What is the origin of the last name Ielo?

The surname Ielo is of Italian origin and has roots in the region of Sicily. It is derived from various place names in Sicily, such as Aeolian Islands (Isole Aeolie in Italian), which are a volcanic archipelago off the northeastern coast of Sicily. The name of the islands comes from the mythical king Aeolus, who was the god of the winds according to Greek mythology. Over time, some families from these areas adopted the names of their places of origin as their surnames.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Ielo

The meaning and origin of the last name Ielo

The surname Ielo, also spelled Yelo or Ieloi, is of Italian origin. It is primarily found in the region of Sicily, though it may also be present elsewhere in Italy due to migration. The name is believed to derive from various places with the same name across Sicily, including towns like Ielo and Ieloi. These locations often take their names from local geographical features or landmarks, potentially indicating a connection to the earth or mountains. Over time, the surname has been passed down through generations, creating diverse branches and variations in spelling and pronunciation. The migration of people with this surname has led to its presence in other countries, particularly those with significant Italian immigrant populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ielo

The surname Ielo is predominantly found in Sicily, Italy, with a significant concentration in the provinces of Agrigento, Trapani, and Palermo. Historically, the name has been associated with the area around the town of Castelvetrano, in western Sicily. It's believed that the name might have originated from a local place-name or landmark. Outside Italy, the surname Ielo can also be found among Italian diaspora communities, particularly in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. The distribution of this surname reflects the historical migration patterns of Sicilians, primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ielo

The surname Ielo has several variations and spellings, reflecting differences in regional pronunciation and spelling conventions over time. Some of the most common versions include:

1. Ielos
2. Iele
3. Iello
4. Iolo
5. Iola
6. Iolet
7. Yelo
8. Yeles
9. Yele
10. Iole
11. Iolli
12. Ioli
13. Iollio
14. Ioliu
15. Iollo

These variations may result from differences in pronunciation, transcription errors, or intentional alterations for various reasons such as assimilation, anglicization, or simplification. It's essential to note that the correct spelling of a surname can often depend on its origin and historical context, as well as individual preferences.

Famous people with the last name Ielo

The Ielo surname is not particularly common among globally renowned figures. However, one notable individual with this surname is Marin Ielo, a Bosnian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Italian club Udinese Calcio and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team. Another person is Joseph-Marie Ielo, a French engineer and academic who made significant contributions to the field of electrochemistry and served as the president of the International Society of Electrochemistry. Despite their notability, they are not among the most famous individuals in the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Ielo

The surname Ielo originates from Italy and is most prevalent in the region of Sicily. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name Galeoto, which was a medieval diminutive of the name Galvano, itself derived from the Byzantine Greek name Galanatos. The name Galanatos comes from the Greek word "galanos," meaning "of noble birth." The Ielo family can be traced back to the 16th century in Sicily, with early records showing the presence of members of the family in the towns of Palermo and Corleone. Over time, the Ielo family spread throughout Italy and emigrated to various parts of the world, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States, where they continue to be found today.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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