Last Name Lallo

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lallo

The meaning and origin of the last name Lallo

The surname Lallo is of Basque origin, stemming from the region of the Basque Country, which spans across northern Spain and southwestern France. The Basque people have their own unique language and culture that predates the arrival of other groups in the area. The name Lallo, specifically, may be derived from various Basque roots, such as "lahko," meaning "small" or "young," or "larre," meaning "rocky." Over time, it is believed that some Basque families emigrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas, carrying their distinctive surnames with them, including Lallo. Today, the name is found in various countries, reflecting this historical migration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lallo

The surname Lallo is predominantly distributed across Northern and Central Italy, particularly in the regions of Piedmont, Lombardy, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Umbria. This pattern reflects historical Italian migration, with many Lallo descendants residing outside of Italy as well. In France, a significant number of people bearing this surname can be found in the Rhône-Alpes region, due to past Italian migrations. A smaller number of Lallo families can also be found in other European countries and North America. The distribution suggests an origin from the Italian Alps or adjacent regions, although precise origins may vary among different family lines.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lallo

The surname Lallo has several variants and spellings, reflecting its origins and historical transformations. Some common spelling variations include: Lallo, Lalli, Lali, Lalle, and LaLlo. These differences may arise due to regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or personal preferences in the way the name is written. The name Lallo is of Italian origin and is believed to derive from either a topographical name for someone who lived on a cliff or rocky outcrop, or from a nickname for someone with a loud voice, derived from the word "allarme" (alarm). It's also found in Corsican families as a Frenchified form of Italian names. The name Lallo can be traced to various regions of Italy, including Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, among others.

Famous people with the last name Lallo

Notable individuals with the surname Lallo include:

1. **Gianfranco Lallo** (born 1948), an Italian football player who played as a goalkeeper for several teams, including Juventus and the Italian national team. He is best known for his heroics in the 1976 European Championship final against Czechoslovakia.

2. **Leo Lallo** (born 1984), an American actor who has appeared in numerous television shows and films, including "Parenthood" and "Bones." He is also known for his roles in various independent productions.

3. **Roberto Lallo** (1929-2017), an Italian architect, urban planner, and politician. He was a prominent figure in the post-war reconstruction of Naples, Italy, and served as Mayor from 1985 to 1993.

4. **Silvio Lallo** (born 1960), an Italian professional football coach who has managed several clubs, including Genoa, Torino, and Salernitana. He is also known for his work as a TV pundit.

Genealogical research on the last name Lallo

The surname Lallo is primarily of Italian origin and is believed to have originated from the region of Liguria, specifically the towns of Lavagna and Lantignona. It is suggested that the name could be a variant or diminutive form of the given names "Lalle" or "Giuseppe Lallo", with the suffix "-o" denoting possession in Italian.

Over time, the family spread across various parts of Italy due to migration and resettlement. Some branches of the Lallo family are also found in other European countries like France, Spain, and Switzerland. In America, the earliest recorded immigrants bearing the surname Lallo arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, settling primarily in cities with large Italian-American communities such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston.

Genealogical research into the Lallo family tree often reveals a rich history of artisans, farmers, and laborers, reflecting the diverse occupations of Italian immigrants in their new homeland. Notable individuals with the surname Lallo include musicians, politicians, and athletes, demonstrating the widespread success achieved by this family across different fields.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lallo"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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.
Last updated : 11 June 2025