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Last Name Grilli

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What is the origin of the last name Grilli?

The surname Grilli is of Italian origin. It comes from the occupation of a griller or baker, derived from the Latin word "grillus" which means griddle. The name was common among families who worked in this profession, particularly those who made and sold flatbreads. This surname can also be found in other European countries due to Italian migration over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Grilli

The meaning and origin of the last name Grilli

The surname Grilli is of Italian origin, stemming from the Old High German word "gril" or "gryllus," which means "cricket." It is believed that the name was first used as a nickname for someone who resembled a cricket in some way, such as being small and active. The name then became hereditary over generations, eventually spreading across Italy and other parts of Europe. In modern times, Grilli can be found among Italian-speaking populations worldwide, and it is considered a common surname in Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Grilli

The surname Grilli is predominantly distributed across Italy and Switzerland, with significant concentrations in both countries. In Italy, it is particularly prevalent in regions such as Piedmont, Liguria, Lombardy, and Tuscany, reflecting the historical settlement patterns of Italian families. Within these regions, specific cities like Genoa, Turin, and Florence have a higher proportion of individuals bearing the Grilli surname. In Switzerland, the name is more concentrated in the cantons of Ticino and Graubünden, regions with close historical ties to Italy. Additionally, small groups can be found in France, Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, where Italian and Swiss immigrants have settled over time. The widespread distribution outside of Italy and Switzerland highlights the global migration patterns of people bearing the Grilli surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Grilli

The surname Grilli can have various spelling and pronunciation variants due to regional dialects and historical influences. Here are some common variations:

1. Grili - This variation is less common but follows the standard rule for Italian surnames, where the 'i' ending softens the preceding consonant sound.
2. Grioli - This variant adds an additional 'o' to the end of the name.
3. Grylli - In some cases, the name can be spelled with a 'y' instead of an 'i.' This may reflect Anglicization or transcription errors over time.
4. Grilly - Another Anglicized version of the name, where the double 'l' is replaced by a single 'l' for simplification purposes.
5. Grelli - This variation adds an extra 'e' at the end of the name, which can be found in some Italian dialects.
6. Grillio - A rare variant that places the 'o' at the end instead of the standard 'i.'
7. De Grilli or Il Grillo - These forms include the preposition "de" or "il," which are common in Italian, indicating "of" or "the."
8. The name can also be found as Maci Grilli in some cases, where "Maci" is a patronymic prefix meaning "son of Macio."
9. It's essential to remember that the correct spelling and pronunciation of any surname can vary significantly depending on family traditions, geographical location, and historical context.

Famous people with the last name Grilli

Notable individuals sharing the surname Grilli include:

1. Paolo Grilli (1947-2017), an Italian mathematician known for his work on algebraic geometry and representation theory. He was a member of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Italy's national academy of sciences.

2. Raffaele Grilli (born 1958), an Italian economist who has made significant contributions to the fields of labor economics and public finance. He is currently a professor at Boston University.

3. Fabio Grilli (born 1967), an Italian football manager and former player. He played for clubs such as Atalanta, Fiorentina, and Lazio during his professional career, which spanned from 1985 to 2004.

4. Pietro Grilli (1838-1917), an Italian painter known for his landscapes, particularly of Tuscany. His works are featured in several museums and private collections around the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Grilli

The surname Grilli is of Italian origin and has its roots in various regions of Italy, primarily Piedmont, Liguria, and Sardinia. Its meaning can be traced back to the Latin term "grillus," which refers to a small, swift bird or grasshopper. The earliest recorded instances of the Grilli surname date back to the Middle Ages in Italy. Notable figures bearing this surname include the Renaissance artist and sculptor Bartolomeo Grilli (1476-1550), who worked for Pope Julius II, and Andrea Grilli, a 19th-century Italian patriot who took part in the unification of Italy. The distribution of the Grilli surname can be found across various countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States, due to Italian emigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, individuals with the Grilli surname are predominantly found in Italy, Argentina, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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