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Last Name Possamai-della

What is the origin of the last name Possamai-della?

The surname Possamai-Della appears to be a composite Italian surname, made up of two distinct components: "Possamai" and "Della". 1. Possamai: This surname is most commonly found in Italy and is thought to have origins from the medieval Latin word "possamen", meaning "possum" or "wildcat" in English. It could also be a variant of the name "Bussani", which has a similar origin, derived from the Old Italian word "bussa" meaning "boar". 2. Della: This is a very common Italian suffix, originally used to indicate noble status or belonging to a specific place. It comes from the Latin "de", meaning "from" or "of", followed by the name of the place or estate. For example, "Della Rocca" means "of the rock". It's important to note that surnames have a long and complex history in Italy, with many different origins and meanings. Some Italian surnames are occupational (like Smith or Baker), while others are topographical (related to geography), patronymic (derived from the father's name), or even nicknames. However, it's always a good idea to consult more authoritative sources if you want to find out the specific origins of your surname, as they may have additional information or insights based on historical records and genealogical research.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Possamai-della

The meaning and origin of the last name Possamai-della

The surname Possamai-Della is a compound Italian surname, formed by merging two separate names: Possamai and Della.

The name Possamai likely originates from the Middle Ages, derived from the occupational name "Posso mietitore di mele" (one who collects apples), or possibly from a local place name in Northern Italy. Over time, variations of this surname include Possamiai, Possamais, and Pussamai.

The additional suffix "Della" is a common Italian noble title meaning "of the," indicating either territorial origins (for example, "Della Torre," or "Della Rocca") or noble lineage. The use of this title was not exclusive to nobility; it could also be used by non-noble families who wished to emphasize their local or ancestral roots.

Combined, Possamai-Della would represent a family that either held a notable position related to apple harvesting, originated from a specific place, or claimed noble lineage in Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Possamai-della

The surname Possamai-Della has its origins primarily in Italy, specifically from the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. However, due to migration over centuries, it has also been found in other parts of Europe and the Americas. In Italy, the highest concentration is observed in the cities of Bologna, Florence, and Ravenna. The diaspora has led to the presence of individuals with the surname Possamai-Della in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. Notable communities can be found in urban centers like New York City, Toronto, Sydney, and Sao Paulo. It's important to note that the distribution is not evenly spread across these regions, with some clusters indicating potential origins or historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Possamai-della

The surname Possamai-Della can be found with various spellings and variations due to differences in translation, transcription errors, and personal preferences over time. Some possible variations include:

1. Possamay-Della
2. Possamai del Della
3. Possamai della Della
4. Possamai da Della
5. Possamai di Della
6. Possamai della
7. Possamay della
8. Possamai de la Della
9. Possamai d'ella
10. Possamai dela Della
11. Possamai della Dea
12. Possamai dell'Aquila
13. Possamai dell'Ella
14. Possamai della Ella
15. Possamai della Elia

It is essential to note that these variations may arise from differences in dialect, regional pronunciation, or the intentional alteration of spelling for personal or aesthetic reasons. The correct spelling might depend on the specific family or individual in question.

Famous people with the last name Possamai-della

The Possamai-Dellas are a notable family of Italian descent, known for their significant contributions in various fields. Notable individuals include:

1. Maria Rosaria Possamai-Della (born 1947), an Italian-Australian singer and songwriter who has released numerous albums and performed throughout Europe, Australia, and the United States.

2. Francesco Possamai-Della (born 1960), an Italian lawyer and politician who served as a Member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2009, representing the Italian Democratic Party.

3. Antonello Possamai-Della (born 1975), an Italian entrepreneur who co-founded Penta Consulting Group, one of Italy's leading consulting firms.

These individuals have made their mark in music, politics, and business, demonstrating the versatility and accomplishments within the Possamai-Della family.

Genealogical research on the last name Possamai-della

The Possamai-Della surname is an Italian compound name, originating from two distinct names: Possamai and Della. The name Possamai is believed to have been derived from the medieval occupation nickname for a seller or maker of small birds' cages, known as "possamo" in Italian.

The Della suffix is a common Italian aristocratic and noble title, indicating a person of noble birth or high social status. The combination of these two names suggests that individuals bearing this surname may have originated from a family that initially had a trade-related name (Possamai) but later acquired noble status (Della).

The Possamai family is believed to have originated in the region of Emilia-Romagna, specifically in the town of Modena. The Della part of the surname suggests a possible connection to various Italian nobility families with similar names, although specific links have yet to be definitively established. Further genealogical research would be needed to trace the exact lineage and historical events related to this surname.

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 : 27 July 2025

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