Last Name Facello

The surname Facello is an Italian patronymic surname, derived from the given name Federico, which means "peaceful ruler" in Old High German. The suffix "-ello" is a diminutive form common in medieval Italy. Therefore, the surname Facello likely originated as a nickname for someone thought to have characteristics resembling a person named Federico, possibly small or gentle in nature due to the diminutive ending "-ello."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Facello

The meaning and origin of the last name Facello

The surname Facello is an Italian patronymic name, deriving from the given name Facio or Facenda, which means "maker" or "doer." It was often bestowed upon individuals who were craftsmen or artisans in various trades such as carpentry, masonry, or metalworking. The surname Facello may have originated in Italy and is associated with the region of Tuscany, where it is believed to have been a common name for families involved in various artistic or manual crafts. Over time, it has become a widespread Italian surname, with many variations such as Facchino, Faccio, Facciolo, and Facchini also existing. The surname Facello can be found among the Italian diaspora in other parts of Europe, North and South America, and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Facello

The surname Facello is primarily concentrated in Italy, particularly in regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy, where it is one of the most common Italian surnames. In Emilia-Romagna, the city of Parma has a significant number of individuals bearing this name. Additionally, smaller populations of people with the last name Facello can be found in other parts of Italy and in Italian diaspora communities worldwide. The name's origins trace back to the medieval era, derived from the Italian word "facella," meaning "candle." This suggests that early bearers of this surname may have been candle makers or artisans who specialized in producing candles.

Variants and spellings of the last name Facello

The surname Facello has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Faccello, Facchillo, Facchelli, Facchielo, Facchietto, and Facciolo. These variations may originate from regional dialects, errors during immigration records processing, or simply personal preferences in spelling. Additionally, some families might have slightly different spellings due to changes over generations or individual choices. The root of the name is believed to come from the Italian word "faccia," which means "face."

Famous people with the last name Facello

Notable individuals with the surname Facella (an Italian variation of Facello) include:

1. Piero della Francesca (c. 1416-1492): An influential Italian painter, mathematician, and engineer of the Early Renaissance, whose works include the Baptism of Christ and Madonna del Parto. Despite not sharing the exact last name Facello, his surname can be translated to "of Facella."

2. Giuseppe Facella (1865-1935): An Italian painter known for his landscape and genre paintings, who spent most of his career in Rome. His works were heavily influenced by Macchiaioli, an Italian artistic movement from the late 19th century.

3. Maria Grazia Facella (born 1940): An Italian actress, primarily active during the 1960s and 70s, known for her roles in films such as "La Notte Brava" and "The Longest Day." She also appeared on several television shows throughout her career.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields in Italy and beyond.

Genealogical research on the last name Facello

The surname Facello originates from Italy and is most commonly found in regions such as Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardy. The name is a diminutive form of the word "facce," meaning "face" in Italian. One notable figure with this surname is Bartolomeo Facio, also known as Bartolommeo Facio Colonna or Facio Branacci, a prominent Florentine sculptor and architect during the Renaissance. The Facello family tree can be traced back to the 14th century, with several branches expanding throughout Italy during the following centuries. Notable migrations include families settling in the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries, primarily in New York City and its surrounding areas.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Facello"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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