NomOrigine Background

Last Name Borelli

What is the origin of the last name Borelli?

The surname Borelli is of Italian origin. It derives from the Old Italian word "borrello," which means little bull or calf. This name was often given to someone who had a strong and robust personality, much like a young bull. The name has been recorded in Italy since at least the Middle Ages, where it was common among families residing in the regions of Tuscany and Sicily. Today, the Borelli surname can be found throughout Italy and the Italian diaspora worldwide.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Borelli

The meaning and origin of the last name Borelli

The surname Borelli is of Italian origin, derived from the Old Italian word "borrello," meaning little bull. This surname was often given to individuals who were strong or had characteristics reminiscent of a bull. The name has been documented in various regions of Italy since the Middle Ages, particularly in central and southern parts such as Tuscany, Calabria, and Campania. The spread of this surname can be attributed to migrations during the Renaissance period and later, as many Italians sought opportunities abroad. Over time, various spellings have emerged for the name, including Borelli, Borrelli, and Borrilli, among others, reflecting regional dialects and phonetic variations. Today, the surname Borelli can be found throughout the world, with a significant concentration in Italy and its diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Borelli

The last name Borelli is predominantly Italian in origin, with a significant concentration found in regions such as Calabria, Sicily, and Campania. Historically, it has been traced back to medieval Italy, particularly in the city of Naples. Over time, the migration patterns of people bearing the surname Borelli have expanded beyond Italy. A notable diaspora exists in the United States, with high concentrations in states such as New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, reflecting Italian immigration waves in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller populations can also be found in other parts of Europe, South America, Australia, and Canada, demonstrating the global reach of the Borelli family name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Borelli

The surname Borelli can be found with various spellings and minor variations across different regions and time periods. Some common variations include Borrelli, Borelli, Borrili, Borrilli, and Borely. These alterations may arise due to regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or personal preference when emigrating. It is essential to note that the correct spelling can be subjective and may depend on historical records, family traditions, or individual preference. Additionally, some individuals may find variations such as Borrillo, Borrello, or Borrilli, which are less common but still related, as alternatives for their name.

Famous people with the last name Borelli

The Borelli surname has been associated with significant figures across various fields, particularly science and entertainment. One notable figure is Frank Borelli, an American physicist known for his work on the dynamics of fluid motion and gas expansion in high-speed flow, as well as his contributions to the field of astrophysics. Another prominent individual is Fabrizio Borelli, an Italian mathematician and theoretical physicist who has made significant contributions to the study of general relativity and cosmology. In the realm of entertainment, the Borellis are represented by Tony Borelli, a popular American voice actor who has lent his voice to numerous cartoons, video games, and commercials. Furthermore, there is Giulio Borelli, an Italian-American painter and illustrator whose works have been featured in publications such as The New Yorker and Time magazine. These are just a few examples of the notable figures with the Borelli surname who have made lasting impacts in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Borelli

The surname Borelli originates from Italy and is primarily found in regions such as Calabria, Campania, Lazio, and Sicily. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name Borrello, which was brought to Italy by the Normans in the 11th century. The name Borrello is thought to be a diminutive of Borealius, a name of Roman origin meaning "Northern." Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved, with variations including Borello, Borelli, and Borrelli. Notable figures bearing this surname include Francesco Borelli, an Italian mathematician and physicist, and Paolo Borelli, a professional soccer player who played for clubs such as Juventus and the Italian national team.

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 : 10 June 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

Boragina (Last name)

surnames > boragina

The last name "Boragina" is of Italian origin. It is believed to be a locational surname derived from the name of the town of Boragine, which is located in the province of Rome in ...

Boraik (Last name)

surnames > boraik

The last name "Boraik" is of Egyptian origin.

Borak (Last name)

surnames > borak

The last name "Borak" is of Polish origin. It is a surname derived from the Polish word "bor", meaning "pine forest". In Polish culture, the name Borak is often associated with a p...

Borakovic (Last name)

surnames > borakovic

The last name Borakovic is of Slavic origin, specifically from Croatia and possibly Serbia. It is derived from the personal name Borak, which is a diminutive of the name Boris. The...

Boramaa (Last name)

surnames > boramaa

The last name "boramaa" is of Finnish origin. It is derived from the word "boramaa," which means "sink" in Finnish. This last name likely originated as a toponymic surname, referri...

Boraschi (Last name)

surnames > boraschi

The last name "Boraschi" likely has Italian origins. It is a patronymic surname, which means it is derived from the name of an ancestor or a father figure. In this case, "Boraschi"...

Borate (Last name)

surnames > borate

The last name "Borate" is of Eastern European origin, specifically from Hungary. It is derived from the Hungarian word "bor," meaning wine, and likely originally referred to someon...

Borazio (Last name)

surnames > borazio

The last name "Borazio" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name "Boratius," which is a Latinized form of the Germanic name "Borath" or "Boratto." The name likely...

Borba (Last name)

surnames > borba

The surname Borba is of Portuguese origin. It comes from a medieval occupation name for someone who was a blacksmith or armorer, derived from the Old Portuguese word "borbo" meanin...

Borbo (Last name)

surnames > borbo

The last name "Borbo" is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the Latin word "boreas" meaning "north wind". The name may have originated as a nickname for someone with a cold o...

Borbora (Last name)

surnames > borbora

The surname "Borbora" originates from the Assamese community in India. It is believed to be derived from the Borbari village in Assam.

Borcard (Last name)

surnames > borcard

The last name "Borcard" is of Swiss origin. It is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word "burc," meaning "castle" or "fortress," which was used as a surna...

Borchetta (Last name)

surnames > borchetta

The last name "Borchetta" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word "borghetto," which means "small village" or "hamlet." In Italy, surnames often originated from a...

Borci (Last name)

surnames > borci

The surname "borci" is of Hungarian origin. It is derived from the Hungarian word "bor" meaning wine. This surname may have originally been used to denote someone involved in the w...

Bord (Last name)

surnames > bord

The surname Bord (or Borde) is of Old French origin and was originally a geographical name for someone from the region of Bordeaux, a port city in southwestern France. During the M...