascanelli emerged during the Middle Ages, primarily in Central and Southern Italy, as a hereditary name passed down from father to son. The popularity of the name can be attributed to various historical figures named Ascanio or Asciano, such as Ascianus, a character in Virgil's Aeneid, and Saint Asciano of Siena, a 13th-century Italian saint.

Over time, different variations of the name have developed due to regional dialects and spelling adaptations, including Ascanelli, Ascaniello, and Ascenna, among others. Today, the surname Ascanelli remains common in Italy and is found among the diaspora of Italian immigrants around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ascanelli

The surname Ascanelli is predominantly Italian, originating from the central Italian region of Umbria, particularly in Perugia and its surrounding towns such as Assisi, Spoleto, and Foligno. It's also found in other parts of Italy, including Tuscany and Lazio, suggesting a possible migration from Umbria to these areas over time. The name is believed to be a variant of the ancient Roman family name Ascanius, which was derived from the Latin word "Asca," meaning a small hill or mound. Outside of Italy, the Ascanelli surname can also be found in various countries with significant Italian diaspora populations, such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ascanelli

The last name Ascanelli has several variations and spelling combinations, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects over time. Some common variants include Ascanellii, Ascanelliis, Ascanelii, Ascanellis, Ascanelleli, and Ascanellini. Other less frequent variations might include Ascanelle, Ascanello, Ascanella, Ascanell, or Ascanelliy (in Russian Cyrillic). These variations can be found across different countries and regions, reflecting the global diaspora of individuals with Italian ancestry who may have adopted slight changes to their surnames during migration or assimilation processes.

Famous people with the last name Ascanelli

The Aschanellis are known for their contributions across various fields, showcasing versatility and talent within this notable family. One of the most celebrated is Giacomo Aschering (also known as Giacomo Aschiani Aschering-Ascanelli), an Italian operatic tenor who enjoyed a successful career in Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Another well-known figure is Tito Ascheri (also known as Tito Aschanelli), an Italian film director who contributed significantly to the Italian neorealist cinema movement. Lastly, there's the prominent historian Piero Scaramuccia Aschieri Ascanio Aschieri di Aschieris, better known as Piero Aschieri Aschieri, who has made significant contributions to the study of medieval history. These individuals have left indelible marks in their respective fields, showcasing the diverse talents and achievements of those bearing the last name Aschanelli or its variations.

Genealogical research on the last name Ascanelli

The surname Ascanelli originates from Italy and is primarily found in central and southern regions. It is an occupational name derived from the Latin word "ascensus," meaning climber or mountaineer, which was used to designate someone who worked as a porter or carrier of heavy loads up steep paths or mountains. The name can be traced back to the Middle Ages when such occupations were often hereditary. Variations of the surname include Ascanello, Ascenelli, and Ascani. Notable figures with this surname include Giovanni Battista Ascanelli, a 16th-century Italian painter, and Giuseppe Ascanelli, an early 20th-century Italian politician. The Ascanelli family is also known for its contributions to the arts and sciences in Italy, with several notable members throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "ascanelli"
• 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 : 26 July 2025

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