Last Name Paolozzi

The surname Paolozzi is of Italian origin. It derives from a personal name, Paolo, which means "little Paul" in Greek and was popularized by Saint Paul during the Christian era. Over time, it evolved into various forms in different regions, with Paolozzi being one such variation. In Italy, many surnames originated from the naming of an individual's occupation or place of residence, but this is not the case for Paolozzi, which is primarily a patronymic name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Paolozzi

The meaning and origin of the last name Paolozzi

The surname Paolozzi is an Italian name with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. It derives from the given name Paolo, which means 'small' or 'humble' in Italian. Over time, it evolved into various spellings, including Paolini, Paolozzi, and others. The surname Paolozzi became more prominent due to the renowned British-Italian artist Richard Hamilton Paolozzi (1925-2005), who was a significant figure in the development of modern British art. His work is characterized by his exploration of popular culture, science fiction, and mass media imagery. As such, the name has gained notoriety in both Italian and English-speaking communities due to his artistic contributions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Paolozzi

The surname Paolozzi is predominantly Italian in origin and has its highest concentration within Italy, particularly in regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. However, due to migration, it can also be found in various countries with significant Italian populations. For instance, the United Kingdom and the United States have substantial numbers of individuals bearing the name Paolozzi. In the UK, London is a notable city where the surname is well-represented, likely due to historical Italian immigration. In the US, it can be found in urban centers with large Italian communities like New York City and Philadelphia. While the distribution is mainly European, there are also instances of Paolozzi families in countries such as Australia, Canada, and South Africa, a testament to the global dispersion of Italian emigrants over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Paolozzi

The surname Paolozzi can be found with various spellings and minor variations due to differences in transcription and translation. Some common versions include:

1. Paolozzi - This is the most common spelling of the name, which is Italian in origin. It comes from a patronymic surname derived from the given name Paolo.
2. Palozzi - A slightly altered version of the original Italian spelling, with "a" being replaced by "o" in the second syllable. This spelling can also be found among people of Italian descent living outside Italy.
3. Paulozy - A less common variation that may result from phonetic transcription or misinterpretation of the original Italian spelling.
4. Palozziy - Another uncommon variation, where the "z" is replaced by a "y".
5. Paolozziy or Paolozzy - These variations are even less common and may be found among individuals who have altered their surname in an attempt to modernize it or make it more phonetically consistent with English pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Paolozzi

The Paolozzi family is notable for its contributions to art and academia. One of the most renowned members is Italian-born British artist Richard Hamilton (1922-2011), best known for his work in the Pop Art movement, particularly the piece "Just what is it that makes today's homes so different, so appealing?" He collaborated on the development of this art movement with fellow artists such as Richard Smith and Peter Blake. Another prominent figure is Eduardo Paolozzi (1924-2005), a Scottish artist also associated with the Pop Art movement, who was known for his work in sculpture, collage, and printmaking. His most famous works include the kinetic sculpture "The Walls of Atlantis" and the mosaics for London's Tottenham Court Road Underground station. Both artists have had significant influences on modern art.

Genealogical research on the last name Paolozzi

Paolozzi is an Italian surname predominantly found among populations with Italian ancestry. Originating from southern Italy, particularly in regions like Calabria and Sicily, it's a patronymic name derived from the personal name Paolo, meaning "small" or "humble." The family name Paolozzi has been traced back to the 16th century, with some of its earliest known records found in the city of Palermo, Sicily. Over time, members of this lineage migrated to other parts of Italy and eventually dispersed across various continents due to migrations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, establishing significant Paolozzi communities in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Notable bearers of the surname include the British artist Richard Hamilton and Italian politician Enzo Paolozzi.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "paolozzi"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends