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Last Name Erba

What is the origin of the last name Erba?

The surname Erba is Italian in origin. It comes from a place called Erba, which is a town and comune (municipality) in the province of Como in Lombardy, Italy. This surname was likely derived from the location where the original bearer lived or hailed from. It's important to note that while this is the most common origin for the name Erba, it can have different origins in other cultures and regions, depending on the specific family history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Erba

The meaning and origin of the last name Erba

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Geographical distribution of the last name Erba

The surname Erba is primarily distributed across Italy, with significant concentrations found in regions such as Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. In Lombardy, the highest density of individuals bearing this name is in the provinces of Bergamo and Brescia, while in Emilia-Romagna, it is most common in the province of Parma. The presence of Erba can also be found in other Italian regions, albeit at lower densities. Surnames are traditionally passed down from generation to generation, making their distribution reflect historical migration patterns and settlements. Given that the name Erba originated in Italy, it is unsurprising that the majority of individuals with this surname reside there; however, due to Italian emigration throughout history, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, smaller populations can be found in various parts of the world, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Spain, Switzerland, France, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Erba

The surname Erba has various spellings and variations, some of which include: Erbae, Erbea, Erbah, Erbau, Erbaeu, Erbach, Erbacch, Erback, Erbak, Erbeck, Erbeg, Erbegg, Erbel, Erbeli, Erbelli, Irba, Irbea, Ierba, and Yerba. These variations may originate from different regions or time periods, with some potentially reflecting phonetic changes over time or regional dialects. It is also possible for individuals to have slightly altered spellings due to errors in transcription, translation, or assimilation during immigration or record keeping.

Famous people with the last name Erba

The Erba surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Angelo Erba (1863-1947), an Italian botanist who specialized in mycology, particularly in the study of lichens. He made significant contributions to the taxonomy and nomenclature of these fungi, contributing over 5,000 new species descriptions. In the realm of entertainment, Luca Erba (born 1967) is a prominent Italian film director, screenwriter, and producer who has directed films such as "The Best of Youth" and "Beyond the Sea." Additionally, Giuseppe Erba (1839-1895), an Italian painter, was known for his landscapes and genre paintings. His works can be found in numerous museums worldwide, including the Louvre and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Genealogical research on the last name Erba

The surname Erba originates from Italy and is found predominantly in the regions of Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. The name is thought to be of topographic origin, derived from the Italian word for "alder tree," suggesting that an ancestor may have lived near such a landmark. One of the earliest recorded bearers of this name was Giovanni Erba, born in 1450 in Milan, Lombardy. The family has been documented in various towns and cities across Italy throughout history. Notable individuals with the surname Erba include artists, politicians, scientists, and military figures. For instance, Luigi Erba was an Italian botanist who made significant contributions to the field of plant taxonomy in the late 19th century. As genealogical research continues, more connections and historical insights regarding the Erba family are being uncovered.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 12 June 2025

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