What is the origin of the last name Soricelli?

The surname Soricelli is of Italian origin. It is derived from the occupational name for a maker or vendor of wooden or earthenware pots and pans, or a nickname for someone thought to resemble such an object because of their short stature or round shape. The name comes from the Italian word "soricco" meaning "pot," which is related to the Latin word "suris" meaning "earthen pot." It's important to note that surnames did not become hereditary in Italy until the late Middle Ages, and their origins can often be traced back to occupations, geographical locations, or physical characteristics.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Soricelli

The meaning and origin of the last name Soricelli

The surname Soricelli is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Sorico, which is a diminutive form of the male given name Soro, itself derived from the medieval personal name Sergio or Sergius, both of Greek origin. The name Sergio comes from 'sergeios,' meaning 'guard' in Greek.

The surname Soricelli specifically refers to someone who was originally named Sorico, but over time, the name evolved into its current form through various phonetic changes and regional variations typical of Italian surnames during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. The ending '-elli' is a common suffix in Southern Italian surnames, often used to denote a diminutive or nickname-derived name.

In essence, the Italian surname Soricelli has its roots in the medieval personal name Sergio, and it is a variation of the original Sorico, with the '-elli' suffix likely indicating a familial or familiar relationship to the bearer of the original name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Soricelli

The last name Soricelli is predominantly Italian in origin and is primarily distributed within Italy, particularly in regions such as Abruzzo, Molise, Lazio, and Campania. It is also found to some extent in other parts of Italy, with smaller concentrations in Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmont. Beyond Italy, Soricelli is also present in countries with significant Italian diaspora populations, such as Argentina, Brazil, the United States, Canada, and Australia. The name's geographical distribution mirrors historical Italian migration patterns, reflecting the cultural exchange that has occurred over time between Italy and other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Soricelli

The surname Soricelli has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Sorcelli, Sorcellelli, Sorcellino, Sorcellis, Sorcellotti, Sorchelli, Sorchelli, and Sorchitelli. These variations may arise from regional dialects, misinterpretations during data entry, or attempts to phonetically represent the name in different languages. Additionally, some families might have adopted slight alterations to their surnames during migrations as a means of assimilation or to simplify pronunciation for local populations.

Famous people with the last name Soricelli

Notable individuals with the surname Soricelli include:

1. Giuseppe Soricelli (1749–1821), an Italian composer and cellist from the Neapolitan School. He was a prolific author of instrumental music, including symphonies, concertos, and operas.

2. Giovanni Soricelli (1806-1869), an Italian violin maker who was part of the Cremona school, renowned for his skill in crafting fine string instruments. His work has been highly valued by musicians such as Niccolò Paganini and Henri Vieuxtemps.

3. Luciano Soricelli (born 1958), an Italian physicist known for his research on the structure of hadrons, particularly the so-called "exotic" hadrons. He has worked at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and authored numerous scientific papers.

4. Giuliana Soricelli (born 1965), an Italian singer-songwriter and actress who gained popularity in Italy during the 1980s with her debut album "Le anime morti." She has since had a successful career in music and television, earning numerous awards and accolades.

Genealogical research on the last name Soricelli

The Soricelli surname originates from Italy and is believed to have derived from the Occitan word "sorc," meaning pig or swine. It was likely originally a nickname for someone who resembled a pig, or perhaps a professional pig farmer or butcher. The first recorded instance of the name dates back to 1295 in Florence, Italy, with Giovanni Soricelli appearing as a witness in a document. Over the centuries, the Soricelli family has been documented in various regions throughout Italy, including Rome, Naples, and Sicily. Notable figures bearing the name include Giuseppe Soricelli, an Italian composer and conductor who lived during the late 1800s, and Franco Soricelli, a renowned physicist known for his work on plasma physics and nuclear fusion research. The surname remains common in Italy today, with the highest concentration of Soricellis found in the Campania region around Naples.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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