Last Name Fonzarelli

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fonzarelli

The meaning and origin of the last name Fonzarelli

The surname Fonzarelli is an Italian name derived from the medieval occupation-based naming system common in Italy during the Middle Ages. The name "Fonzarelli" can be traced back to the Latin word "fornax," meaning "oven" or "baker." The suffix "-arello" denotes a small or little one, thus, Fonzarelli would have originally referred to a little baker or baker's apprentice. This surname has its roots in various regions of Italy, particularly in the north, but it is most commonly found in Tuscany. Over time, as people migrated and families intermingled, variations of this name, such as Fonzarelli, Fonzari, and Fonzaroli, came into existence.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fonzarelli

The surname Fonzarelli is primarily found in regions of Italy, specifically in the Marche and Tuscany provinces. Its highest concentrations are observed in cities such as Ancona, where it is considered a traditional local name. However, its distribution extends beyond these areas due to migration, with Italian-origin populations in various countries worldwide. In the United States, for example, there are significant communities of individuals bearing this surname primarily in the northeastern states like New York and New Jersey. The name may also be found among Italian diaspora communities in South America, Australia, and other parts of Europe. It is essential to note that the prevalence of any surname can vary significantly within Italy, with many factors influencing its distribution, including historical events, geographical migration patterns, and cultural traditions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fonzarelli

The surname Fonzarelli has various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Here are some common variants:

1. Fonzarello
2. Fonzareli
3. Fonzarolli
4. Fonzarelle
5. Fonzaroli
6. Fonzarelly
7. Fonzarella (female variant)
8. Fonzarilli
9. Fonzarelletti
10. Fonzarolo

These variations stem from slight differences in pronunciation and spelling conventions over time, but they all share the common root of Italian origin. The original Italian form is likely "Fonzarelli," which comes from the male given name "Fonzo" (short for Bonaventura) and the diminutive suffix "-elli."

Famous people with the last name Fonzarelli

Notable individuals with the surname Fonzarelli include:

1. Bruno Fonzarelli (born 1967), an Italian former professional footballer who played as a striker for clubs such as Atalanta, Juventus, and Internazionale. He was part of the Italy national team that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup.

2. Marco Fonzarelli (born 1976), an Italian politician who has been serving as a Member of the European Parliament since 2019, representing the Democratic Party.

3. Fabio Fonzarelli (born 1980), an Italian former footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs including Udinese and Fiorentina. He also represented the Italy national under-21 team.

4. Gianluca Fonzarelli (born 1995), an Italian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Atalanta. He has also been capped for the Italy national team at youth levels.

Genealogical research on the last name Fonzarelli

The Fonzarelli surname is believed to have Italian origins, specifically from the region of Abruzzo. One of the earliest records of the name dates back to the 13th century in the town of L'Aquila, where the family was known as "de Fonsarolis" or "Fonsarellus." Over time, the spelling evolved into its modern form. The Fonzarellis were historically associated with the nobility and held prominent positions in law, politics, and the Church within Abruzzo. Notable figures include Cardinal Nicola Fonseca (1420-1487) and Giovanni Domenico Fonzarelli (1569-1637), both of whom served as bishops in the Catholic Church. The Fonzarellis also played significant roles during the Italian Renaissance, contributing to the arts, literature, and culture of Italy. Today, the Fonzarelli surname can be found worldwide, with a high concentration still in Italy but also in countries like the United States and Australia, where many Italians immigrated in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "fonzarelli"
• 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 : 29 July 2025