Last Name Fogli

The surname Fogli is of Italian origin and it is derived from various sources. One possible origin is from the occupation of a leaf-maker or paper maker. The word "foglio" means 'leaf' in Italian, which could suggest that the original bearer of this name was involved in the production of leaves for writing or other purposes. Another possibility is that it could be a topographic name derived from a place named Fogli, though there are no places in Italy with this exact name. It is also possible that it originates from a nickname for someone who resembled a leaf in some way, such as having greenish-yellow hair or being quick and agile like a leaf in the wind. As with many surnames, its specific origins can vary among different families bearing the name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fogli

The meaning and origin of the last name Fogli

The surname Fogli originates from Italy and is derived from the Occitan word "folh" or the Old French word "feuille," both meaning 'leaf.' This surname was often given to individuals who lived near a place where leaves were abundant, such as a grove or forest, or to those whose occupation involved something related to leaves, like papermaking. The name Fogli has been recorded in Italy since the Middle Ages and is common in various parts of the country. Over time, it may have also been spelled with slight variations due to regional dialects and scribes' handwriting styles. Today, individuals with the surname Fogli can be found in significant numbers across Italy and other countries with Italian diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fogli

The surname Fogli is primarily found within Italian-speaking regions, particularly Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, suggesting its origin from these areas. However, it has also spread to other Italian-populated regions as well as diaspora communities around the world due to migration over the centuries. In North America, significant populations of people with the Fogli surname can be found in countries like the United States and Canada, predominantly in urban centers such as New York City, Toronto, and Chicago where Italian immigrants have historically concentrated. Additionally, there are also notable communities of people with the Fogli surname in other European countries, such as Switzerland, Germany, and France, which have also received Italian migrants over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fogli

The surname Fogli has several variations and spellings in different parts of the world. Some common spelling variations include Foghli, Foggy, Foggie, Fogley, Foglie, and Fogly. These variations may arise due to differences in pronunciation, transcription errors, or regional dialects over time. In Italian, Fogli is a common surname meaning "leaves" or "pages." It can also be found as a given name, especially in the Czech Republic. The spelling Foghli is more commonly seen in Danish and Norwegian contexts, while Foggy and Foggie are informal English contractions that often appear as nicknames or diminutives. Fogley is an Anglicized form of Foggi or Foggia, a city in southern Italy. Foglie and Fogly may also be found among Italian immigrants, with the former being more prevalent in countries where Italian surnames have undergone greater assimilation, such as Argentina and Brazil.

Famous people with the last name Fogli

Notable individuals with the surname Fogli include:

1. Roberto Fogli (b. 1946), an Italian singer-songwriter and musician, known for his hits like "La donna cannone" and "L'impossibile avventura". He has released over thirty albums throughout his career.
2. Stefania Fogli (b. 1980), an Italian alpine skier who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics, earning a bronze medal in the women's giant slalom. She also won multiple World Cup races during her career.
3. Alessandro Fogli (b. 1967), an Italian footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs, including Juventus and Fiorentina. He was part of Italy's 2000 UEFA European Championship-winning team.
4. Paolo Fogli (b. 1953), an Italian theoretical physicist known for his work on string theory and cosmology. He is a professor at the University of Pisa and has published numerous research papers in esteemed journals.

These individuals have made significant contributions to music, sports, and science across their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Fogli

The surname Fogli is an Italian patronymic name derived from the occupation of a 'foglier', meaning 'woodcutter' or 'forester'. The name is commonly found in Central and Northern Italy, particularly in regions such as Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Umbria.

One notable bearer of this surname is Giovanni Fogli (1839-1878), an Italian painter known for his works in the Pre-Raphaelite style. Another notable individual is Enrico Fogli (born 1960), a former Italian football player who played as a midfielder.

The earliest recorded instance of the name Fogli dates back to the late Middle Ages, with documentation from the Republic of Florence in the year 1295. During the Renaissance period, the family played significant roles in various Italian cities, with many members holding important positions in politics, art, and literature.

Today, the surname Fogli is ranked among the top 30,000 most common names worldwide and continues to be predominantly found in Italy, with notable diaspora communities in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Fogli"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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