Last Name Ottonello

The surname Ottonello is an Italian patronymic surname derived from the given name Otto, which has Germanic origins. In Germanic languages, Otto means "wealth" or "riches." The "-ello" suffix is a diminutive form commonly added to personal names in Italy, suggesting that the original bearer of this name was perhaps young or small when they first acquired it. The name may have been brought to Italy by German settlers, or it could have originated from a local Italian family who adopted the name due to its positive connotations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ottonello

The meaning and origin of the last name Ottonello

The surname Ottonello is an Italian variant derived from the given name Otto, which means "wealth" or "prosperity" in Germanic languages. It is believed to have originated from various regions in Italy, particularly Tuscany and Lombardy, where it was often associated with individuals who were of noble or wealthy status due to its association with the ancient German name. The Italian suffix "-ello" is commonly used to form diminutive or affectionate forms of nouns or names, giving Ottonello a softer or more endearing connotation in some contexts. Like many surnames, Ottonello's origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages when personal names began to be used as family identifiers, often reflecting the individual's occupation, geographical location, or physical characteristics. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon name both in Italy and among Italian-American communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ottonello

The surname Ottonello is primarily distributed across Italy, with a significant concentration in regions such as Veneto and Lombardy, particularly in cities like Verona, Vicenza, Milan, and Bergamo. This suggests that the name may have originated from one of these areas during the Middle Ages. Migration patterns have spread the name to other parts of Italy, but it remains most frequent in its regions of origin. Beyond Italy, Ottonello is rarely found, with occasional occurrences in Argentina and Brazil, where Italian immigration has historically been significant. The name's rarity elsewhere reflects its strong association with Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ottonello

The surname Ottonello has several variations and spellings in English and other languages due to historical and regional factors. Some common variations include:

* Ottonele
* Ottonello
* Ottenello
* Ottenelle
* Ottinelli
* Ottonelli
* Ottoniello
* Ottonellos

These variations may appear in different countries, reflecting differences in pronunciation and spelling conventions. For example, in Italy, where the name originates from, it is often spelled as "Ottonello." In other regions, such as the United States or Spain, slight modifications to the spelling can occur due to linguistic differences and local phonetic rules. It's essential to understand that these variations are not necessarily indicative of different family lines or branches but may result from dialectal or transcription differences over time and place.

Famous people with the last name Ottonello

Notable individuals bearing the surname Ottonello include:

1) Giuseppe Ottonello (born 1962), an Italian composer and conductor known for his works in opera, symphonic music, and contemporary music. He has been the music director of several prestigious orchestras such as the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi.

2) Leonetto Cappiello Ottonello (1899-1942), an Italian Futurist artist and designer who was a leading figure in the early 20th century art movement. His works were exhibited at the 1914 Futurist Exhibition of Paintings in New York City.

3) Raffaele Ottonello (born 1967), an Italian footballer who played as a defender for several clubs during his career, most notably Napoli and Sampdoria. He also represented the Italy national team at the 1990 FIFA World Cup.

Genealogical research on the last name Ottonello

The Ottonello surname originates from Italy and is believed to have its roots in various regions such as Veneto and Tuscany. The name can be traced back to the medieval period, with its earliest known records dating to the 12th century. It is derived from the personal name Ottone, a variant of Otto or Odo, both of which mean "wealth" or "prosperity" in Germanic languages. In Italy, these names were popularized by the Normans, who invaded and ruled the country during the Middle Ages. Over time, the Ottonello surname spread across Italy as families migrated and settled in different regions. Notable bearers of the Ottonello name include artists, musicians, and political figures throughout Italian history. Today, Ottonellos can be found worldwide, with significant populations in Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. Genealogical research on this surname continues to uncover new insights into its history and origins.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "ottonello"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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