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Last Name Feola

What is the origin of the last name Feola?

The surname "Feola" is an Italian name, derived from the given name "Faolo", which is a variant of the biblical name "Ebalu". This name was traditionally given to children born on Christmas Eve or the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6th). Over time, it became a surname in Italy. It's important to note that the origin of a surname can often be traced back to a specific place, occupation, or personal characteristic. However, without additional context, it is not possible to determine the specific reason why "Feola" was adopted as a surname by a particular family.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Feola

The meaning and origin of the last name Feola

The surname Feola is an Italian name derived from the Latin term "filium Aelius," which translates to "son of Aelius." Over time, this name evolved into various forms such as Filacio, Filacchio, and eventually Feola in Italian-speaking regions. It was primarily adopted by individuals who were the sons or descendants of someone named Aelius. The name Aelius was a Roman family name used during the early Roman Empire, honoring the Roman emperor Hadrian, whose praenomen (first name) was Publius Aelius Hadrianus, also known as Hadrian. Feola is most common in Italy, particularly in the regions of Campania and Puglia, reflecting the historical migration patterns within the Italian peninsula.

Geographical distribution of the last name Feola

The surname Feola has its origins in Italy and is predominantly found in the Campania region, particularly in the provinces of Caserta, Naples, and Salerno. It also appears with some frequency in the Sicily region, specifically in the province of Palermo. While the majority of individuals bearing this name reside in Italy, there are significant diaspora communities in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. In these countries, Feolas can be found in urban centers with large Italian immigrant populations, such as New York City, Toronto, Sydney, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, and Montevideo. The distribution of this surname reflects historical migration patterns from Italy to other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Feola

The surname Feola has several variations and spellings. Some common spelling variations include Feole, Feolette, Fiale, Fiola, and Faola. These variations may stem from regional dialects, transcription errors, or the personal preference of the family in question. It is also possible to find the name spelled as DeFeola or DiFeola, with "De" or "Di" being prefixes that often indicate Italian noble or clerical lineage. Other less common variations may include Feoley, Feyola, and Fayola, which are primarily found among immigrants who had their names anglicized upon arrival in the United States. Ultimately, all these spellings are considered to be derivatives of the original surname Feola.

Famous people with the last name Feola

Notable individuals with the surname Feola include:

1. John Feola (born 1967), an American professional ice hockey player who played for teams such as the Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, and San Jose Sharks in the National Hockey League (NHL). He is a three-time Stanley Cup champion.

2. Josephine Feola (1903–1994), an American soprano opera singer known for her performances at the Metropolitan Opera from 1936 to 1957. She was particularly renowned for her portrayal of Verdi heroines, such as Aida and Leonora in Il Trovatore.

3. Peter J. Feola (born 1940), an American legal scholar and professor of law at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. His works primarily focus on constitutional law, criminal procedure, and federal courts.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields – music, sports, and academia. Their accomplishments serve as testament to the versatility and talent within the Feola family lineage.

Genealogical research on the last name Feola

The surname Feola originates from Italy, particularly the region of Sicily. It is a variant of the more common Italian surnames Fèo or Felo, which are thought to have been occupational names for a blacksmith or someone who worked with iron (ferro in Italian).

The earliest known recorded spelling of Feola was found in the records of the town of Caltanissetta, Sicily around the 14th century. The family is believed to have migrated to other parts of Italy and eventually Europe, due to various historical events such as the Norman conquest of Sicily and economic hardships.

Notable individuals with the Feola surname include Gaetano Feola, an Italian composer and conductor who lived in the 19th century, and Maria Feola, an Italian-American activist who was instrumental in the civil rights movement of the early 20th century. Today, the Feola family is found in various parts of Italy, as well as other countries where Italian immigrants have settled, particularly the United States. Genealogical research on the Feola surname often involves tracing its roots back to Sicily and exploring migrations out of that region over time.

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 : 10 June 2025

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