Last Name Ottanelli

The surname Ottanelli is an Italian patronymic name derived from the male given name Ottaviano (Italian variant of Ottoboni), meaning "wealthy in August" or "fortunate in August." This name was popular during the Middle Ages, particularly among the nobility. As was customary in many European countries at that time, the name of the father was often used as a surname for subsequent generations. The Italian surname Ottanelli likely originated from the region of Abruzzo or Marche, where Ottaviano was a common given name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ottanelli

The meaning and origin of the last name Ottanelli

The surname Ottanelli is of Italian origin, derived from various places in Italy, primarily from Abruzzo and Molise regions. The name is a diminutive form of Otto, which means 'eight' in Italian. Over time, the name has evolved into its current form due to regional dialects and family traditions. It was often given to children born eighth in a family, or on the eighth day of a month, reflecting the importance of numbers and sequences in many traditional societies. The spelling variations include Ottanello, Ottaneli, and Ottanielli, among others, which are all related to the original form. The surname Ottanelli can be traced back to medieval times and is associated with several noble families throughout Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ottanelli

The surname Ottanelli is predominantly Italian, with the highest concentration found in the region of Abruzzo, specifically in the province of Teramo and Chieti. It also appears in substantial numbers in neighboring regions such as Molise and Lazio. Emigrants from these areas have spread the name to various parts of the world, particularly Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. In the U.S., significant populations can be found in New York City, Boston, and other urban centers with a high Italian immigrant population. The global distribution of Ottanelli reflects historical migration patterns from Italy to these regions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ottanelli

The surname Ottanelli has several spelling variations, most of which originate from slight phonetic changes in the transcription of the original Italian name over time. These variations include: Ottanelli, Ottaneli, Ottanelle, Ottenelli, Ottanella, Ottanel, Ottanelo, Ottenal, Ottenalo, and possibly others. The name is a patronymic one, derived from the personal name Otto, which itself has multiple spellings such as Ottavio, Ottaviano, Oddone, Otello, and Ottoboni in Italian. These variations can be found throughout Italy, particularly in regions like Lazio, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Marche where the name originated. It's important to note that genealogical research may uncover further spelling variants due to regional dialects and historical recording practices.

Famous people with the last name Ottanelli

The Ottanelli family has produced notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is Vincent A. Ottanelli, an American politician who served as the Commissioner of Social Services for New York City from 1962 to 1977 under mayors Robert Wagner and John Lindsay. He was instrumental in implementing welfare reforms during his tenure. Another well-known figure is Giacomo Ottonello Ottanelli, an Italian-American sculptor born in Philadelphia in 1890. His works include numerous monuments throughout the United States, such as the "Dante and Virgil" statue at the University of Pennsylvania and the "St. Francis of Assisi" statue at St. Peter's Church in New York City. In the world of sports, Ron Ottanelli was a professional baseball player who played for the Brooklyn Dodgers organization from 1948 to 1950 as an infielder. He also managed minor league teams and scouted for the Dodgers. These are some of the most famous individuals with the last name Ottanelli, demonstrating their diverse accomplishments and impact across different spheres.

Genealogical research on the last name Ottanelli

The surname Ottanelli originates from Italy and is most prevalent in regions such as Abruzzo, Molise, and Lazio. It is believed to be of Norman-Sicilian descent, derived from the personal name Ottone or Otto, which means wealth or fortune. The Normans invaded Sicily in 1061, bringing their language, culture, and surnames with them. Over time, variations of the name have emerged, including Ottenelli, Ottanellis, and Ottaneli, among others. Notable figures bearing this surname include Giuseppe Ottavio Ottanelli, a notable architect in the Baroque period, and Maria Concetta Ottanelli, an Italian soprano singer. The Ottanelli family has also been traced back to the Knights of Malta, a significant religious and military order.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ottanelli"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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