Last Name Giol

The surname Giol is likely of Italian origin, derived from various possible sources. One possibility is that it is a diminutive form of the given name Giacobbe (Jacob), which is common in Italy and other Italian-speaking regions. Another possibility is that it is a variation of the surname Gioia, which means "joy" in Italian. However, it's important to note that the exact origin of a specific instance of the surname Giol may vary depending on individual family history. Researching genealogical records and consulting with a professional genealogist can provide more information about the specific origins of this surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Giol

The meaning and origin of the last name Giol

The surname Giol is an Italian name that has its roots in various regions across Italy. It is believed to be derived from a variety of sources. One possible origin is from the diminutive form of the given name Gio (short for Giovanni, meaning "God is gracious"), with the addition of the suffix "-ol," which is common in Italian and means "little." Another theory suggests that it could have originated from place names, such as a village or region named Giolo. The surname Giol can also be found in other European countries like France, where it may have been brought by Italian immigrants. Over time, variations of the name may have arisen due to spelling errors, regional dialects, or personal preferences.

Geographical distribution of the last name Giol

The surname Giol, originating from the Italian language, has its highest concentration in Italy, particularly in the regions of Lazio, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna. Within these regions, it is most prevalent in the cities of Rome, Florence, and Bologna respectively. Beyond Italy, there are significant numbers of individuals with the last name Giol in countries with large Italian diaspora populations such as Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States. In the United States, the highest number of people bearing the surname Giol can be found in New York, California, and Florida.

Variants and spellings of the last name Giol

The surname Giol can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and individual preferences over time. Some common variations include: Joli, Joli, Giole, Gill, Jool, Joel, Geol, Jeol, and Gial. These variations stem from the original Italian form of the name, which is likely derived from a diminutive of the given name Giulio or Giulio-based nicknames such as Giulotto or Giulotto. It's essential to note that these variations may appear differently in different countries and regions, depending on local spelling conventions and phonetic adaptations.

Famous people with the last name Giol

Notable individuals with the surname Gioli include:

1. Angelo Gioli (1928-2017), an Italian painter and sculptor known for his abstract art. His work was featured in numerous exhibitions worldwide.

2. Franco Gioli (born 1954), a former professional tennis player from Italy. He reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and the US Open during his career.

3. Gaetano Gioli (1870-1964), an Italian painter who specialized in landscapes, particularly views of Venice. His work is held in several prominent museums.

4. Sergio Gioli (born 1952), an Italian composer and conductor known for his operas, orchestral works, and choral music. He has received multiple awards for his contributions to the art of music.

Genealogical research on the last name Giol

The surname Giol, originating from Italy, is predominantly found in regions such as Liguria and Emilia-Romagna. Historical records suggest that the name may have derived from various localities named "Giole" or "Giolo," which can be found in these areas. One of the earliest documented instances of the Giol family was found in the town of Genoa in the 13th century. The family branched out and established themselves across Italy over the centuries, with notable branches emerging in cities like Milan and Bologna. Some members of the Giol family made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, education, and the arts. Notable figures include Alessandro Giol (1827-1906), an Italian politician, and Margherita Giol (1850-1930), a prominent opera singer. The name's popularity has remained relatively consistent over time within Italy.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Giol"
• 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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