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Last Name Meola

What is the origin of the last name Meola?

The surname Meola is of Italian origin. It is believed to be derived from the Italian word "mele" which means "apple". This surname could have originally been a nickname for someone who grew or sold apples, or it could have been a toponymic name for someone who lived near an apple orchard. The Meola surname is most commonly found in the southern regions of Italy, particularly in the Campania region.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Meola

The meaning and origin of the last name Meola

The surname Meola is of Italian origin and is believed to have originated from the southern region of Italy. It is derived from the personal name Nicola, which itself comes from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning "victory of the people." The surname Meola is commonly found in the Campania region of Italy, particularly in the provinces of Naples and Salerno. Individuals with the surname Meola may have descended from ancestors who were known for their strength and leadership qualities, as the name Nicola was often given to those who were seen as champions or defenders of the people. Today, the surname Meola is still prevalent in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meola

The last name Meola is most commonly found in Italy, particularly in the southern regions such as Campania, Sicily, and Calabria. It is a relatively uncommon surname in other parts of the world, with small populations of Meola families residing in countries such as the United States, Argentina, and Australia. The origins of the name can be traced back to Italian immigrants who brought it with them when they settled in these countries. In Italy, the surname likely has deep roots and may be tied to specific regions or towns where Meola families have lived for generations. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Meola is concentrated in Italy, with only small pockets of individuals bearing the name residing in other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meola

The last name Meola can also be spelled as Miola, Moola, Mella, Meole, or Miala. Variations of this surname may include Meoli, Maiola, Moela, and Maela. Meola is a common Italian surname that is believed to have originated from the Campania region of Italy. It is derived from the Italian word "mele," meaning apple, and is likely to have been used to describe someone who worked as an apple grower or seller. The name Meola may have evolved over time as families immigrated to different countries and adapted the spelling to better fit the phonetics of their new language. Despite the various spellings, Meola remains a distinctive and recognizable surname within Italian and Italian-American communities.

Famous people with the last name Meola

Nick Meola is a renowned American soccer goalkeeper who played for several teams in Major League Soccer and the United States national team. He is best known for his time with the Kansas City Wizards, where he won two MLS Cups and was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2000. Tony Meola, also a former American soccer goalkeeper, is another prominent figure in the sports world. He played for various teams in MLS and had a successful career with the national team, earning over 100 caps and representing the US in several World Cup tournaments. Both Nick and Tony Meola have left a lasting impact on the sport of soccer and have solidified their places as some of the greatest goalkeepers in American soccer history.

Genealogical research on the last name Meola

The surname Meola is of Italian origin, derived from the personal name of Mele, which is of ancient Greek origin meaning "honey-sweet". The Meola family can be traced back to southern Italy, specifically in the region of Calabria. The earliest known instances of the Meola surname can be found in historical records dating back to the 15th century in the town of Palmi. Over the centuries, the Meola family has spread to other parts of Italy and the world, with notable branches found in the United States, Argentina, and Australia. Today, individuals with the surname Meola can be found in various professions and industries, contributing to the diverse fabric of society. Genealogical research on the Meola surname can provide valuable insights into the family's history, connections, and cultural heritage.

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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