Last Name Quaglio

The surname "Quaglio" is of Italian origin. It derives from various places in Lombardy and Tuscany, where it was first recorded during the Middle Ages as a topographical name for someone who lived by a quarry or a place with loose stones (from Latin: roca, quarrata, "quarry" or "pitted ground"). It can also be an occupational name for a stonecutter or quarryman. The spelling variations of this surname include Quagliotti, Quaglia, and Quagliani among others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quaglio

The meaning and origin of the last name Quaglio

The surname Quaglio is an Italian cognomen, originating from the region of Lombardy, specifically in provinces like Milan or Brescia. The name derives from the Italian word "quaglia," which means "quail" in English, indicating a probable occupation as a falconer or hunter. Over time, occupational surnames were a common practice in Italy, providing a way to identify one's profession, trade, or place of origin within a community. The name may have also been used metaphorically for individuals who were swift and agile, like the quail bird. As with many Italian surnames, variations such as Quaglieri, Quaglia, or Quagliano may exist due to regional dialects, spelling changes, or migration patterns throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quaglio

The surname Quaglio is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the Lombardy region, where it is most frequent in provinces such as Bergamo, Brescia, and Lecco. It also has a significant presence in the Piedmont region, particularly in Turin. Outside of Italy, the distribution of the surname Quaglio is relatively low but can be found in other Italian-speaking countries like Switzerland, Argentina, and Brazil due to historical migration patterns. In the United States, there are notable concentrations of people with the last name Quaglio in states like New York, Illinois, California, Florida, and Pennsylvania, largely as a result of Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The worldwide distribution of the surname Quaglio is primarily concentrated in countries with significant Italian diaspora communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quaglio

The surname Quaglio has various spellings and variations, stemming from its Italian origin. Some common spelling variations include: Quaglio, Quaggio, Quaglione, Quagliata, Quaggiari, Quaggiolo, and Quagliani. These differences arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors during immigration, and changes in family preference over time. Despite these variations, they all share a common ancestry and root in the Italian language.

Famous people with the last name Quaglio

The Quaglio surname is associated with several notable individuals across various fields. In music, Andrea Quaglio (born 1968) is an Italian harpsichordist and organist, known for his performances in Europe and the United States. In architecture, Giovanni Battista Quaglio (1776-1832) was a prominent Swiss architect and stage designer who worked extensively in Milan, Italy. He designed numerous public buildings, including the Teatro alla Scala. In science, Marcello Quaglio Cochi (born 1943) is an Italian pediatrician and epidemiologist, known for his work on immunization policies and the control of vaccine-preventable diseases. Lastly, in the arts, Cristina Quagliuolo is a contemporary Italian artist who explores themes of identity, memory, and migration through her installations and performances. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact on their industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Quaglio

The surname Quaglio originates from the Italian region Lombardy and is derived from the word "quaglia," meaning "partridge" in Italian. One of the earliest records of the name dates back to the late Middle Ages, specifically in the town of Vigano San Martino in Brescia, Lombardy. The Quaglio family has been recorded as noble and distinguished in this region since the 15th century. Notable members include Alessandro Quaglio (1743-1829), a famous sculptor, and Carlo Quaglio (1860-1906), an architect who designed several buildings in Milan. The Quaglio family has also spread to other regions of Italy as well as to Switzerland, Argentina, the United States, and Canada due to migration during the 19th and 20th centuries. Genealogical research on the Quaglio family reveals a rich history of artistic, architectural, and civic contributions spanning several centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Quaglio"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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