Last Name Favelli

The surname Favelli is of Italian origin. It derives from a variety of place names across Italy, primarily in Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. These places often have roots in Latin, such as Fabula, meaning "parable" or "story," and Fovilla, which refers to a type of marshy land. Over time, these place names evolved into the surname Favelli. The name is also found in other Italian-speaking regions, indicating migration and expansion over centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Favelli

The meaning and origin of the last name Favelli

The surname Favelli is an Italian patronymic name derived from the personal name Fausto, which means "fortunate" or "auspicious." This name gained popularity during the late Roman Empire due to the revered figure of Saint Faustus. Over time, the name evolved into various forms such as Fausto, Faustino, and Favelli, with each region having its own unique spelling and pronunciation variations. The surname Favelli was traditionally common among Italians from central Italy, particularly in regions like Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. As Italian immigrants migrated to other parts of the world, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries, the surname Favelli became more widespread globally. Today, it remains a popular Italian name carried by individuals around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Favelli

The surname Favelli is predominantly Italian in origin and is most frequently found in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Tuscany, and Umbria. Historically, it was common among families of noble or landowning status in these areas. Outside Italy, there are also significant concentrations of people with the Favelli surname in Argentina and Brazil, where many Italians emigrated during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, smaller populations can be found in other parts of South America, North America, Europe, and Oceania, reflecting further migrations from Italy over the centuries. The Favelli surname is a common Italian name, making it one of the more dispersed Italian family names worldwide.

Variants and spellings of the last name Favelli

The surname Favelli has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Faveli, Favally, Favaroli, Favaro, and Favarolo. These variations may occur when names are translated from one language to another or when they are transcribed differently by various scribes throughout history. The surname Favelli originates from Italy, specifically from the regions of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, where it is a patronymic name derived from the personal name Fausto or Faustino, which means "lucky" or "auspicious." Variations such as Favarolo may be regional dialect forms, while Faveli could potentially represent a misspelling or corruption of the original spelling.

Famous people with the last name Favelli

Notable individuals sharing the surname Favelli include:

1. Giuseppe Favelli (1897-1945), an Italian partisan and medal of valor recipient, who was posthumously awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valor in 1946 for his actions during World War II.
2. Francesco Favelli (b. 1973), an Italian composer and conductor, best known for his opera "The Last Days of Socrates." He has received numerous awards, including the International Opera Award in 2012.
3. Alberto Favelli (b. 1964), an Argentine professional footballer who played as a defender, notably for AC Milan and the Argentina national team. Known for his leadership and skill, he won multiple titles throughout his career.
4. Laura Favelli (b. 1970), an Italian journalist, television presenter, and politician. She has been a member of the Italian Parliament since 2018 and serves as a Minister in the Draghi government.
5. Riccardo Favelli (b. 1966), an Italian visual artist who works mainly with sculpture and installations. His works have been exhibited worldwide, and he has received several awards for his unique artistic approach.

Genealogical research on the last name Favelli

The surname Favelli originates from Italy and is derived from the Italian given name Fausto, which means fortunate or auspicious. It is a patronymic surname, indicating that it was originally used to denote the son of a man named Fausto.

The Favelli family is believed to have origins in the region of Emilia-Romagna, specifically Modena and Bologna, where records date back to the 13th century. Some branches of the family migrated to other parts of Italy, such as Lombardy and Tuscany, while others emigrated to other countries like Switzerland, Argentina, Brazil, and the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries.

In terms of notable individuals with the Favelli surname, Goffredo Favellini (1885-1964) was an Italian architect known for his contributions to Modernist architecture in the early 20th century. In Argentina, the Favelli family played a significant role in politics and economics during the 20th century. Notable members include Enrique Favre de Favelli (1837-1905), who served as Minister of Finance and Public Works, and Juan Carlos Favre de Thurn und Taxis (born 1941), a businessman and politician who served as Governor of Córdoba Province from 1999 to 2003.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "favelli"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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