Last Name Sole

The surname "Sole" has Italian origins and is derived from the Latin word "solum," meaning ground or soil. It was typically given to someone who lived on or near a piece of land, or perhaps someone who worked with or traded in soles (fish) if the name originated in coastal areas. The name may also have been given as a nickname for someone who had a tanned complexion, as the sun (Sole in Italian) would shine on their face more due to their occupation. This surname can be found primarily in Italy and other countries with significant Italian diaspora.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sole

The meaning and origin of the last name Sole

The surname Sole originates from multiple sources, primarily Italian, Spanish, French, and Jewish origins. In Italian and Spanish, "sole" means 'sun'. This surname could have been given to someone with fair complexion or a temperament as bright as the sun. In French, it is a diminutive form of Solange, a female name derived from the Latin Solania, meaning 'of the sun'. In Jewish origin, Sole could be an abbreviation of Solomon, a Hebrew name that means 'peaceful one' or 'man of peace'. In all cases, the surname Sole signifies something connected to the sun - brightness, warmth, energy, or peace.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sole

The surname Sole is predominantly found in regions with Italian-speaking populations, as it is an Italian patronymic derived from the word "sole" meaning sun in English. A significant concentration of individuals bearing this name can be found in Italy itself, particularly in Central and Northern regions such as Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. Additionally, large Italian diaspora communities around the world have contributed to the global distribution of the surname Sole. In North America, a notable number of Soles can be found in the United States, especially in states like New York, New Jersey, and California, as well as in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Quebec. Similarly, in Europe outside Italy, countries such as France, Spain, and Germany have populations with the surname Sole. It is also present in South American countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, which were heavily influenced by Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sole

The surname Sole has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some of these include: Solé, Sollé, Soley, Solay, Solet, Solae, Solo, Sola, and Sullo. These differences may arise due to regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or the influence of other languages. For example, in French, "Solé" is spelled with an accent mark, whereas in English it is usually written without. Additionally, some families have adapted their surname to better fit the local pronunciation and orthography of the region they moved to. These variations serve as a reminder of the rich history and diversity that exists within family names across the globe.

Famous people with the last name Sole

Notable individuals with the surname Sole include:

1. Soledad O'Brien - An American journalist and documentary filmmaker who has worked for CNN and HBO. She is also the founder of Starfish Media Group, an independent production company that focuses on content about social issue documentaries.

2. Alessandro Sole - A professional footballer from Italy who plays as a midfielder for Serie B club Cosenza Calcio. He started his career at A.C. Milan and also played for other Italian clubs like Genoa, Spezia, and Perugia.

3. Soledad Barrio - A Spanish dancer and choreographer known for her work in flamenco. She has been a principal dancer with the Compañía Nacional de Danza since 1987 and is considered one of the leading figures in contemporary flamenco dance.

4. Jannis Soleimo - A German footballer who plays as a forward for Bundesliga club SC Freiburg. He made his professional debut with the team in 2013 and has been a regular member since then.

5. Solomon Soleilmán - An American musician, record producer, and DJ known for co-founding the electronic music group Major Lazer. His work has been recognized by Grammy Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.

Genealogical research on the last name Sole

The surname Sole, Italian in origin, is derived from the word "sole" meaning sun in Italian. It is believed to have been occupied by various individuals during the Middle Ages, particularly in regions like Lombardy, Tuscany, and Veneto. Some of the earliest known bearers of this name include Giovanni Sole, who was documented in Florence, Italy in 1290, and Pietro Sole, a notary in Bologna around the same time. The family later expanded to other parts of Italy and subsequently, Europe due to various migrations throughout history. Notable descendants include Bartolomeo Sorelli da Sole (also known as Bartolomeo della Porta), an Italian polymath who made significant contributions to the fields of medicine, botany, and engineering in the 16th century. The Sole family lineage continues to be traced across Italy and other parts of the world today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Sole"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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