Last Name Pozzoli

The surname Pozzoli is believed to have Italian origins, derived from various locations in Italy bearing the same name. Some of these places include Pozzol Engadina in Switzerland (Italian-speaking region), Pozzolo Formigaro and Pozzolo Michael, both in Lombardy, Italy, and Pozzoli di Voghera, also in Lombardy. The name is thought to be of topographic origin, referring to someone who lived near a place where pozzolana, a volcanic soil used as a construction material, was extracted or sold. The word "pozzolana" may have evolved from the Latin word "pulvis puteolanus," meaning "putty from Pozzuoli." Pozzuoli is a town in Campania, Italy, where this type of soil was first discovered and used extensively in Roman times for construction purposes due to its unique properties, such as improved resistance to water and acids. However, it's essential to note that the specific origin of the surname Pozzoli for an individual may vary depending on their family history and geographical region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pozzoli

The meaning and origin of the last name Pozzoli

The surname Pozzoli is of Italian origin, derived from various places in Italy bearing the same name. The most notable among them is Pozzoli, a town near Pavia in Lombardy, and Pozzolo Formigaro, a municipality in the Province of Piacenza. The name itself stems from the Latin "podium" or "podiculum," meaning "platform" or "small mound." It is believed that the surname originally referred to someone who lived on a small elevated piece of land, or it may have been a topographic name for someone who resided near such a mound. Over time, Pozzoli became a common Italian surname, often found among Italian immigrants in various parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pozzoli

The surname Pozzoli is primarily found in Italy, specifically within the Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy regions. These two regions are located in northern Italy. Emilia-Romagna borders the Po River to the south, while Lombardy lies along the Alps and the Po Valley. Historically, both areas have been influential in Italian culture and economy, which may contribute to the concentration of the Pozzoli surname in these regions. Beyond Italy, smaller populations of individuals with the surname Pozzoli can be found in other parts of Europe and the Americas, particularly in countries with significant Italian immigrant communities such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pozzoli

The surname Pozzoli has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations over time. Some common variations include Pozolli, Pazzoli, and Pozzolini. These variations may arise from slight phonetic changes or regional dialects, such as dropping the final 'i' sound, adding an extra 'a' before the 'o', or adding the suffix '-ini'. Additionally, there might be misspellings such as Pozoly or Pazolli due to typographical errors. It's essential to note that these variations can make genealogical research more challenging but also offer insights into the family's history and migration patterns.

Famous people with the last name Pozzoli

Notable individuals with the surname Pozzoli include:

1. Giuseppe Pozzoli (1839-1920), an Italian painter who was active during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods, known for his frescoes in churches throughout Italy.

2. Franco Pozzoli (b. 1961), a contemporary Italian artist recognized for his large-scale murals that fuse traditional oil painting techniques with street art. His work has been exhibited worldwide.

3. Silvia Pozzoli (b. 1975), an Italian mathematician specializing in mathematical logic and set theory. She is a professor at the University of Bonn, Germany, and has published numerous papers in prestigious journals.

4. Alessandro Pozzoli (b. 1980), an Italian journalist who has worked for various international media outlets. He is known for his coverage of war zones and humanitarian crises around the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Pozzoli

The Pozzoli surname is of Italian origin, stemming from various regions such as Lombardy, Piedmont, and Emilia-Romagna. Historically, it has been associated with professions like stonecutters and bricklayers due to its etymological roots in the Italian word "pozzolo," meaning "mud or clay." The family can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with recorded instances of Pozzoli families living in cities such as Milan, Genoa, and Turin during this period. In the 16th century, many Pozzoli families migrated to other parts of Italy and later to other countries due to political and economic reasons. Notable bearers of the surname include Giuseppe Pozzoli, an Italian sculptor, and Stefano Pozzoli, a contemporary painter known for his hyperrealistic portraits. Today, the Pozzoli family is widespread across various countries, primarily in Italy and other European nations, with smaller populations in North and South America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "pozzoli"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends