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Last Name Illy

What is the origin of the last name Illy?

The surname Illy has roots that can be traced to several regions due to its multiple origins and variations. One of the most common sources is believed to be from Italy, specifically from the region of Emilia-Romagna. In this case, "Illy" might derive from the place name "Illinoia," an ancient Roman town, or "Illa," a personal name in Latin that meant "wave." Another possible origin lies in Hungary, where Illy can be a shortened form of the Slavic-origin surname "Illicz," meaning "son of Ilja" (a Russian version of Elijah). In some cases, "Illy" might also originate from Jewish families with roots in Eastern Europe. The name could have been changed or adapted as a result of assimilation, migration, or historical events like the Inquisition. However, it is essential to consider that surnames can change over time due to various factors such as language evolution, spelling errors, and cultural influences. To learn more about your specific family history, it's recommended to consult genealogical resources or hire a professional researcher specializing in the region where you believe your ancestors originated.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Illy

The meaning and origin of the last name Illy

The surname Illy is of Hungarian origin, stemming from the region now known as Slovakia. It is derived from the Slavic personal name "Ilja" or "Elijah," which is biblical in nature and refers to the prophet Elijah. Over time, this personal name evolved into various forms across different regions, with Illy being one of them in Hungary and neighboring areas. The surname was likely adopted by individuals who identified with the Christian faith due to the association with the revered biblical figure. In modern times, the Illy surname can be found among populations of Eastern European descent, including Hungarians, Slovaks, and Croatians, among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Illy

The surname Illy is predominantly found in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, where it originates from the Illyrian region. A significant number of people with this name can also be found in Hungary, Romania, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The diaspora of individuals with the surname Illy can be traced to other parts of Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, as a result of migration waves over the last few centuries. However, it remains most concentrated in the regions mentioned above.

Variants and spellings of the last name Illy

The surname Illy has several variants and spellings, each representing different origins or regional dialects. These include Ille, Ile, Illi, Ili, Ylli (in Albanian), Iljic (in Serbian), and Ilitch (a historically Russian variant). Another possible spelling is Ily, though this is more commonly used as a given name rather than a surname in many English-speaking countries. Regardless of the specific spelling, all variations are derived from the root "Il," which is a common prefix in many European names and can mean "son of" or "descendant of" in various languages.

Famous people with the last name Illy

The Illy family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. Perhaps most renowned is Francesco Illy, the inventor of the Moka Pot, a popular coffee brewing device, which revolutionized the way coffee is prepared globally. Another significant figure is Maximilian Illy, the grandson of Francis Illy, who expanded the Illycaffè company founded by his grandfather into an internationally recognized brand known for its high-quality Arabica coffee. In the realm of science, Georg von Illy, an Austrian-Hungarian aristocrat and engineer, made significant contributions to the development of railways in the Habsburg monarchy during the late 19th century. Lastly, Matteo Illy, a contemporary musician from Italy, is recognized for his compositions and collaborations with various orchestras worldwide. These individuals, each excelling in their respective domains, underscore the versatility and accomplishments of the Illy family lineage.

Genealogical research on the last name Illy

The surname Illy is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, notably in Croatia and Slovenia. It originates from the Illyrian region, an ancient territory inhabited by the Illyrians, an Indo-European people who lived in the Balkans during classical antiquity. The name is derived from the Illyrian tribe known as the Iapydes or the Illyrii Enetoi. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have varied among different families and regions. Notable persons with the last name Illy include Marijan Iljić, a Croatian handball player, and Goran Iljic, a Serbian-American physicist. The Illy lineage also extends to other parts of Europe, such as Germany, where it is sometimes spelled Illi or Ilje.

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 : 14 June 2025

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