Last Name Chelli

The surname "Chelli" is of Italian origin. It is a variant of the surnames Cellini, Celli, and Cheli. These names are derived from either the male given name Cello (diminutive of Celestino or Cesare) or the occupation as a bell-maker (from Latin campana, "bell"). The bell-making profession was common in various regions of Italy, including Tuscany and Umbria, and was often used as a surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Chelli

The meaning and origin of the last name Chelli

The surname Chelli is of Italian origin, primarily found in regions such as Sicily and Sardinia. It is a variant of the more common Italian surnames Cellai, Celli, or Chiarelli. The name likely derives from the Italian word "cella," which means "cell" or "small room." This could have been an occupation name for someone who worked in a cellar or small room, such as a cellarer in a monastery. Alternatively, it may have originated as a nickname for someone with a small stature or a quiet, reserved nature, as "cella" can also mean a small, sheltered place. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have varied among different families, leading to multiple variations including Chelle, CHELLI, and other spellings.

Geographical distribution of the last name Chelli

The last name Chelli is predominantly found in regions with significant Tamil and Telugu populations in Southern India. A substantial number of people bearing this surname reside in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh states, as well as in the neighboring Union Territories of Puducherry and Karnataka. Chelli is also sporadically found in other parts of South India, including Kerala and Karnataka, and to a lesser extent in some parts of North India such as Tamil Nadu diaspora regions like Chennai in Maharashtra or Mumbai. Additionally, the Chelli surname has been traced in African countries with significant Indian populations, such as Kenya and Uganda, due to historical migration patterns. It is important to note that while Chelli is primarily an Indian surname, its occurrence may also be found among other communities sharing similar cultural or linguistic backgrounds.

Variants and spellings of the last name Chelli

The surname Chelli has several spelling variations, reflecting its origin and adaptation over time. Some common variants include Chelley, Celli, Cellai, Cellana, Cellucci, Cellura, Celloni, and Celotti. These variations can result from regional dialects, transcription errors, or intentional alterations to fit into a new cultural context. It is also worth noting that some individuals may choose to anglicize the name, leading to spelling variations such as Celli-Celli or Chelli-Cholli. Regardless of the specific spelling, it is clear that the Chelli surname has a rich and varied history, with roots likely originating in Italy.

Famous people with the last name Chelli

Notable individuals bearing the surname Chelli include:

1. Amar Chelliboyina, an Indian-American engineer who co-founded the Silicon Valley company Applied Materials. He served as its CEO from 1987 to 2014 and was instrumental in growing it into a Fortune 500 company.

2. Alain Chelli, a French former professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain FC and the France national team during the 1980s and early 1990s. He won three consecutive Ligue 1 titles with PSG from 1986 to 1988.

3. Jeanne Chellini, an Italian artist known for her contribution to the Italian Futurist movement during the early 20th century. She was one of the few women associated with the movement and is remembered for her innovative artistic works and writings.

4. Yves Chelli, a Tunisian-born French journalist, writer, and political commentator. He has written extensively on French and European politics, as well as international affairs. His notable works include "L'Itinéraire des ombres" (The Itinerary of Shadows) and "Le Drapeau Noir" (The Black Flag).

5. Moulay Chellah, a prominent Moroccan historian who lived during the 12th century. He was known for his knowledge in various fields such as philosophy, astronomy, and mathematics. His most famous work is "Kitab al-Nujum" (The Book of Stars), which deals with astrology and astronomical tables.

Genealogical research on the last name Chelli

The surname Chelli is primarily of Italian origin, stemming from the medieval given name "Chello" or "Celi," which comes from the Latin "Caelius." This name was commonly found in Rome and referred to someone who lived on a high hill or a celestial being. Over centuries, variations in spelling such as Cellai, Chelio, and Chelle emerged due to regional dialects and recording errors. The Chelli family is known to have inhabited several regions of Italy, with significant clusters in Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Lazio. The earliest recorded instance of the surname dates back to the 12th century in the area of Florence. Some notable figures bearing this surname include Giovanni Chelli, a prominent artist from Bologna in the 16th century, and Guglielmo Chelli, an Italian Resistance fighter during World War II. The Chelli lineage has also spread to various other countries due to migration waves, most notably to France, Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "chelli"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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