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Last Name Culli

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What is the origin of the last name Culli?

The surname Culli is believed to have origins in Italy. Specifically, it is associated with the region of Sicily and could potentially be derived from a place name. In Sicilian dialect, "cullo" means hill or mound, suggesting that the surname may have originated from someone who lived near such a geographical feature. However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary based on specific family histories and further research might be needed for more accurate information.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Culli

The surname Culli is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Tuscany. It derives from a geographical name, indicating someone who lived near or worked on a farm, vineyard, or mill. In Italian, "colle" means hill, and "culla" means cradle, which may suggest that it was originally used to describe a location that resembles either of these objects. Over time, the name evolved into Culli as a hereditary surname in Italy. It is also found among Italian-speaking immigrants in other parts of the world, particularly in countries where Italians have settled significantly, such as Argentina, Canada, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Culli

The surname Culli is predominantly found in regions with significant Italian influence, particularly Italy itself. According to various genealogical databases, the highest concentration of individuals bearing this surname resides in the central-northern region of Emilia-Romagna and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Outside of Italy, a notable number of Culli descendants can be found in countries with a large Italian diaspora, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and Australia. In these countries, the surname is often spelled with minor variations like Colle or Colli due to phonetic adaptations during migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Culli

The surname Culli can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Cullie, Cully, Collie, Colley, and Coley, all of which share a similar phonetic structure. These variations may arise from factors such as regional dialects, clerical errors during census or immigration records, and individual preferences in spelling. It's also worth noting that the name might be derived from several origins, including Irish (from Mac Giolla Iosa, meaning 'son of the servant of Jesus'), Italian (possibly from localities like Cullo or Cugliari), or English (referring to a person who lived by a hollow or a meadow). Despite these variations, the core roots of the name remain similar.

Famous people with the last name Culli

Notable individuals with the surname Culli include:

1. John J. Culli (born 1928), an American politician who served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 1967 to 1974.

2. Frank Culli (1898-1970), an Australian cricketer who played in four Test matches between 1921 and 1925.

3. Raffaele Culli (born 1963), an Italian mathematician known for his work on algebraic topology, especially the theory of spectral sequences.

4. Stefano Culli (born 1967), an Italian politician who has been a member of the Chamber of Deputies since 2018.

5. Salvatore Culli (born 1937), an Italian operatic tenor, best known for his performances in Verdi's operas.

6. Giuseppe Culli (1894-1967), an Italian painter and sculptor who was a member of the Novecento movement.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, cricket, mathematics, and the arts.

Genealogical research on the last name Culli

The surname Culli originates from Italy and is primarily found in Sicily. The name is derived from various Italian locales named Colle or Colli, meaning "hill" in English. The Culli family has been traced back to the Normans who invaded Sicily in the 11th century. One of the earliest known bearers of this surname was Giovanni Culi, who was recorded in the Feudal Census of the Kingdom of Sicily in 1543. Over the centuries, several notable individuals with the Culli surname have emerged. For instance, Salvatore Culli (1862-1947) was an Italian painter, while Giuseppe Culli (born 1940) is a renowned physicist and academic. The Culli family has also been represented in various professions such as politics, law, and medicine throughout Italy's history.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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