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Last Name Furlan

What is the origin of the last name Furlan?

The surname Furlan is of Italian origin. It derives from the medieval term "furlano," which means a foreigner or a stranger in the Venetian dialect. This name was often given to people who were newcomers or immigrants, especially those from other regions of Italy or foreign countries. Over time, the name became hereditary and spread across different regions within Italy and beyond.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Furlan

The meaning and origin of the last name Furlan

The surname Furlan is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "furca" meaning a pitchfork or fork-shaped tool. In medieval times, it was given to someone who was responsible for using a pitchfork in agricultural work. Over time, it became a hereditary name for families residing in regions such as Veneto, Friuli, and Istria, where the surname is most prevalent today. The variation Furiani is found primarily in Corsica, France, having been brought there by Italian settlers. The name Furlan/Furiani indicates an agricultural or rustic origin, symbolizing hard work and connection to the land.

Geographical distribution of the last name Furlan

The surname Furlan is predominantly of Italian origin and is most commonly found within Italy, particularly in the regions of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, which border Slovenia and Austria. A significant number of individuals with this surname also reside in Slovenia, as it shares historical and cultural ties with the aforementioned Italian regions. Additionally, emigration from Italy during the 19th and 20th centuries resulted in Furlans being distributed across various parts of the world, notably Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. In these countries, the concentration of individuals with this surname tends to be highest in urban areas that have experienced significant Italian immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Furlan

The surname Furlan has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in translation, transcription errors, and regional dialects. Some of these variants include Furlani, Furlano, Furlana, Furland, Furlein, Furlean, Furlong, Firlej (Polish), Furlanis (Lithuanian), and possibly others depending on the specific region or country. These variations can also be found in different languages, such as Italian, Slovenian, Croatian, and Polish, among others. It is essential to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a change in meaning or origin; rather, they reflect linguistic adaptations over time and across cultures.

Famous people with the last name Furlan

Among notable individuals sharing the surname Furlan, three stand out:

1. Gina Torres, an American actress of Panamanian and Italian descent, is well-known for her roles in television series such as Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess, Suits, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

2. Marina Squerciati, an Italian-American actress, gained recognition for her role as Officer Carmela "Carmy"anzini in the NBC series Chicago P.D., and has also appeared in Person of Interest and The Oath.

3. Rino Furlan, a renowned Italian architect and urban planner, is responsible for designing multiple projects across Italy, including the redevelopment of Piazza Unità d'Italia in Trieste and the Urban Renewal Plan for Florence in 1962. His work has significantly influenced modern Italian architecture.

These individuals have made significant contributions to the fields of acting, urban planning, and design, respectively, and serve as prominent representatives of the Furlan surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Furlan

The surname Furlan originates from Italy, specifically the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where it is one of the most common surnames. It is derived from the Latin term "furca" meaning "pitchfork," reflecting its original occupational connotation related to farmers or laborers who used such tools in their work. The earliest recorded instances of the Furlan name can be traced back to the 14th century, with documented appearances in cities like Udine and Cividale del Friuli. Over time, families bearing this surname migrated throughout Italy and Europe, particularly during the Middle Ages and the subsequent centuries of exploration and colonization. Today, Furlan is a widely dispersed name, with significant populations found in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Australia, and the United States, among others. Genealogical research on the Furlan family often involves tracing their geographical movements, identifying connections between different branches of the family, and uncovering the stories and histories of individual members.

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 : 15 June 2025

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