Last Name Noia

The surname Noia has origins that can be traced back to various regions in Europe. In Italy, it is believed to have origins from the region of Liguria, specifically the town of Nozze, where it was a local habitational name for someone from that village. In Portugal and Brazil, the surname Noia or Nogueira could potentially originate from the Portuguese word "nogueira," meaning "walnut tree" in English. This could have been a topographic name for someone who lived near such a tree or a habitational name for someone from a place named with that term. In Galician, Spain, Noia is also a town and a river's name, suggesting a possible locational origin for the surname in that region as well. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple origins and variations, and further research or specific context may be needed to confirm the exact origin of a particular Noia lineage.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Noia

The meaning and origin of the last name Noia

The surname Noia is of Italian origin, primarily found in the regions of Liguria and Piedmont. It is derived from various sources, with one possible origin being the Roman term "nova" meaning "new." In this context, it could have been given as a name to someone who moved into a new settlement or lived in a recently built house. Another theory suggests that Noia comes from the Italian word for "fog," which may have referred to an individual who lived by a foggy area or river. Over time, the surname has spread beyond Italy due to migration and assimilation, making it a common name in various parts of the world today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Noia

The surname Noia is predominantly found in various regions of Portugal, particularly in the northwestern provinces such as Minho and Aveiro. It is also present in other Portuguese-speaking countries, notably Brazil, where it has a significant distribution in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Pernambuco. The name is also found sporadically in Spain, particularly in the Basque Country, Galicia, and Asturias, due to historical links between Portugal and these regions. Additionally, there are minor occurrences of the surname Noia in other European countries like France and Italy, likely as a result of migration or naming conventions. The distribution of the surname Noia reflects its Portuguese origins and the migration patterns of Portuguese speakers throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Noia

The surname Noia, originating from Italy, has several variants and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variations include Noja, Noiya, Noya, Nuia, and Nuoia. These variations may arise from minor phonetic adjustments or the influence of different dialects. Additionally, the name can be found with diacritical marks in Italian, such as Noia' (with an accent on the 'o') or Noià (with an acute accent on the 'a'). In some cases, the name may also be found anglicized as Noe, Noye, or Noiah, particularly in English-speaking countries.

Famous people with the last name Noia

Notable individuals with the surname Noia include:

1. Giuseppe Noia (1863-1944), an Italian philosopher and professor at the University of Bologna, known for his work on the history of metaphysics.

2. Pietro Noia (born 1950), an Italian mathematician specializing in numerical analysis, who has worked at universities in both Italy and the United States.

3. Angelo Noia (1876-1945), an Italian lawyer who served as a judge during the Fascist regime but later became a key figure in the resistance movement against it.

4. Vincenzo Noia (born 1952), an Italian magistrate who investigated corruption within the Italian government, earning international recognition for his work.

5. Antonio Noia (1870-1936), a Sicilian lawyer and politician who was a key figure in the separatist movement for Sicilian independence in the early 20th century.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as philosophy, mathematics, law, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Noia

The surname Noia is believed to have origins in Italy, particularly the regions of Calabria and Sicily. It is derived from various locations with the same name, such as Noja in Liguria and Noale in Veneto, suggesting it may have migrated across Italy over time. The earliest known documentation of the Noia family can be traced back to the 13th century in Calabria. Notable individuals with this surname include Giuseppe Noia, an Italian politician, and Salvatore Noia, a famous opera singer. Over time, the family migrated to various parts of the world, including South America, North America, and Australia. Genealogical research reveals multiple branches within the Noia family, each with its unique history and lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Noia"
• 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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