Last Name Ottaviani

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ottaviani

The meaning and origin of the last name Ottaviani

The surname Ottaviani is of Italian origin and derives from the Latin name "Octavianus," meaning "eighth." It is a patronymic surname, indicating that it was originally given to someone who was the son of someone named Ottavio or Octavianus. Derived from the Roman family name Octavius, which belonged to the Emperor Augustus, Ottaviani gained popularity as a first name during the Middle Ages and later became a prominent surname. The Ottaviani family, like many noble families in Italy, may have adopted the name as a way to associate themselves with the prestige and significance of the Roman Empire. Over time, variations of the surname may have arisen, such as Octaviano or Ottavianni, as families migrated or regional dialects influenced spelling. Today, the Ottaviani surname can be found worldwide among people of Italian heritage, serving as a reminder of their ancestral connections to ancient Rome.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ottaviani

The last name Ottaviani finds its geographical distribution primarily in Italy. It is a fairly common Italian surname that derived from the popular given name "Ottavio," meaning "eighth" in Latin. The name is predominantly found in the central Italian regions, particularly Emilia-Romagna, where cities like Bologna, Ravenna, and Rimini have significant concentrations of Ottaviani families. Other regions with notable Ottaviani populations include Lombardy, Lazio, and Marche. The surname's prevalence in these areas can be attributed to historical factors like family origins and migrations within the country. However, due to globalization and migration, the distribution of the last name Ottaviani has also extended beyond Italy's borders. It is now found in small numbers in countries with Italian diaspora communities, such as the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and Canada, suggesting that Ottaviani families have spread across different parts of the world over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ottaviani

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Famous people with the last name Ottaviani

One famous individual with the last name Ottaviani is Alfredo Ottaviani (1890-1979), an Italian cardinal who played a prominent role in the Catholic Church during the 20th century. He served as the Secretary of the Holy Office, which later became known as the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Ottaviani was highly influential in ecclesiastical matters, particularly in upholding conservative Catholic doctrine. Another notable Ottaviani is Carlo Ottaviani, an Italian basketball player who had a successful career in the 1980s and 1990s. Carlo played for the renowned Italian team Scavolini Pesaro and was a key player in their championship victories in 1983 and 1988. With his skill and talent, Carlo Ottaviani gained recognition for his contributions to Italian basketball, leaving a lasting impact on the sport. The Ottaviani surname has, therefore, contributed to both religious and sporting arenas throughout history.

Genealogical research on the last name Ottaviani

The surname Ottaviani is derived from the Italian given name "Ottaviano," which means "eighth" in Italian. It is believed that this name was originally used to denote a child born in the eighth month or eighth position in a family. The Ottaviani family primarily hails from Italy and can be traced back to the medieval period. The earliest recorded instances of this surname can be found in the region of Lazio, specifically in the city of Rome. Over time, the Ottaviani family spread across various regions in Italy, including Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Sicily. Many individuals with the last name Ottaviani immigrated to other countries during the 19th and 20th centuries, such as the United States, Argentina, and Brazil. Today, the Ottaviani surname is relatively uncommon, but it still carries a sense of ancestral pride and heritage for those who bear it.