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Last Name Illi

What is the origin of the last name Illi?

The origin of the last name Illi is likely Swiss or German. It is a variant of the name Illy, which is a diminutive form of the personal name Ilmann, derived from the Old High German name Ilmo. This name is derived from the elements "il," meaning "fortunate" or "blessed," and "man," meaning "man" or "person." Therefore, the last name Illi likely originated as a nickname for someone who was seen as lucky or blessed.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Illi

The meaning and origin of the last name Illi

The surname Illi is of Swiss-German origin, derived from the Old High German word "il," meaning "shoulder," and was likely used as a nickname for someone with broad or strong shoulders. The surname may also have originated as a habitational name for someone from a place called Illi in Switzerland. Alternatively, Illi could have been a topographic name for someone who lived by a stream or river named Ill. The surname Illi is relatively rare and is most commonly found in Switzerland and surrounding regions. Today, individuals with the surname Illi can be found around the world, though its origins can be traced back to the German-speaking areas of Switzerland.

Geographical distribution of the last name Illi

The surname Illi is most commonly found in Switzerland, particularly concentrated in the cantons of Zurich and Aargau. It is also present in smaller numbers in neighboring countries such as Germany and Austria. The name Illi is of Swiss-German origin and is believed to have originated from the Old High German personal name "Illi" or "Illo". Over time, individuals with the surname Illi have migrated to various parts of the world, including the United States and Canada, where the name is less common but still present in some communities. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Illi reflects its Swiss roots, with the highest concentration of individuals bearing this name found in Switzerland and its surrounding regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Illi

The last name Illi may be spelled in various ways, including Illie, Ili, Illy, and Illieh. Other variations of this surname could include Illiha, Illiy, and Ilii. These alternate spellings may be a result of different transliterations from various languages or dialects. Illi is a relatively rare surname, primarily found in regions with Swiss or German heritage. It is possible that individuals with the last name Illi have migrated to different countries, leading to further variations in spelling. Overall, the variations and spellings of the last name Illi demonstrate the diverse ways in which surnames can be written and the importance of considering different cultural and linguistic influences when tracing one’s ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Illi

There are not many famous people with the last name Illi, but one of the most well-known is Gina Illi. She is a German singer and actress, known for her powerful vocals and dynamic performances. Another notable figure with the last name Illi is Markus Illi, a Swiss football player who has played for several top clubs in Europe. Despite the limited number of famous individuals with this surname, Gina and Markus Illi have made significant contributions in their respective fields and have gained recognition for their talents and achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Illi

The surname Illi appears to have Germanic origins, possibly deriving from the personal name "Illius" or "Ilius." The name is not widely spread and may have originated in a specific region or community. Research indicates that individuals with the surname Illi have been found predominantly in Switzerland, particularly in the canton of Graubünden. It is possible that the name may have been brought to other countries through migration or emigration. Further genealogical research may uncover more information about the origins and distribution of the Illi surname, shedding light on the family history and connections within the Illi lineage. The study of historical records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as census data and church records, may provide valuable insights into the ancestral roots and heritage of individuals bearing the surname Illi.

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 April 2025

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