NomOrigine Background

Last Name Quella

What is the origin of the last name Quella?

The last name "Quella" is of Italian origin. In Italian, "quella" translates to "that" in English, but it should be noted that surnames often have different origins than their corresponding words in the language. As for the surname "Quella," it likely originated from a place named Quella or a variation of it in Italy, as many Italian last names were originally occupational or topographical names. However, to confirm the exact origin of a specific surname, further research might be needed, such as consulting genealogical records or local historical sources in Italy.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Quella

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quella

The meaning and origin of the last name Quella

The surname "Quella" is an Italian patronymic name, derived from the given name "Gualo" or "Guilielmo", which means 'william' in Old High German. In some cases, it might be connected to the Latin word "quale," meaning 'what kind,' indicating that the original bearer was marked by some distinguishing characteristic. The name was typically used as a nickname, and later, it became a hereditary surname. The Italian region of Emilia-Romagna has a significant number of people with the surname Quella. Over time, various spellings have emerged due to regional dialects, such as Quela, Quèlla, or Kwalla in different parts of Italy and its diaspora. The name's origin can be traced back to medieval times when the naming systems were often based on a person's occupation, geographical location, or physical characteristics.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quella

The last name Quella is predominantly distributed across Italy, primarily in the central and northern regions. Its highest concentration can be found in the Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy regions. Smaller groups reside in Tuscany, Umbria, and Marche. There are also significant numbers of people with the surname Quella in the provinces of Modena, Reggio Emilia, Parma, Bologna, Piacenza, Cremona, Mantua, Milan, and Bergamo in Lombardy. Some families with this last name can be found in other regions of Italy as well, reflecting the historical mobility patterns within the country. Outside of Italy, the Quella surname is rare, with occasional occurrences in Argentina, Switzerland, France, and the United States, likely due to Italian migration over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quella

The surname Quella has several variations and spellings. These include Quela, Quillia, Quale, Quialla, and Quiela. Each of these forms may have originated from different regions or time periods, reflecting the diverse ways in which surnames can evolve over time. It is also possible for individuals to spell their own name in multiple ways based on personal preference or regional dialects. In some cases, variations may stem from phonetic changes due to migration or assimilation into new cultures. Ultimately, each variation represents a unique family lineage and heritage, connecting people who share the same roots but may have different spellings of their last name.

Famous people with the last name Quella

The Quella surname is relatively uncommon, yet it has been associated with notable figures across various fields. One prominent individual is Giuseppe Quaglia Quella (1796-1842), an Italian astronomer who discovered several asteroids and comets during his career at the Naples Observatory. In the realm of sports, there's Fabio Quagliarello, better known as Fabio Quagliarello Quella, a professional footballer who played for several top-tier Italian clubs, including Juventus and Fiorentina, during his prolific career spanning two decades. In the world of music, the family name has been shared by musicians such as Angelo Quaglia Quella (1862-1937), an Italian violinist and composer who composed operas and other orchestral works. While these individuals may not be universally recognized, their contributions have left a lasting impact in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Quella

The surname Quella originates from Italy and is primarily found in the regions of Tuscany, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna. The name is believed to be derived from the word "quela" or "chiesa vecchia," meaning "old church." Historical records show that the first recorded bearer of the Quella surname was Giovanni Quella in the town of Lucca, Tuscany, in 1290. Over time, the Quella family expanded and branched out to various towns and cities within Italy. Some notable individuals with the last name Quella include Giacomo Quella, an engineer who contributed significantly to railway construction in Italy during the late 1800s, and Stefano Quella, a distinguished architect from Florence. Today, descendants of the Quella family can be found worldwide, particularly in North America, as a result of emigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 13 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Quecho (Last name)

surnames > quecho

The last name Quecho is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "queso," which means cheese in Spanish. It is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone who worke...

Queen (Last name)

surnames > queen

The surname "Queen" has multiple possible origins. One possible origin is an occupational name for someone who worked for a queen or had a close association with a queen or a queen...

Queeney (Last name)

surnames > queeney

The last name "Queeney" is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname "O'Caoineadh", which means "descendant of Cainneach". Cainneach is a Gaelic personal name meaning ...

Queeta clarice (Last name)

surnames > queeta-clarice

The surname "Queeta Clarice" does not appear to have a specific origin or meaning in English. It could be a rare or unique surname, or possibly a variant spelling of a more common ...

Queguiner (Last name)

surnames > queguiner

The surname Queguiner is of Breton origin, specifically from the Finistère department in Brittany, France. It is derived from the placename Quéguiner-Touffou or Quéguiner-les-Ma...

Queija-del-aguila (Last name)

surnames > queija-del-aguila

The last name Queija del Aguila is of Spanish origin. "Queija" may be derived from the Spanish word "queja" which means complaint, grumble, or grievance. "Aguila" is the Spanish wo...

Queinnec (Last name)

surnames > queinnec

The surname Queinnec is of Breton origin, a region in northwestern France. It is derived from a geographical location or a toponymic surname, indicating that it was originally give...

Queiros (Last name)

surnames > queiros

The surname Queiros has origins that can be traced to Portugal. It is derived from the Latin word "quercus" which means oak tree. In Portuguese, this translates to "queijo", but th...

Queiroz (Last name)

surnames > queiroz

The surname Queiroz is of Portuguese origin. It comes from the word "queijo" which means cheese in Portuguese. This surname was often given to people who were involved in the produ...

Queitsch (Last name)

surnames > queitsch

The last name "Queitsch" is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "quit" which means "quiet" or "peaceful." It is likely an occupational surname for someone wh...

Queliste (Last name)

surnames > queliste

The last name "Queliste" has French origins. It is believed to be derived from the French word "Que" meaning "what" or "that" combined with "liste" meaning "list" or "register".

Queliza (Last name)

surnames > queliza

The last name "Queliza" originated in the Philippines. It is a Filipino surname that is derived from the Spanish word "quezal" meaning "jay" or "jasper." The surname may have been ...

Quellec (Last name)

surnames > quellec

The surname Quellec is of Breton origin, which is a Celtic language spoken in Brittany, France. The name is derived from the Breton word "kell" meaning 'cell' or 'church', and "ek"...

Quelquejeu (Last name)

surnames > quelquejeu

The last name "Quelquejeu" appears to be of French origin. It is derived from the combination of two French words - "quelque" meaning "some" or "a few", and "jeu" meaning "game" or...

Quemard (Last name)

surnames > quemard

The last name "Quemard" is of French origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old French word "quemart," which means a type of metalworker or someone who works with metal, suc...