Last Name Cinalli

The surname "Cinalli" is of Italian origin. It is a variant of the given name "Giacomo," which means "the supplanter." This surname is most common in northern Italy and was likely formed as an occupational name for someone who worked in the wine trade, derived from the Latin word "cina" meaning "wine jug" or "wine vat." As with many Italian surnames, Cinalli may have been originally a nickname, perhaps given to someone who had a prominent jug-like nose, and was eventually adopted as a family name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cinalli

The meaning and origin of the last name Cinalli

The surname Cinalli is an Italian patronymic name derived from the male given name Cinalo or Cynalis, which was popular during the Middle Ages. The name is believed to have Latin origins, with Cinalo being a variation of the Latin name Cynanus, meaning "raven" or "blackbird." Over time, the name's spelling evolved into various forms such as Cinale, Cinelli, and finally Cinalli.

The use of patronymic names, where the surname is derived from the father's given name, was a common practice in Italy during medieval times. This tradition helped maintain family connections and establish social identity within communities. The Cinalli family can be found primarily in central and northern Italy, with significant concentrations in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Tuscany. Today, the surname Cinalli is still widely prevalent in Italy and amongst Italian diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cinalli

The last name Cinalli is predominantly Italian in origin, with a substantial concentration in the central and northern regions of Italy, particularly Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Tuscany, and Umbria. Smaller populations can also be found in other Italian provinces. A significant diaspora exists, with large numbers of Cinalli descendants living primarily in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and Switzerland due to historical migration patterns. The Cinalli surname is relatively rare outside of these geographical areas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cinalli

The surname Cinalli has various spelling versions, stemming from regional dialects and historical influences. Some common variations include: Cinelli, Cinioli, Cinnali, Cinella, Cinellia, Cinnelle, Cinneli, Cinelli-Cinello, Cinello, and Cinellu. These spelling differences can be attributed to factors such as dialectal variations in pronunciation, orthographic changes over time, or errors in transcription. Despite these variations, all of these surnames share the same etymological origin, derived from the Italian word "cinella," meaning "small jug" or "pot." The name may have been given to someone associated with such an object, or it could have been a topographic name for someone living near a small pottery works.

Famous people with the last name Cinalli

The Cinalli family, while not as widely recognized as some other notable surnames, has produced several prominent figures across various fields. One of the most renowned members is Giuseppe Cinalli (b. 1964), an Italian opera singer who gained international acclaim for his powerful baritone voice and exceptional stage presence. In the world of academia, there is Maria Teresa Cinalli, a distinguished Italian political scientist and university professor. She has made significant contributions to the study of political behavior, public opinion, and electoral politics. Furthermore, in the realm of sports, Fabio Cinalli (b. 1972), an Italian former professional tennis player, reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 35 in the world in 1999. These are some of the most significant figures bearing the Cinalli surname, demonstrating their diverse achievements and contributions to society.

Genealogical research on the last name Cinalli

The Cinalli surname originates from Italy, more specifically, the region of Lombardy. It is derived from the personal name Ceniallo or Zenobio, which was common during the Middle Ages. The earliest known bearer of this name was likely a man named Ceniallo de Brembio, who lived in the 12th century. Over time, the name evolved through various spellings such as Cinali, Cinella, and Zinalli, reflecting regional dialects and scribal errors. The Cinallis are traditionally associated with the village of Brembio, near Lodi, where many branches of the family have resided for centuries. Today, the Cinalli surname can be found throughout Italy and in various diaspora communities around the world, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. Genealogical research often reveals strong ties to agriculture, artisanal trades, and public service within these communities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cinalli"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends