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Last Name Cupelli

What is the origin of the last name Cupelli?

The surname Cupelli is of Italian origin. It derives from a place name, specifically from locations named "Cupello" or "Cuplo", which can be found in several regions of Italy, including Emilia-Romagna and Marche. These places are believed to have been named due to the presence of a small hill or knoll, with Cupello meaning "little knoll" in some regional dialects. The surname Cupelli would have originally been given as a locative name to someone from one of these locations.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Cupelli

The meaning and origin of the last name Cupelli

The surname Cupelli is of Italian origin, derived from the medieval diminutive form of the given name Guido, which means "guidance" or "leader." The suffix "-elli" is a common Italian diminutive ending, often used to create affectionate or diminutive forms of names. It's likely that the surname Cupelli originated as a nickname for someone who was considered a small version of Guido, possibly due to physical appearance or character traits associated with the name Guido. Over time, this nickname became a hereditary surname and spread across Italy, particularly in regions such as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Today, Cupelli is still a relatively uncommon surname but can be found among Italian diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cupelli

The last name Cupelli is primarily distributed across Italy, with the majority of its occurrences found in the regions of Tuscany and Lombardy. This surname is most prominent in the cities of Florence, Prato, Pisa, Milan, and Bologna. Outside of Italy, there are also significant concentrations of Cupelli families in Argentina, particularly in Buenos Aires province, as a result of Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller numbers of Cupellis can also be found in other South American countries like Brazil, Uruguay, and Chile, as well as in the United States, Canada, and Australia, where Italian immigrants have settled over the years.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cupelli

The last name Cupelli can have various spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variations include: Cupellis, Cupello, Cipelli, Zipelli, and Zucchelli. These variations may originate from slight misspellings, regional dialects, or changes in surname usage rules. The name Cupelli is of Italian origin and is derived from the word "cupello," meaning small bell or little bell. It could potentially be a nickname for someone thought to resemble a small bell, or it may have been a metonymic occupational surname for a bell-founder or ringer.

Famous people with the last name Cupelli

The Cupelli family is notable for its contributions across various fields, particularly in music and science. One prominent figure is Enzo Cupelli (1923-2007), an Italian composer and conductor who gained recognition for his works in classical and operatic music. He collaborated with renowned opera singer Maria Callas on several occasions, including her iconic performances of Norma and Tosca.

In the realm of science, Franco Cupelli (1923-2006) made significant contributions as an Italian astronomer. He worked at the Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera in Milan for over four decades and was instrumental in the discovery and classification of numerous asteroids. Additionally, he published numerous scientific articles on celestial mechanics and the dynamics of planetary systems.

While Enzo and Franco are perhaps the most well-known Cupellis, their family's accomplishments serve as a testament to their collective dedication and passion for art and science.

Genealogical research on the last name Cupelli

The Cupelli surname is of Italian origin and is primarily found in regions such as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Historically, it is believed to be derived from a place name or an occupational title, possibly meaning "cup bearer" in Latin. One of the earliest recorded instances of this surname appears in the 13th century in the city of Pisa. Over the centuries, Cupelli family members have made significant contributions in various fields such as medicine, law, and politics. Notable figures include Giuseppe Cupelli, a prominent 19th-century Italian politician, and Giulio Cupellini, an influential 18th-century surgeon. The Cupelli surname has also spread internationally, with significant populations found in Argentina, Brazil, and the United States as a result of Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 23 July 2025

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