Last Name Quella

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

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Quella"
• 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 : 13 June 2025