Last Name Cavallazzi

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cavallazzi

The meaning and origin of the last name Cavallazzi

The surname Cavallazzi is an Italian patronymic name derived from the personal name "Cavallo," which means horse in Italian. The surname likely originated as a nickname for someone who was thought to be strong and swift, like a horse. Alternatively, it could have been given to someone who owned or worked with horses, such as a blacksmith or a knight. The name Cavallazzi first appeared during the Middle Ages in Italy, where surnames began to be used to differentiate individuals within communities. Over time, the name spread throughout the country and has since become a common Italian surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cavallazzi

Cavallazzi is an Italian surname predominantly found in regions such as Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardy. According to genealogical databases, it has historically been most concentrated in the provinces of Bologna, Florence, and Modena. However, its distribution extends beyond these areas, with notable occurrences also in other Italian provinces and even abroad, particularly in countries with significant Italian immigrant populations such as Argentina, Brazil, Switzerland, and the United States. In these foreign locations, Cavallazzi is often found in urban centers that experienced heavy immigration from Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cavallazzi

The surname Cavallazzi exhibits various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these variations include Cavallaschi, Cavallassi, Cavallacci, Cavallazi, Cavallozzi, Cavalazzi, Cavallezzi, Cavallatzi, and Cavalleri-Cavallazzi. These changes may be attributed to regional dialects, errors in record keeping, or attempts to phonetically represent the name in different languages. The root of the name likely comes from the Italian word "cavallo" which means horse, reflecting a possible association with the animal or an occupational connection to horse-related trades.

Famous people with the last name Cavallazzi

Notable individuals with the surname Cavallazzi include:

1. Paolo Cavallazzi (born 1964), an Italian voice actor and director who has lent his voice to numerous animated characters, including Spider-Man in the Italian version of the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.
2. Michele Cavallazzi (born 1958), an Italian rower who won a bronze medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics as part of the men's coxless pair.
3. Stefano Cavallazzi (born 1976), an Italian composer, pianist, and music producer known for his film scores and electronic music projects.
4. Federico Cavallazzi (born 1982), an Italian footballer who played as a midfielder for various clubs in Italy and abroad.
5. Giuseppe Cavallazzi (1877–1931), an Italian architect, urban planner, and academic, considered one of the pioneers of modernist architecture in Italy.
6. Marco Cavallazzi (born 1964), an Italian journalist, editor-in-chief of the Italian edition of Vanity Fair magazine from 2008 to 2017.
7. Francesco Cavallazzi (1835–1888), an Italian composer who was active in Bologna and Parma during the mid-to-late 19th century, best known for his operas and sacred music.

Genealogical research on the last name Cavallazzi

The Cavallazzi surname is of Italian origin, stemming from the medieval period. It is derived from the occupational name "cavaliere," meaning knight or squire in Italian. Throughout history, the Cavallazzi family was often associated with the equestrian class, a social group that played significant roles in the feudal system.

The Cavallazzi clan had their roots primarily in Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardy regions of Italy. Some notable historical figures with this surname include Girolamo Cavallazzi, an Italian painter from Bologna during the 17th century, and Paolo Cavallazzi, a famous violinist who played for Mozart in the late 18th century.

In modern times, various branches of the Cavallazzi family have dispersed across the globe due to immigration waves, particularly to countries like Switzerland, Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. Genealogical research on this surname continues as many Cavallazzi descendants seek to uncover their family's rich history and connections.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "cavallazzi"
• 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 : 25 July 2025