Last Name Cinelli

The surname "Cinelli" is of Italian origin. It derives from a diminutive form of the male given name "Cino", which itself is a diminutive of the Latin name "Cinthius". This name was originally a byname meaning "of Cythera", referring to the Greek island associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Over time, this name became common in Italy and was passed down through generations as a surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cinelli

The meaning and origin of the last name Cinelli

The surname Cinelli is an Italian patronymic name derived from the male given name Cinello or Ciniglio, which in turn evolved from the Byzantine Greek personal name Kinigos or Kenigis, meaning "royal" or "prince". This name was borne by a number of early Christian saints and popes. The Cinelli family originated primarily in the region of Emilia-Romagna, specifically Modena and its surrounding areas, where it is believed they took up the name due to the influence of the Byzantine Empire in the region during the Middle Ages. Over time, individuals bearing this surname migrated across Italy and eventually to other parts of Europe and the Americas, spreading the name throughout various populations. Today, Cinelli remains a relatively common Italian surname, particularly among Italians living outside of Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cinelli

The last name Cinelli is predominantly Italian in origin and is most commonly found in regions such as Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Umbria. The name has also been noted in significant numbers in the provinces of Pisa, Modena, Brescia, and Perugia. Outside of Italy, the Cinelli surname is relatively dispersed due to Italian emigration patterns over the past few centuries. Notable populations of Cinellis can be found in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the United States, Uruguay, and Switzerland, among other countries. In these diaspora communities, the name has often been latinized or anglicized depending on the region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cinelli

The surname Cinelli exhibits various spelling and pronunciation variants due to regional differences and historical factors. Some common variants include Cinel, Cynelli, Zinelli, Tzinelli, and Sinelli. These variations can be found among Italian-speaking populations in Italy, as well as among the Italian diaspora worldwide. Additionally, it's important to note that over time, individual families may also alter the spelling of their surnames due to personal preference or misinterpretation during migration or assimilation processes. The name Cinelli is of Italian origin and can be traced back to the Lombard region in northern Italy, where it has been documented since the Middle Ages. This patronymic surname is derived from the given name Cinese, which means "Chinese" in Italian, likely referring to an individual who had some connection with China or a person with an East Asian appearance.

Famous people with the last name Cinelli

Notable individuals with the surname Cinelli include:

1. Paolo Cinelli (b. 1947), an Italian former professional road racing cyclist who was a two-time Giro d'Italia stage winner in the 1970s.
2. Giovanni Cinelli (1863-1916), an Italian violin maker, whose family company, Cremonese Luigi Cinelli & Figli, has been producing high-quality instruments since the late 19th century.
3. Marco Cinelli (b. 1970), an Italian composer and conductor who has scored music for several films and TV shows.
4. Giuseppe Cinelli (1886-1956), an Italian sculptor known for his realistic figures and busts, including a statue of poet Dante Alighieri in Ravenna, Italy.
5. Stefano Cinelli Colombo (b. 1974), an Italian architect who won the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2021 for his work on sustainable architecture and urban planning.

Genealogical research on the last name Cinelli

The Cinelli surname originates from Italy, specifically the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. It is an occupational name derived from the Italian word "cinello," meaning "little mill." This suggests that the earliest bearers of this name were likely millers or worked in some capacity related to milling. The Cinelli family can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with the earliest known records dating to the 12th century in the Bologna area. Throughout the centuries, the Cinellis have been documented across various Italian provinces, including Modena, Parma, Reggio Emilia, and Piacenza. Some Cinelli families migrated to other European countries and later to America during the 19th and 20th centuries due to economic hardship or political instability. Today, the Cinelli name is found in significant numbers in Italy, the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cinelli"
• 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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