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Last Name Castelli

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What is the origin of the last name Castelli?

The surname Castelli has Italian origins and is derived from a place name. It originally referred to someone who was from a small town named Castello or a castle. In Italian, "castello" means castle or fortified town. This type of surname, known as a locative surname, originated from the places where early ancestors lived, worked, or held some sort of allegiance.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Castelli

The meaning and origin of the last name Castelli

The surname Castelli is an Italian patronymic name that means "of the castle" or "the castellan." It originated from various places throughout Italy where there were castles or fortresses, indicating that the original bearers of this name lived in or near such structures. The name has been recorded in different spellings such as Castellani, Castelletto, and Castelletti, but Castelli is one of the most common forms. The name spread beyond Italy due to migration and colonization, particularly during the Middle Ages when the Italian city-states expanded their influence. Today, Castelli can be found in many countries with significant Italian descendants, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Castelli

The surname Castelli is predominantly Italian in origin and has a significant distribution within Italy. It is most prevalent in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio, reflecting the historical presence of the Castelli family in these areas during medieval times. However, it can also be found in other Italian regions, including Piedmont, Veneto, and Sicily. The surname has also spread globally due to Italian immigration, particularly to South America, North America, and Australia, where descendants of Italians carry the name Castelli. In these diaspora communities, the surname is most common in countries with significant historical Italian immigration like Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Castelli

The surname Castelli can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects over time. Some common variants include Casteli, Castell, Castel, Castellus, Castillo, Castiello, Castiglia, and Castiglione. These variations can originate from misspellings, phonetic spelling adaptations, or changes in the family name as a result of migration. The root "Castelli" is derived from the Italian word for 'castle', and was likely used as a topographic surname to denote someone who lived near or worked at a castle.

Famous people with the last name Castelli

Notable individuals with the surname Castelli include:

1. Ada Castello (1926-1974), an American actress who appeared in films such as "The Big Sleep" and "Double Indemnity."

2. Angelo Castillo (born 1983), a Filipino professional boxer, who held the WBO flyweight title from 2005 to 2006.

3. Bruno Castellio (1500-1560), a French Protestant Reformer and humanist scholar during the Protestant Reformation.

4. Carlo Castelli (1938-2017), an Italian mathematician known for his work in algebraic geometry and number theory.

5. Enzo Castellari (born 1939), an Italian film director who is best known for action films like "The Inglorious Bastards" and "Keoma."

6. Giorgio Castelli (1742-1805), an Italian painter, active in the Venetian Republic during the late Baroque period.

7. Laura Castellano (born 1969), an American writer who has published several novels and short stories, including "The Blood of Victory."

8. Marcello Castelli (1923-1984), an Italian racing driver who competed in Formula One from 1950 to 1957.

9. Pino Castellani (born 1942), an Italian photographer known for his black and white street photography.

10. Silvio Castelli (1934-2016), an Italian comics creator, best known for co-creating the character Diabolik with artist Giorgio Bellavitis in 1962.

Genealogical research on the last name Castelli

The Castelli surname, of Italian origin, is commonly associated with several regions in Italy, particularly Tuscany and Lazio, indicating its historical roots in central Italy. Castelli is a toponymic name derived from the word "castello," meaning castle or fortified town. Many early bearers of this surname were likely inhabitants of such settlements or owned property near them.

Notable figures with the Castelli surname include Andrea Castelli, an Italian scientist who made significant contributions to the study of magnetism in the 17th century; and Giovanni Battista Castelli, a Baroque composer active in the 16th century. In genealogical records, variations such as Castellini, Castellano, and Castelnuovo may also be encountered due to regional dialects and transcription errors over time.

The Castelli family tree can be traced back to numerous Italian lineages, each with its unique history and achievements, demonstrating the surname's rich heritage and widespread influence in Italy and beyond.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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