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Last Name Granella

What is the origin of the last name Granella?

The surname Granella is of Italian origin. It derives from a variety of sources, with one possible origin being related to a specific place-name. In some cases, it could be derived from the town of Granella located near Caserta in the Campania region of Italy. Another possibility is that it may have originated as a nickname for someone who was considered "granular" or granulated, referring to a person with a grainy complexion or someone who worked with grains or granules. As with many surnames, its exact origins can be difficult to determine and may vary depending on specific family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Granella

The meaning and origin of the last name Granella

The surname Granella is an Italian name that derives from a geographical location or a topographic feature, specifically relating to walnut groves or small hillocks covered with gravel. The name has its roots in the Latin term "granum," which means grain or seed, and "ala" meaning wing, possibly indicating a place where nut-bearing trees grew on elevated ground. Over time, the name evolved into the modern form of Granella, becoming a common Italian surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Granella

The surname Granella has a predominant distribution in Italy, specifically in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Piedmont. This is likely due to its historical origins in these areas. A significant number of individuals with the surname Granella can also be found in Argentina and other South American countries, primarily due to Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, smaller populations of people bearing the last name Granella exist in the United States, Canada, and Australia, as a result of further migration from Italy and Argentina. Overall, while the surname Granella is most commonly found in Italy and its diaspora, it can also be found among various communities worldwide due to historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Granella

The last name Granella has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation over time. Some common variants include Granelly, Grannel, Grannell, Granely, Granill, and Granellie. These variations may originate from slight phonetic alterations or changes in spelling conventions. Additionally, Italian immigrants who brought the name to other countries might have adapted it to suit local languages and customs, leading to further variants like Grenela or Granel in different regions. Ultimately, while these variations exist, they all stem from the same root: the Italian surname Granella.

Famous people with the last name Granella

The Granella family has been notable for their contributions across various fields. One of the most recognized individuals is Giuseppe Granella (1923-2004), an Italian operatic tenor who was known for his powerful and emotional performances in numerous operas. Another prominent figure is Piero Granello (born 1965), a professional footballer who played as a midfielder for several Italian clubs, including Inter Milan, and the Italian national team. In the world of science, there's Emanuele J. Granella, an astrophysicist at the University of Arizona, known for his work on cosmic rays and neutron stars. Lastly, in the realm of literature, Elsa Morante (1912-1985), born Elsa Granata but later adopted the surname Morante after her marriage, was an Italian novelist and journalist, best known for her novels "History" and "Miseria e nobiltà." These individuals have left significant marks in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Granella

The surname Granella originates from Italy and is believed to have roots in the region of Lombardy. Historical records suggest that the name may be derived from a place-name or occupational title. One possible origin is from the town of Granella, situated near Casale Monferrato in Piedmont, which could have led to the adoption of the name by residents from this area. Another theory suggests that the name may have been an occupational surname for someone involved in granulation, a process used in metallurgy and glassmaking. The Granella family has had notable members throughout history, such as the Italian mathematician Giovanni Antonio Amedeo Plana Granella (1720-1793), who made contributions to number theory and algebraic geometry.

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 : 27 July 2025

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