Last Name Ciulla

The surname Ciulla is believed to be of Italian origin. It is derived from the medieval diminutive form of the given name Giulio (Julius), which was a common Roman name. The name Giulio evolved into Giorgio, and its diminutive form, Giullo or Giulietto, eventually became Ciulla in certain regions of Italy. This surname may have been brought to various parts of the world by Italian immigrants. However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary for individual families due to factors such as regional dialects and historical events.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ciulla

The meaning and origin of the last name Ciulla

The surname Ciulla is an Italian name, derived from the occupational or nickname for a metalworker or smith. It originates from the Latin word "faber" (smith) and its diminutive form "fabulus," which over time evolved into "favaro" in dialectal Italian and eventually became "Ciulla." This surname is particularly common in central and southern Italy, reflecting the historical prominence of metalworking in these regions. The name may also have been used as a nickname for someone who was skilled or dexterous, similar to its English counterpart "Smith."

Geographical distribution of the last name Ciulla

The last name Ciulla is predominantly of Italian origin and is most commonly found in Italy, particularly in regions such as Campania, Calabria, and Sicily. However, due to immigration waves over the centuries, the name has also spread to various parts of the world. In the United States, it is most concentrated in areas with a high Italian-American population, such as New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Additionally, significant populations can be found in Australia, Canada, and Argentina, reflecting the global diaspora of Italian immigrants. The name Ciulla is also present in smaller numbers in other countries with Italian communities like France, Brazil, and Uruguay.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ciulla

The surname Ciulla has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include: Cellia, Ciuilla, Ciollo, Ciullo, Chila, and Chylla. These variations may arise from regional dialects, historical record errors, or intentional alterations for assimilation or phonetic similarity. The name originates from the Italian language and is derived from the word "ciuolo," meaning "young man" or "lad." Additionally, the name may also have origins in other Italian dialects such as Sicilian, where it could be a diminutive form of the name Giulio.

Famous people with the last name Ciulla

Notable individuals with the surname Ciulla include:

1. John M. Ciulla - A retired United States Army major general who served as the Commanding General of the Regional Command Southwest and Regional Commander for Afghanistan from June 2011 to October 2011. He is also a recipient of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal.

2. Anthony J. Ciulla - A former federal judge who served on the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces from 1986 until his retirement in 2013. He was appointed by President Ronald Reagan and is a graduate of Harvard Law School.

3. Frank Ciulla - An American composer and conductor of contemporary classical music, known for works such as "The Seven Deadly Sins," which was premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.

4. Nick Ciulla - A professional wrestler better known by his ring name, Nick Aldis. He is a three-time world champion in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and the current holder of the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship.

5. Joe Ciulla - An American screenwriter who has worked on television series such as "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," "Babylon 5," and "Crash.” He also co-wrote the movie "Mulholland Falls" with David self.

Genealogical research on the last name Ciulla

The surname Ciulla, of Italian origin, is primarily found in Southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Calabria and Sicily. It is derived from the medieval nickname "ciuolo," meaning young or handsome. Historically, the family can be traced back to the 16th century in Sicily, with documented records of the name in cities like Catania and Palermo. The Ciulla family migrated to the United States in large numbers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily settling in New York City and other East Coast urban areas. Today, the name is common in both Italy and the U.S., with notable figures such as composer Antonio Ciulla and politician Joseph A. Ciulla hailing from this lineage. Genealogical research often reveals a strong emphasis on family values, faith, and community among those bearing the surname Ciulla.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ciulla"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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