Last Name Napoli

The surname Napoli is of Italian origin and it is derived from the city of Naples (in Italian: Napoli). People who bear this surname are likely to have ancestry from that region in Italy. Over time, as Italians immigrated to other countries, they brought their surnames with them, allowing for the dispersal of these names across the globe.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Napoli

The meaning and origin of the last name Napoli

The surname Napoli is of Italian origin, derived from the city of Naples, also known as Napoli in Italian. Originally, it was likely a topographic name for someone who lived near Naples or possibly an occupational name for someone who came from that region, such as a merchant or traveler. The name Napoli first appeared in written records during the Middle Ages and became increasingly common as more people moved from rural areas to urban centers like Naples. Over time, the surname spread throughout Italy and eventually reached other parts of Europe, where it has remained a popular name among Italians and their descendants. Today, Napoli is a widely recognized surname across the globe, reflecting the historic significance and cultural influence of the city that gave it its name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Napoli

The surname Napoli is predominantly Italian in origin, with the highest concentration of individuals bearing this name found within Italy itself. In particular, it is most common in the southern regions of Campania and Calabria, where the city of Naples is located, from which the name likely derives. However, due to migration, Napoli has also become a relatively common surname among Italian diaspora communities, particularly in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, the United States, and Canada. In these nations, it is often spelled with slight variations, such as Napolitano or Napolitano, reflecting differences in regional dialects and assimilation practices.

Variants and spellings of the last name Napoli

The surname Napoli has several variations and spellings due to transcription errors during immigration and regional dialects. Some of these variations include Napoleone, Napolitano, Napolioni, Napolis, Nappoli, and Napolitan. These variations originate from the Italian city of Naples, hence the surname's association with the region. However, it is important to note that the specific variation may have different origins or meanings in other languages or cultures. For instance, the name Napoli can also be found as a place name in Finland and Sweden, where it means "navel" in Finnish and Swedish respectively.

Famous people with the last name Napoli

Notable individuals with the surname Napoli include:

1. Mario Napoli (born 1982), an Italian professional footballer who played as a midfielder for various clubs, including AC Milan and Lazio.
2. Joseph A. Napoli (born 1954), an American economist known for his work on the economics of health care, particularly pharmaceuticals.
3. Frank Napoli (1920-1987), an American jazz trumpeter who played with bands led by Count Basie and Duke Ellington.
4. Lou Napoli (1925-1996), an American baseball player who played as a first baseman for several Major League Baseball teams, including the New York Yankees.
5. Joe Napoli (born 1987), an American professional football coach and former player, currently serving as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League.

Genealogical research on the last name Napoli

The Napoli surname originates from the city of Naples, Italy, suggesting a geographical origin for many bearers. Historical records indicate that the name dates back to at least the late Middle Ages, with the earliest documentation found in the Naples region during the 13th century. Over time, as Italian immigrants moved across Europe and to the Americas, the spelling of the surname varied somewhat, with forms such as Nappoli, Napolitano, and Napoletano being common. In the United States, the Napoli name is particularly concentrated in areas with high Italian-American populations, such as New York, Pennsylvania, and California. Notable individuals with this surname include Italian-American singer Frankie Valli, who was born Francis Stephen Napoli, and American football player Anthony Napoli.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Napoli"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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