Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Fonzarelli

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Fonzarelli?

The surname Fonzarelli is of Italian origin and it's derived from the given name "Fonzo" or "Vonzo," which was a nickname for someone who was fierce or strong. The suffix "-arelli" in Italian means 'little one of,' so Fonzarelli can be translated as 'little Fonzo.' It is most commonly found in the region of Abruzzo, Italy.

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

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Foncardas

Last name • surnames > foncardas

The last name "Foncardas" originates from Portugal. It is believed to be of Portuguese or possibly Spanish descent. The exact meaning and history of the surname "Foncardas" is uncl...

#2 Fondekar

Last name • surnames > fondekar

The last name "Fondekar" is of Indian origin, specifically from the Marathi-speaking region of India. It is a surname commonly found among the Marathi Hindu community in Maharashtr...

#3 Fondelli

Last name • surnames > fondelli

The last name "Fondelli" is Italian in origin. It is derived from the word "fondo," meaning "bottom" or "base," and is typically a toponymic surname referring to someone who lived ...

#4 Fonef

Last name • surnames > fonef

The last name Fonef originated in Norway. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name Fornjotr, which was composed of the elements "forn," meaning "ancient," and "jotr," meaning...

#5 Fonfo

Last name • surnames > fonfo

The last name "fonfo" is of African origin, specifically from the Akan people of Ghana. It is a surname commonly found in the Akan language group and may have various meanings or o...

#6 Fong

Last name • surnames > fong

The surname "Fong" is of Chinese origin, specifically Cantonese and Hokkien, where it translates to "phoenix" or "dragon." In China, the use of family names dates back over 4,000 y...

#7 Fong raad

Last name • surnames > fong-raad

The last name "Fong Raad" appears to be of Chinese origin. The surname "Fong" is a common Chinese surname, while "Raad" is not a typical Chinese surname, so it is possible that "Ra...

#8 Fongaro

Last name • surnames > fongaro

The last name Fongaro is of Italian origin and is primarily found in the Veneto region of Italy. It is believed to be a locational surname, derived from the place name Fongara, whi...

#9 Fongauffier

Last name • surnames > fongauffier

The surname Fonguauffier is of French origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically a village called Fongueusemonde located in the Pas-de-Calais region in northern France. ...

#10 Fongue

Last name • surnames > fongue

The surname Fongue is of French origin. It likely derived from a place name or geographical feature in France. Unfortunately, there is limited information available about the speci...

#11 Fongvongsa

Last name • surnames > fongvongsa

The last name Fongvongsa originates from Laos and is believed to be of Lao or Laotian origin.

#12 Foni

Last name • surnames > foni

The last name "Foni" is of Italian origin. It is a surname that is found mainly in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany in Italy. The surname may have derived from a given nam...

#13 Fonjock

Last name • surnames > fonjock

The last name "Fonjock" originates from Central Africa, specifically Cameroon. It is derived from a combination of the ethnic group and language spoken in the region.

#14 Fonkou

Last name • surnames > fonkou

The last name "Fonkou" is of African origin. It is a Cameroonian surname, specifically from the Bamileke ethnic group in the western region of Cameroon. The Bamileke people are kno...

#15 Fonsatti

Last name • surnames > fonsatti

The surname Fonsatti is of Italian origin. It is believed to be a patronymic surname derived from the given name "Fonsatto," which in turn is derived from the Latin name "Fons Nata...