Last Name Rolli

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rolli

The meaning and origin of the last name Rolli

The surname Rolli is of Italian origin, derived from various places named Rolli throughout Italy. The most prominent among these locations are Rolli di Sarezzo in the province of Bergamo, Rolli in the province of Lodi, and Rolli di Cingoli in the Marche region. The name's etymology is thought to be related to a topographical feature or a local landmark, as many Italian surnames originate from such geographic indicators. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have been subject to variations due to regional dialects and historical record keeping. In English, the name can be spelled as Rolli, Rolle, or Roli, among other variants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rolli

The surname Rolli is predominantly found in Italy, with a significant concentration in regions such as Liguria and Piedmont. In Liguria, it is particularly common in the provinces of Genoa, La Spezia, and Savona. The name also appears frequently in Piedmont, specifically in the provinces of Asti and Cuneo. Outside Italy, Rolli can be found in Switzerland, where it may have been carried by Italian immigrants. In the United States, individuals with the surname Rolli are most commonly found in California, New York, and Florida, likely due to immigration from Italy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, small populations of Rolli can be found in other countries with significant Italian diaspora communities, such as Argentina, Brazil, and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rolli

The surname Rolli can be found with various spelling variants and regional differences across different countries. Some common variations include: Rolley, Rollay, Rolliay, Rollia, Rolly, and Rollie. These alterations may arise due to factors such as phonetic changes, transliteration from other languages, or local dialects over time. In a European context, the name Rolli might be found predominantly in regions like Switzerland, Italy, and France, where it could potentially have Italian, German, or French origins. However, it's important to note that surnames can also change through migration and assimilation, making their original meanings or places of origin sometimes difficult to pinpoint. Nonetheless, Rolli remains a unique and interesting name with diverse variations that reflect the mobility and history of its bearers.

Famous people with the last name Rolli

Notable individuals with the surname Rolli include:

1. Hans Rolli (1924-2016), a Swiss ski jumper who won a silver medal at the 1948 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz.

2. Paul Rolli (born 1957), an American organist, conductor, and musicologist known for his work on medieval and renaissance music.

3. René Rolli (1909-1967), a Swiss bobsledder who competed in the late 1920s and early 1930s and won a silver medal in the four-man event at the 1932 Winter Olympics.

4. Thomas Rolli (born 1983), a Swiss professional ice hockey player currently playing for EHC Visp of the Swiss League (NL).

5. Peter Rolli (born 1966), a German former footballer who played as a goalkeeper, best known for his time at Borussia Dortmund and the Germany national team.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as sports, music, and athletics.

Genealogical research on the last name Rolli

The surname Rolli originates from Italy and is primarily found in the regions of Tuscany and Liguria. It is derived from various place names across these regions, such as Rolla or Rolle, which were originally toponyms indicating someone who lived near a specific hill or mountain. Some early records show that the surname was first documented in the 12th century, with Giovanni de Rollis being mentioned in the Florentine archives in 1198. The name became widespread throughout Italy during the Middle Ages as people migrated from rural areas to cities seeking work and protection. Notable figures with the last name Rolli include the Italian painter Giuseppe Maria Rolli, who lived in the 17th century, and the composer Gaetano Rolli, active in the 18th century. Today, there are estimated to be over 50,000 individuals worldwide bearing the surname Rolli.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "rolli"
• 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 : 25 July 2025