Last Name Lolli

The surname Lolli is of Italian origin. It derives from a nickname for someone who was talkative or quick-witted, as the word "lollo" in Italian means chatterbox or prattler. The surname is most common in central Italy, particularly in regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lolli

The meaning and origin of the last name Lolli

The surname Lolli is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Lallo or Lloyd, which was originally a pet form of various ancient Germanic names containing the element "hild", meaning "battle" or "strife." It was brought to Italy by the Longobards, a Germanic people who invaded the Italian peninsula during the late 6th century AD. Over time, the name Lolli evolved through phonetic changes and regional dialects, leading to various spellings such as Lolli, Lollia, Lollaro, and others. As with many Italian surnames, it is traditionally passed down from father to son, though its exact origins may vary among different families. The name Lolli remains popular in Italy today, reflecting its rich historical roots and the lasting impact of the Longobard migration on the Italian population.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lolli

The surname Lolli has its origins predominantly in Italy, where it is most frequently found. Specifically, it is most concentrated in regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, reflecting a historical connection to these areas. Some notable Italian cities with a high frequency of the Lolli surname include Bologna, Florence, and Rimini. Outside of Italy, small populations of individuals bearing this name can be found in other European countries, particularly France and Switzerland, where it may have been carried by migrants or refugees from Italy at various points in history. Additionally, the Lolli name has been recorded in minor numbers in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, primarily among Italian immigrants and their descendants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lolli

The surname Lolli can appear with various spellings and minor variations across different regions and time periods. Common variations of this Italian surname include: Lollio, Lolly, Lolli-Scialdone, Lollis, de Lolli, Lollo, De Lollis, and del Lolli. Each variation may have originated from the same ancestral source but has evolved slightly over time due to phonetic changes or regional dialects. It is essential to note that surnames often undergo modifications as families migrate and integrate into new societies, leading to a range of spelling variations for names like Lolli.

Famous people with the last name Lolli

The Lolli surname is relatively uncommon but has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Giuseppe Lolli (1782-1843), an Italian violinist, composer, and pedagogue who was a leading figure in the early Romantic period. Another noteworthy individual is Tito Lolli (1590-1669), a renowned Italian architect and military engineer during the Baroque era. In more recent times, there's Derrick L. Lolli, an American scientist who has made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry and molecular genetics, particularly in understanding the mechanisms of DNA replication and repair. Lastly, Maria Lollis (born 1985), a Greek actress, gained international recognition for her role as Elena Nikolovic in the television series "Mama's Family." These individuals serve as testaments to the diversity and achievements associated with the Lolli surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Lolli

The Lolli surname is of Italian origin, stemming from various regions in Italy such as Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Umbria. It is derived from the medieval occupational name "lombardo" or "lollo," which referred to a long-haired or shaggy person, or someone who dealt with wool. The first documented appearance of the Lolli surname can be traced back to the 13th century in Italy, with records showing Gherardo de Loli in Florence around 1250 and Filippo de Lollis in Bologna in 1274. The family spread to other regions of Italy and later migrated to countries such as France, Spain, and the United States during the Middle Ages and subsequent centuries. Notable individuals bearing the Lolli surname include Giovanni Battista Lulli (also spelled Lolli), a musician who became a court composer for King Louis XIV of France; Giulio Lolli, an Italian painter active in the late 16th and early 17th centuries; and Vincenzo Lolli, an Italian entomologist known for his work on butterflies. Today, individuals with the Lolli surname can be found across various countries around the world, reflecting its rich history and diverse ancestry.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lolli"
• 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

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