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Last Name Nolli

What is the origin of the last name Nolli?

The surname Nolli is of Italian origin. It derives from a number of possible sources within the Italian linguistic and cultural context. One potential origin is a diminutive form of the given name "Nicola," which translates to Nicholas in English. Another possibility is that it may have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a small hill or knoll, derived from the Italian word "nollo." Lastly, it could be a nickname for a tall or robust person, derived from the Italian verb "nolleggiare," meaning to bend or bow. These interpretations are based on historical and linguistic patterns of surname formation in Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nolli

The meaning and origin of the last name Nolli

The surname Nolli is of Italian origin, stemming from various regions throughout Italy, such as Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardy. Its root can be traced back to the medieval period, deriving from the personal name Noto, a diminutive form of the Latin name Nathaniel, which means "given by God." The surname Nolli is characterized by various spelling variations over time, including Noli, Nolli, Noili, Nollino, and others. Over centuries, people bearing this name have contributed to Italian history in various fields, such as politics, art, and literature.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nolli

The surname Nolli is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in Tuscany and Liguria regions. These regions are in northwestern Italy and have historically been centers of Italian culture, art, and trade. The Nolli name also appears in other parts of the country, such as Emilia-Romagna and Veneto. In recent years, due to migration and diaspora, individuals with the surname Nolli can be found in various countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, and Argentina. Despite its Italian origins, the distribution of the Nolli name is not limited to Italy, demonstrating a global dispersion of people bearing this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nolli

The surname Nolli has various spelling variants, stemming from regional differences and historical events. Some common spellings include Nolli, Noлли, Nölli, and Nöllli. These variations may be due to the use of different alphabets or dialects over time, or simply personal preference in spelling. Another related form is the feminine version, which could be Nolla, Nołła, Nölla, or Nöllä. It's essential to note that these variations may not only differ in spelling but also in pronunciation based on regional accents and linguistic influences. While the spelling can change, the origin of the name remains the same, with Nolli being derived from medieval Germanic names such as Notilo or Notiloh.

Famous people with the last name Nolli

Giovanni Battista Nolli (1711-1756), an Italian architect and cartographer, is renowned for his groundbreaking work on topographical mapping. His most significant achievement was creating the first accurate map of Rome, titled "Nuova pianta di Roma," which served as a blueprint for urban planning and preservation in the city. The map's precision and detail were unparalleled at the time and remain highly valued today. Another notable figure with the last name Nolli is architect John Henry Nolli (1847-1925), born in New York to Italian immigrants. He was a prominent designer of churches, public buildings, and residential structures in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for his Gothic Revival style, Nolli's work can be found throughout the northeastern part of the country.

Genealogical research on the last name Nolli

The Nolli surname is of Italian origin, primarily found in regions such as Tuscany and Lombardy. The earliest documented mention of the family can be traced back to the 12th century in the medieval town of Lucca, Tuscany. The name "Nolli" is derived from the diminutive form of the given name "Nicola," which means "people of victory" or "victorious people" in Latin. Over the centuries, branches of the Nolli family migrated and established themselves in other Italian regions and European countries, such as France, Germany, and Switzerland. Notable figures bearing the Nolli surname include Giuseppe Vincenzo Nolli, an 18th-century architect who designed the urban plan for the city of Brasília, Brazil, and Filippo Ulisse Nolli, a prominent mathematician known for his work on differential geometry.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 12 June 2025

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