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Last Name Revelli

What is the origin of the last name Revelli?

The surname Revelli has Italian origins. It is derived from a given name such as Rovello, which was a pet form of names containing the root 'Robert' in Italian. This name could have been an occupational name for someone who lived near a place called Rovello, or it may have been a nickname for a person with red hair (rovo meaning "red" in Italian). The use of this surname can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Revelli

The meaning and origin of the last name Revelli

The surname Revelli is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Rivello, which was a diminutive form of the personal name Riccardo (Richard) or Roberto (Robert). This name's origin can be traced back to the Middle Ages, specifically during the late 10th or early 11th century. The original bearer of this name would have been given a nickname based on his physical characteristics, such as his red hair (rovo in Italian), and over time, this nickname evolved into the surname Revelli, signifying 'little Richard' or 'little Robert'. Throughout history, various branches of the Revelli family have emerged across Italy, contributing to different aspects of society, particularly in areas known for their craftsmanship and artisanal skills.

Geographical distribution of the last name Revelli

The surname Revelli has its roots primarily in Italy, where it is most prevalent due to historical reasons and migration patterns. According to genealogical databases, Revelli is particularly common in the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont, notably in cities such as Milan, Turin, and Bergamo. The name also has a presence in other Italian-speaking regions like Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Outside Italy, there are significant numbers of people with the last name Revelli in Argentina, Switzerland, and the United States, reflecting the global migration of Italians over the centuries. In Argentina, Revelli is most common in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Santa Fe. In Switzerland, it is predominantly found in the canton of Ticino, which shares a border with Italy's Lombardy region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Revelli

The surname Revelli can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some common variants include Reveлли, Revelly, Revelei, and Rivellii. These variations may stem from slight misspellings during the process of migration or from regional dialects influencing pronunciation and subsequent spelling. Additionally, it's important to note that some families may have intentionally altered their surnames for various reasons, such as assimilation or to escape persecution. Therefore, while Revelli is the primary spelling of the name, these variations are also considered legitimate forms of the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Revelli

The Revelli family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One prominent figure is Giuseppe Revelli (1847-1930), an Italian architect who designed several iconic buildings in Turin, including the Mole Antonelliana and the Palazzo delle Poste. In the world of music, Franco Revelli (born 1956) is a renowned Italian composer, conductor, and music educator. He has composed works for various ensembles and orchestras, and served as the principal conductor of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. On the athletic front, Fabio Revelli (born 1972) is a retired professional tennis player from Italy. He reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 35 in 1998 and won three doubles titles. Lastly, in the field of mathematics, Alessandro Revelli (born 1964) is an Italian mathematician known for his contributions to the theory of automorphic forms and arithmetic algebraic geometry.

Genealogical research on the last name Revelli

The surname Revelli originates from Italy and is primarily found in the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. Its etymology is derived from the personal name Rovo, which was common during the Middle Ages. This name was often used as a byname to indicate someone's place of origin or a physical characteristic, leading to the formation of surnames. The Revelli family can be traced back to the 12th century, with notable members including the Genoese admiral Pietro Revellino and the composer Giovanni Battista Revelli. In the diaspora, the Revellis have been recorded in various countries such as Switzerland, France, Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. The most common variants of this name include Revel, Reveley, Reveill, and Revell.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 28 July 2025

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