NomOrigine Background

Last Name Galli

What is the origin of the last name Galli?

The surname "Galli" is an Italian and Jewish (Italian) patronymic name derived from the given name Giorgio (George), which comes from the Greek Γεώργιος (Georgios), meaning "farmer of the earth" or "earthworker". The surname is common among Italians, particularly in Tuscany and Lombardy. In Jewish contexts, it may have origins separate from Italian Christianity. However, the specific origin for each individual family carrying the name Galli can vary greatly and would require genealogical research to determine accurately.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Galli

The meaning and origin of the last name Galli

The surname Galli is an Italian patronymic name derived from the male given name Galleo (Ga(n)ello), a diminutive form of the Latin name Galus, which means 'rooster' or 'cock'. The name was originally used to identify someone born in the Roman province of Gallia, modern-day France, or someone who had characteristics associated with a rooster, such as courage and vigilance. Over time, the name spread throughout Italy, particularly in regions like Tuscany, Lombardy, and Emilia-Romagna, where it remains common today. It is also found among the Italian diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Galli

The surname Galli has its origins in various regions within Italy and is also found among Italian diaspora communities worldwide. The highest concentrations of individuals with the Galli surname are typically found in northern Italy, particularly in Lombardy, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna, reflecting their historical Italian ancestry. In Lombardy alone, it ranks among the top 200 most common last names. The name has also been exported to other parts of Europe through migration, with significant communities found in Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany, and Spain. Outside of Europe, Galli-surnamed individuals can be found in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela, and the United States, where they are often descended from Italian immigrants. The global dispersal of this surname reflects historical patterns of European migration, with Italy serving as a key source for emigrants seeking new opportunities abroad.

Variants and spellings of the last name Galli

The surname Galli has several variants and spellings, primarily due to regional pronunciation differences or transliteration from other languages. Here are some of the common variations:

* Galli (Italian)
* Gally (French)
* Gall (German, Dutch, Scandinavian)
* Galy (Hungarian)
* Jalli (Arabic)
* Gáli (Hungarian, using diacritics)
* Gallo (Italian, Spanish, Portuguese)
* Gale (English, a shorter form of Galli or Gall)
* Gallet (French, a regional variant)
* Kalas (Czech, Hungarian, Finnish, Estonian, and Latvian transliteration of Gallas)
* Kallas (Estonian, Latvian, Finnish transliteration of Gallas with an additional 'k')
* Gal (Slavic languages, short form of Gallas or a different surname altogether)

In addition to these, there may be regional variations in pronunciation and spelling that have not been standardized, such as Gallyi, Kalasz, or Jali.

Famous people with the last name Galli

Notable individuals sharing the last name Galli include:

1. Giorgio Galli (1892-1967), an Italian mathematician known for his work on differential geometry and general relativity.

2. Paolo Galli (born 1954), an Italian theoretical physicist who has made significant contributions to the study of condensed matter physics, particularly in the areas of spintronics and topological insulators.

3. Giacinto Galli (1839-1902), an Italian artist and sculptor, primarily known for his monumental statues and public works.

4. Domenico Galli (1651–1707), an Italian painter of the late Baroque period, famous for his religious paintings and frescoes.

5. Alessandro Galli (born 1982), an Italian footballer who played as a defender for various clubs in Italy, such as Siena and Reggina. He was also part of the Italian national team at the Under-20 level.

6. Elena Galli (born 1973), an Italian volleyball player who competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, where she won a bronze medal with the Italian team. She also won numerous club titles during her career.

Genealogical research on the last name Galli

The surname Galli is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "gallus" meaning rooster or cock. It is one of the most common surnames in Italy and can be found throughout the country, particularly in regions such as Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to the Middle Ages, with figures like Riccardo Galli, a knight from Lombardy, mentioned in historical records around 1200 AD. Over time, the Galli family expanded and diversified, producing numerous notable individuals. For example, the Galilei family of Florence, which includes famous astronomer Galileo Galilei, is a branch of the larger Galli clan. The name Galli continues to be popular in Italy and its diaspora, reflecting the family's rich history and enduring legacy.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Gal gal (Last name)

surnames > gal-gal

The surname "Gal" is of Spanish origin and is derived from the personal name "Gallus," which means "rooster" or "brave." It is a common surname in Spanish-speaking countries.

Gal lire (Last name)

surnames > gal-lire

The surname "Gal Lire" has roots in the Spanish language and is likely of Hispanic origin. The name could potentially be a combination of two separate surnames or have specific reg...

Galaam (Last name)

surnames > galaam

The last name "Galaam" does not have a well-known origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it is a rare or unique surname without a widely recognized source.

Galab (Last name)

surnames > galab

The last name "Galab" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "qalab" which means "heart" or "core". This surname may have been used to describe someone with a kind...

Galabin (Last name)

surnames > galabin

The surname Galabin is of Bulgarian origin. It is derived from the personal name Galab, which is a variation of the Slavic name Galya. In Bulgarian, the name Galabin means "comfort...

Galaburda (Last name)

surnames > galaburda

The surname Galaburda is of Ukrainian origin. It is derived from the personal name Haluburda, which comes from the word "halub" meaning "love" and the suffix "-burda" denoting ende...

Galacho (Last name)

surnames > galacho

The surname Galacho is most likely of Spanish origin. It appears to be a variant of Galache, which is derived from the given name Galacio, a diminutive form of Santiago (Saint Jame...

Galaez (Last name)

surnames > galaez

The last name "Galaez" is of Spanish origin. It is likely derived from the given name of Galo, which was a common name in Spain. The suffix "-ez" is a patronymic ending, meaning "s...

Galag (Last name)

surnames > galag

The surname "Galag" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "ghalag," which means "to govern" or "to control."

Galagaran (Last name)

surnames > galagaran

The last name Galagaran appears to have originated from the Philippines.

Galai (Last name)

surnames > galai

The surname "Galai" is believed to have originated from the Hebrew word "Gal," which means wave or mound. It is a common surname among Jewish communities in North Africa.

Galaites (Last name)

surnames > galaites

The surname Galaites is of Greek origin. It likely derives from the Greek word "gala" which means "milk" or "milky," and may have originally been a nickname for someone with fair o...

Galal ahmed (Last name)

surnames > galal-ahmed

The last name "Galal Ahmed" is of Arabic origin. The surname "Galal" means "majesty" or "grandeur" in Arabic, while "Ahmed" is a common Arabic given name that means "highly praised...

Galal fathy (Last name)

surnames > galal-fathy

The last name "Galal Fathy" is of Arabic origin. "Galal" means "majesty" or "greatness" in Arabic, while "Fathy" is derived from the name "Fathi" which means "conqueror" or "victor...

Galala (Last name)

surnames > galala

The surname "Galala" is of African origin, specifically from the country of Nigeria. It is believed to be a tribal or ethnic name, possibly derived from a specific tribe or region ...