Last Name Colli

The surname "Colli" has Italian origins. In Italian, "colli" translates to "hills" in English. It is a topographic surname, which was given to someone who lived on or near hills, from the Latin word "collis". It could have been used as a nickname for someone who had a physical characteristic that reminded others of a hill or lived in an area with hilly terrain. The name has been documented since medieval times in various regions of Italy, such as Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Colli

The meaning and origin of the last name Colli

The surname Colli is of Italian origin, derived from the geographical location "Colli" which means "hills" in Italian. It was often given to residents who lived on or near hills, as a topographic surname. Over time, this name has been anglicized and spelled variants like Colly, Collie, and Collins may also be found, particularly among those of Scottish and Irish descent. The name first appeared in Italy during the Middle Ages, with the earliest recorded instances dating back to the 13th century. It was relatively common throughout many regions of Italy, including Tuscany, Lombardy, and Emilia-Romagna. Today, the surname Colli is present not only in Italy but also among Italian diaspora communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Colli

The surname Colli is primarily distributed across Italy, particularly in the central and northern regions. Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany are among the provinces with the highest frequency of this surname, suggesting potential origins from these areas. However, its presence can also be found in other Italian provinces such as Lombardy, Umbria, and Marche. The name Colli is less common outside Italy but has been found in small numbers in Switzerland, Spain, France, and Brazil, possibly due to historical migration patterns or Italian diaspora. The distribution pattern suggests a strong connection between the surname Colli and the Italian peninsula.

Variants and spellings of the last name Colli

The surname "Colli" has various spelling variations, including but not limited to: Collie, Collié, Collia, Colliae, Colle, Cole, Cooley, Cooly, Cullie, and Culley. These differences may arise due to regional dialects, phonetic spelling, or historical recordkeeping inaccuracies over time. The original Italian form of the name is likely "Colli," meaning "hills" in Italian. It is also possible that some variations could be found in other languages with similar sounds and meanings, such as "Kollia" in Greek, which also means "hills."

Famous people with the last name Colli

Notable individuals bearing the surname Colli include:

1. Giuseppe Colli-Messoli (1937-2020), an Italian physicist known for his research on the Casimir effect, named after him and Dutch physicist Hendrik Casimir.

2. Lidia Colli (born 1946), an Italian journalist and political scientist who served as director of the Istituto per l'Alto Adige of Rai, Italy's national public broadcasting company, from 1985 to 2011.

3. Luigi Colli (1875-1946), an Italian cardinal who served as prefect of the Vatican Library and as archivist of the Holy Roman Church.

4. Raffaello Colli (1850-1924), an Italian engineer, mathematician, and politician who served as Minister of Public Works in Italy's first government after World War I.

5. Silvio Colli (1931-2005), an Italian classical philologist and literary critic known for his works on ancient Greek literature.

These individuals have made significant contributions across various fields, from physics and mathematics to journalism, politics, and literature.

Genealogical research on the last name Colli

The surname Colli originates from Italy and is primarily associated with regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. Its etymology can be traced back to various sources, including the Latin word "collis" meaning hill or slope, suggesting an early inhabitant lived near a raised land area. The name has also been linked to the Middle Ages when it was a nickname for someone who resided near a small hill or mound. The earliest recorded ancestor of the Colli lineage in Italy is believed to be Giovanni Colli, documented in 1260 in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna. Over time, family members migrated and established themselves across Italy, with significant populations found in cities like Florence and Rome. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Matteo Colli, a renowned mathematician from the 17th century, and contemporary figures such as artist Maurizio Colli and composer Marco Colli.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Colli"
• 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

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