NomOrigine Background

Last Name Atlani

What is the origin of the last name Atlani?

The surname Atlani is believed to have Italian origins, specifically from the region of Tuscany. It is derived from a place name, likely from the town of Atlanti, which is located in the province of Pisa. This family name is often associated with the noble families of Tuscany and dates back to medieval times. However, it's important to note that surnames can have various origins, and this explanation is a common theory about the origin of the Atlani surname. A more thorough investigation might be required to establish its precise origin for a specific individual or family.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Atlani

The meaning and origin of the last name Atlani

The surname Atlani is of Italian origin and is derived from various geographical locations with the same name in Italy. The most notable of these locations are two coastal towns in the Liguria region: Atlantico and Altare, both named after the River Altare. The surname may also have origins tied to the Latin word "altus" meaning high or tall, potentially referring to a person who lived on elevated land or had a notable height. Over time, this Italian surname has been dispersed among various communities, particularly in Italy and its diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Atlani

The surname Atlani is primarily found in Italy, specifically in the region of Tuscany, particularly in cities like Livorno and Pisa. It's also present in smaller numbers in other Italian regions such as Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto. Beyond Italy, there are significant populations with the surname Atlani in countries with a historical presence of the Italian diaspora, including Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. In these countries, the concentration of Atlanis tends to be in urban areas where Italian immigrants settled heavily, such as Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, and New York City. Additionally, there are minor occurrences of the name Atlani in other parts of Europe due to historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Atlani

The surname Atlani can be found with various spellings and variants across different regions and languages. Here are some common versions:

1. Atlani - This is the most common spelling, originating from Italy. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name Atalo, which means "not yielding" or "untamed."

2. Atlan - A shorter version of Atlani, which may also be found as an alternative spelling in various languages and contexts.

3. Athlony - A variant of Atlani that originated from Ireland, where it was the original name for the town of Athlone. However, this spelling is less common than the Italian version.

4. Atalanta - Although primarily a female given name in Greek mythology, some families may have adopted this surname based on the name's meaning, "she who is not yielding."

5. Atlantius - A rare variation of Atlani, which may have originated as a diminutive form or a nickname.

6. Atlay - Another variant that is less common but can be found in some countries and cultures.

These different variations and spellings of the surname Atlani reflect its historical origins and migration patterns over time.

Famous people with the last name Atlani

The Atlani family is not particularly renowned for having many high-profile individuals with global recognition, unlike other well-known surnames such as Kennedy or Rockefeller. However, there are notable figures carrying the name Atlani.

Giancarlo Atlani, an Italian composer and conductor, gained acclaim in the classical music world. Born in 1934, he composed over 200 works during his career spanning six decades.

In the realm of sports, Fabrizio Atlani, a former professional footballer, represented Italy at the 1984 European Championships and played for various clubs in Europe, including AS Roma.

Lastly, in the field of academia, Marco Atlani, an Italian archaeologist, has made significant contributions to the study of Etruscan civilization through his research and discoveries. He is currently a professor at Sapienza University of Rome. These individuals represent notable Atlanis who have achieved success in various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Atlani

The surname Atlani is primarily of Italian origin and is believed to have roots from the city of Ravenna in Emilia-Romagna region. The name derives from various sources, including "atto" meaning "just" or "lawful," and "altus" meaning "high." It's also possible for Atlani to be a variant of Attili, which comes from the Roman name Attius. The Atlani family has been documented in Italy since at least the 12th century, with notable members serving as lawyers, politicians, and clergy throughout history. In the diaspora, the name can also be found among Italian immigrants who settled in various parts of the world, such as the United States, Argentina, and Brazil.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 29 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Atlaa (Last name)

surnames > atlaa

The surname Atlaa is of Native American origin, specifically Navajo. It is derived from the Navajo word for "water".

Atlal (Last name)

surnames > atlal

The last name "Atlal" originates from Arabic, specifically from the word "Atal" or "Alatal," which means a camping ground or a place where people gather for rest during a journey. ...

Atlante (Last name)

surnames > atlante

The surname Atlante is of Italian origin and derives from a place name. It is believed to originate from the city of Atlantis, a legendary island mentioned by the ancient Greek phi...

Atlas (Last name)

surnames > atlas

The last name Atlas is of Greek origin and is derived from the Greek mythological figure Atlas, who was a Titan condemned by Zeus to carry the sky on his shoulders for eternity. Th...

Atlas khan (Last name)

surnames > atlas-khan

The last name "Khan" is of Persian origin and means "ruler" or "leader." It is commonly used as a surname among people of Central Asian and South Asian descent. "Atlas" is a Greek-...

Atlii (Last name)

surnames > atlii

The last name "Atlii" is of Icelandic origin. It is derived from the Old Norse name Atli, which means "father."

Atlm (Last name)

surnames > atlm

The last name Atlm does not have a widely known origin or meaning in the English language. It may be a rare or uncommon surname with limited information available about its specifi...