Last Name Quaglia

The surname Quaglia is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "qualea" meaning thornbush or bramble, and was likely a topographic name for someone who lived near such a plant. Alternatively, it could be an occupational name for a gatherer of thorns. The use of surnames originated as a way for individuals to be identified, especially in regions where population density was high and people had similar names. In Italy, the custom of adopting fixed hereditary surnames began in the 10th century but did not become widespread until the 14th century.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quaglia

The meaning and origin of the last name Quaglia

The surname Quaglia originates from Italy and is derived from the Italian word "quaglia," which means partridge. It is a topographic name for someone who lived near an area where partridges were common, or an occupational name for a gamekeeper or hunter who specialized in hunting partridges. The surname Quaglia has been recorded in various regions of Italy since the Middle Ages and has several variants, including Quaglino, Quaglietta, Quaglia-Pesci, and Quaglio. It is believed that the name was originally a nickname for someone who resembled a partridge or had some other connection to these birds. The surname is still common in Italy today and can be found among Italian immigrants around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quaglia

The surname Quaglia, which originates from Italy and is derived from the occupation of a falconer or someone who works with hawks, has a predominant presence within Italian-speaking regions. According to various sources, it is most frequently found in areas such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Piedmont, and Tuscany. The name also appears with some frequency in Switzerland, particularly in the Italian-speaking cantons of Ticino and Graubünden. Outside Italy and Switzerland, Quaglia is less common but can be found in other parts of Europe, North and South America, as well as Australia and New Zealand, due to migration and diaspora over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quaglia

The surname Quaglia has several variations and spellings due to transcription errors over time and regional differences in pronunciation. Some of these variants include: Quagliara, Quagliaro, Quaglieri, Quagliano, Quagliera, Quaglierini, and Quaglino. Additionally, there may be slight variations in spelling based on the specific language or country. For example, in Italian-American families, the surname might also appear as Quagliarolo, Quagliaroli, or Quagliaolo. These variations can make genealogical research challenging but also interesting, as they offer insights into the migration patterns and cultural assimilation of individuals bearing this name.

Famous people with the last name Quaglia

Notable individuals with the surname Quaglia include:

1. Alessandro Quaglia (born 1973), an Italian football goalkeeper who played for several clubs including Juventus, Inter Milan, and Fiorentina. He also represented the Italy national team.

2. Fabio Quagliarella (born 1983), a professional footballer from Italy who plays as a forward for Sampdoria and the Italian national team. He has previously played for clubs like Udinese, Juventus, and Torino.

3. Giuseppe Quaglia (1724-1776), an Italian composer and violinist of the classical period who worked in London during the mid-18th century. His operas were popular in his time.

4. Silvia Quaglia (born 1950), an Italian architect who has won numerous awards for her work, including the Compasso d'Oro in 2006. She is known for her design of cultural and institutional buildings.

5. Simone Quagliariello (born 1997), an Italian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club SSC Napoli. He has also played for the Italy national team at youth levels.

Each of these individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, be it sports or art.

Genealogical research on the last name Quaglia

The surname Quaglia, of Italian origin, is derived from the occupational name for a falconer, "gaioleiro" in Italian, as falcons were referred to as "quaglie." Historically, it was common for Italian surnames to originate from occupations, physical characteristics, geographical locations, or clan names. The Quaglia family is believed to have originated in the region of Lombardy, specifically around Milan, where they held significant influence during the Middle Ages. Over time, members of the Quaglia family migrated to various parts of Italy and other European countries, such as France and Switzerland, and later to North America, including the United States, Canada, and Argentina. The Quaglias in these regions have made notable contributions to their respective communities, particularly in agriculture, politics, and education.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Quaglia"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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