Last Name Nobile

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nobile

The meaning and origin of the last name Nobile

The surname Nobile originates from Italy and is derived from the Latin word "nobilis," which means noble or distinguished. In medieval times, the term was often used to denote a person of high social status, either by birth or through achievement. Over time, the name became hereditary and was adopted by various Italian families, such as the Nobile della Gherardesca, one of the oldest and most prominent noble families in Tuscany. Today, the surname is common among Italians and has been spread worldwide due to Italian immigration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nobile

The surname Nobile is predominantly of Italian origin and has a significant presence within Italy, particularly in regions such as Tuscany, Lombardy, and Emilia-Romagna. Beyond Italy, there are substantial numbers of individuals with the last name Nobile in countries with large Italian diaspora communities, including Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States. In the US, concentrations can be found primarily in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and California, reflecting historical immigration patterns from Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, there are sizable Nobile populations in Australia and Canada, mostly due to emigration from countries with a significant Italian influence, such as South America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nobile

The surname Nobile has several variations and spellings across different countries and languages. Here are some common versions:

1. Noble - This is an English variation of the Italian surname Nobile, which means "noble" in both languages.
2. Noebel, Noebel, Neubel - These are German spellings derived from the same root as the Italian and English variants.
3. Nobili - This is another Italian variant of the name, often used by noble families in Italy.
4. Nabiel, Nahas (Arabic) - In Arabic, the name can be translated as "noble" or "honorable." These are two common variations.
5. Noboa (Spanish and Portuguese) - This is a Hispanicized version of the Italian surname Nobile, often found in Spain and Portugal.
6. Nobel (Scandinavian) - In Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, the name can be found as Nobel, which is derived from the same root as the Italian and English variants, but was popularized by Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite and the founder of the Nobel Prize.
7. Nobili-Vitelli - This is an Italian compound surname, where "Nobili" means "noble," and "Vitelli" often refers to a family from the Tuscan city of Arezzo.
8. Nobile-Santoro - Another Italian compound surname, where "Nobile" means "noble" and "Santoro" is derived from the personal name Santo (meaning "Saint").

Famous people with the last name Nobile

Notable individuals bearing the surname Nobile include:

1. Giovanni Battista Nobile (1842-1914), an Italian geographer and cartographer who worked extensively on African maps. His work has been celebrated for its accuracy and detail, particularly his 1886 map of Africa which was used by many explorers.

2. Giuseppe Nobile (1885-1978), an Italian naval officer and polar explorer. He served as a lieutenant in the Italian Regia Marina during World War I and led several Antarctic expeditions, including the first wintering party at the Mawson Station in 1954-1955.

3. Domenico Nobile (born 1927), an Italian aviator who became famous for his role in the rescue of the crew of the Albatross, a Fiat G.50 fighter aircraft that crashed into the Arctic ice during an air race in 1937.

4. Marcello Nizzola, better known by his stage name Marcello Nobile (born 1968), is an Italian singer-songwriter and musician. He has released several albums and gained recognition for his unique blend of pop, rock, and folk music.

Genealogical research on the last name Nobile

The surname Nobile, derived from the Italian word for "noble," has roots dating back to feudal Italy. Its earliest known bearer was Berardo di Nobile Attoni, a nobleman from Bologna mentioned in a document from 1234 AD. Over the centuries, various branches of the Nobile family emerged across Italy, each with their unique coat of arms and lineage.

One notable branch is the Nobile family from Tuscany, who played significant roles in local politics and society throughout the Renaissance period. Members included influential figures such as Cardinal Giulio de' Medici, later Pope Leo X, and Giuliano de' Medici, Duke of Nemours, known for his patronage of artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

Another branch is the Nobile family from Naples, who also held prominent positions in government and society during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Notable members include Ludovico Antonio di Nobile, a 17th-century politician and author, and the Nobile family of Sorrento, known for their contributions to local culture and economy.

Today, the surname Nobile is widely dispersed across Italy and other countries due to migration, with notable bearers including Italian actor Franco Nero, Italian economist Corrado Gini, and American businessman Frank Nitowsky.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Nobile"
• 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 : 24 July 2025