The surname Civalleri is of Italian origin, derived from the medieval occupation or place name "cavaliere," meaning knight or squire. It could have also been used as a nickname for someone who was valiant or chivalrous. Over time, it became a hereditary surname.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Civalleri
The meaning and origin of the last name Civalleri
The surname Civalleri is an Italian name that derives from the medieval practice of adding a geographical suffix to a given name, indicating a person was originally from a specific place. In this case, "Civalleri" likely originated from the word "cittadella," which means "little city" in Italian. Over time, it evolved into a surname for someone who lived near or was associated with a small fortified settlement. The name is found primarily among Italians, particularly in regions such as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. It is worth noting that the spelling of Italian surnames can vary depending on factors like regional dialects, historical events, and individual preferences.
Geographical distribution of the last name Civalleri
The surname Civalleri is predominantly found in Italian-speaking regions, particularly in Northern Italy, where it originates from the city of Bergamo in Lombardy. It's also common in neighboring provinces such as Brescia and Milan. However, due to migration over the centuries, the surname Civalleri can now be found in various parts of the world, including Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, where many Italians emigrated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In Switzerland, a significant number of people with this surname reside in Ticino, due to historical ties with Italy. In addition, smaller populations can be found across Europe and other continents, reflecting global Italian diaspora.
Variants and spellings of the last name Civalleri
The last name Civalleri has several variations and spellings, reflecting its Italian origin. Some of these include Civaliere, Civalieri, Civallaro, Civalerio, Civallari, and Civallerio. These variations may arise from regional dialects or individual preferences in spelling over time. The surname Civalleri is believed to derive from the medieval Latin term "civilis", meaning "citizen" or "townsman". It may also be related to the Italian word "cittadino", meaning "citizen". As with many Italian surnames, it was often based on an occupational name, a geographical location, or a nickname.
Famous people with the last name Civalleri
The Civalleri family is notable for producing several significant figures across various fields. One prominent individual is Marco Civalleri, an Italian professional footballer who played as a forward for clubs like A.C. Milan and Roma. In the field of science, Giulio Civalleri, an Italian mathematician, made contributions to the study of differential equations. Another notable figure is Raul Civalleri, a Uruguayan artist known for his abstract paintings and sculptures. Lastly, Enzo Civalleri, a Swiss engineer, was instrumental in developing the Civalleri-Prodi rotor, a type of helicopter rotor with improved efficiency. These individuals demonstrate the multidisciplinary achievements within the Civalleri family.
Genealogical research on the last name Civalleri
The Civalleri surname originates from Italy, specifically the region of Lombardy. It is derived from the Latin word "civilis," meaning civilian or citizen, and was likely used as an occupational name for someone who worked for a city or town. The earliest known record of this surname dates back to the 13th century in Milan. The Civalleri family expanded to other parts of Italy and later migrated to various countries such as France, Switzerland, Argentina, Brazil, and the United States due to wars, political unrest, and economic opportunities. Notable figures with the Civalleri surname include Giacomo Antonio Civalleri, an Italian composer and conductor, and Mario Civalleri, a Swiss architect known for his work on numerous buildings in Geneva. Today, the Civalleri family is dispersed globally, with significant numbers in Italy, Switzerland, and Argentina.
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