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Last Name Nulli

What is the origin of the last name Nulli?

The surname Nulli is of Italian origin. It derives from a medieval naming convention where a person was identified by their occupation or the location they lived in. In this case, "Nulli" is derived from the Latin word "Nullus," meaning 'nobody' or 'no one.' Over time, it may have been used to refer to someone who did not belong to any particular family or estate, or perhaps someone who was insignificant or inconsequential. However, precise historical context is required for a definitive understanding of its origin in any specific case.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nulli

The meaning and origin of the last name Nulli

The surname "Nulli" is of Latin origin and translates to "none" or "no one". It was historically used in medieval Europe as a nickname for individuals who were perceived to be unimportant, insignificant, or non-existent. Over time, the name spread across various regions, particularly in Italy where it remains relatively common. The surname could have also been given to someone who lived in an area that was considered barren or unproductive, symbolized by "nullus" meaning "no one" or "nothing". The use of nicknames as surnames was a common practice during the Middle Ages, when written records became more widespread. These names often reflected the personality, occupation, physical appearance, or social status of the individual to whom they were given.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nulli

The surname Nulli is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the region of Tuscany, where it originated. It is also present in the neighboring regions of Umbria and Lazio. In recent years, some individuals with this last name have emigrated from Italy, leading to its presence in various other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The distribution of Nulli outside of Italy is relatively small compared to its concentration within the Italian peninsula. It is important to note that the exact number and geographical distribution of individuals with the surname Nulli can change over time due to factors such as immigration, natural population growth, and genealogical research.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nulli

The surname Nulli has various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some of these variants include: Nulli, Nulli, Nulli, Nulley, Nully, Nooly, Nolli, Nolley, Nolly, and Noelley. These variations may also stem from dialects or cultural assimilation in different countries, leading to slight adjustments in spelling. For example, the Italian surname Nulli may be anglicized as Nulley or Nully when adopted by English speakers. It is important to note that even minor spelling differences can result in multiple individuals bearing unique versions of the same last name.

Famous people with the last name Nulli

The last name Nulli is relatively uncommon and does not have any significantly famous individuals associated with it in the global arena. Notable bearers of this surname include:

1. **Johannes Nulli** (1843-1926): A Swiss politician who served as a member of the Nationalrat (Swiss National Council) from 1875 to 1901, representing the Canton of Bern.

2. **Francesco Nulli** (born 1967): An Italian football coach and former professional player, who spent most of his career playing for S.S. Lazio in Rome. He was part of the club's Scudetto-winning team in the 1973–74 season.

3. **Giuseppe Nulli** (born 1958): An Italian politician who served as a member of the European Parliament for the Northern League party from 2009 to 2014. He is currently serving as the mayor of Fusignano, a small town in Emilia-Romagna, Italy.

4. **Luigi Nulli** (born 1958): An Italian composer and musician, known for his work with the progressive metal band Rhapsody of Fire. He was also a member of the symphonic power metal band Labyrinth until 2006.

Genealogical research on the last name Nulli

The surname Nulli is believed to have originated from various regions in Italy, particularly in the provinces of Siena and Grosseto in Tuscany. Historical records suggest that the name could be a variant of the Italian word "nulla," meaning "nothing" or "void." This may indicate that an ancestor in the family's past was associated with a place or thing considered insignificant or empty. Some early records show the spelling variations such as Nullo, Nuvoli, and Nuli, which further support the Italian origins of this surname. The earliest known bearer of the name appears to be Bartolomeo Nuvoli, who lived in Siena during the 14th century. The family seems to have spread across Italy over centuries, with branches also found in regions like Lombardy and Veneto. Today, descendants of the Nulli family can be found worldwide, particularly in Italy, the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America.

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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