Last Name Celani

Learn more about the origin of the last name Celani

The meaning and origin of the last name Celani

The surname Celani is an Italian name, derived from occupational or geographical origins. It is believed to have been originally used as a nickname for someone who was a skilled worker in glassmaking, known as "celato" in Latin, meaning "veiled" or "hidden", due to the protective covering over molten glass during the production process. The surname could also have originated from various locations named Celano in Italy, such as a town in the Abruzzo region, which may have been home to families who later carried the name. Over time, variations of the name, like Cellani, Celanese, and Celanos, emerged due to regional dialects and spelling changes.

Geographical distribution of the last name Celani

The surname Celani has its origins in Italy, predominantly from the central and northern regions, such as Emilia-Romagna, Marche, Umbria, Lazio, Tuscany, and Lombardy. It is also found in smaller numbers in other Italian regions like Piedmont, Veneto, and Sicily. Beyond Italy, significant populations with the Celani surname can be found in countries with large Italian diaspora communities, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and Uruguay. The geographical distribution suggests a historical migration pattern from Italy to other parts of the world, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries when many Italians emigrated due to economic hardship or political instability.

Variants and spellings of the last name Celani

The last name Celani has several variations and spellings due to transcription errors over time, regional differences, and individual preferences. Some common versions include:

1. Celani - the original Italian spelling, derived from the occupation "celataio," which refers to a tanner or leather worker.
2. Cellani - an alternative spelling with an additional 'l' at the end, which can sometimes be found in Italian-American communities.
3. Celanee - a less common variation that replaces the final 'i' with 'ee.'
4. Celaney - another uncommon spelling variation, altering the ending to 'ey.'
5. Celany - a rare adaptation, changing the final 'i' to 'y.'
6. Celani-Celeste - a compound surname that combines Celani with Celeste, possibly indicating a family name change or addition over generations.
7. Cellini - a related name originating from a similar Italian occupation "cellai," meaning cellist or choir boy. However, it's important to note that Cellini is more commonly associated with the famous Renaissance sculptor and goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini.

These variations demonstrate how surnames can evolve over time and across different geographical regions.

Famous people with the last name Celani

The Celani family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent is Giuseppe Celani (1864-1936), an Italian physicist known for his work on electrical energy, including the development of the Celanese process for synthesizing rayon. In music, Ennio Morricone (1928-2020) was a celebrated Italian composer, best known for his film scores, such as those for "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" and "Cinema Paradiso." In sports, Stefano Celani (born 1964), an Italian volleyball player, won multiple awards during his career, including the gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics. Lastly, in academia, Raffaele Celani (born 1953) is a renowned mathematician and former president of the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, Italy.

Genealogical research on the last name Celani

The Celani surname originates from Italy and is commonly found in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Tuscany. The name is believed to have derived from occupations related to metalworking, such as "celaio," meaning "embroiderer" or "tapestry maker."

The Celani family can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with early records dating back to the 12th century in Italy. Notable figures with the Celani surname include Giovanni Battista Celani, an Italian botanist and geologist from the 19th century, and Giuseppe Celani, a physicist who invented the Celani heat engine in the 20th century.

The Celani family migrated to various countries, including the United States and Australia, throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. In the U.S., the majority of Celanis settled in cities like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia. The Australian branch of the family predominantly resides in Victoria and New South Wales.

Researching your Celani ancestry may involve exploring Italian vital records, immigration documents, and census data from Italy and other countries where the surname is prevalent. Genealogical resources such as FamilySearch, Ancestry, and Findmypast can be helpful in tracing the history of the Celani family.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Celani"
• 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 : 23 July 2025