Last Name Spalla

The surname "Spalla" is an Italian and Jewish (Ashkenazi) name that has several possible origins. In Italian, "spalla" means "shoulder," which could be a topographical name for someone who lived near a hill or high place resembling a shoulder, or it could be an occupational name for someone who had the job of carrying things on his shoulder, such as a porter or soldier. In Jewish (Ashkenazi) communities, "Spalla" can also be a nickname for a person with large shoulders or a strong man, derived from the Yiddish word "spale" meaning "shoulder." It's important to note that surnames didn't become common in Western Europe until the Middle Ages, and even then were usually occupational, geographical, or descriptive of a person's characteristics. Regardless of its specific origin, the name Spalla has been recorded in various regions of Italy since at least the Early Modern period, and among Ashkenazi Jews for several centuries as well.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Spalla

The meaning and origin of the last name Spalla

The surname Spalla is an Italian name derived from the occupational term "spallare," which means to split or flake off in various European languages such as French, German, and Old Norse. Originating in medieval Italy, this surname was likely used to identify a person who worked with or utilized tools that split or chipped materials, such as a woodworker, mason, or quarryman. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved, with variations like Spalli, Spaglia, and Spallone being common in different regions of Italy. The name is also found among Italian immigrants in other parts of the world, where it may have been altered to better conform to local phonetics or recording practices. Today, the surname Spalla is primarily concentrated in Italy but can be found among Italians around the globe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Spalla

The last name Spalla is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the central region of Emilia-Romagna and the neighboring regions of Lombardy, Tuscany, and Marche. It is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of Italy such as Sardinia, Sicily, and Piedmont. A significant number of Spalla descendants can be found outside Italy, primarily in countries with a large Italian diaspora like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina. In these countries, the distribution of the name reflects the migration patterns from the regions mentioned above. Additionally, there are smaller groups of Spallas in countries such as France, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, where Italian immigration occurred to some extent during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Spalla

The surname Spalla has various spelling variants including Spalle, Spallai, Spalas, Spallazzi, Spallino, Spallone, Spalleri, Spallesi, Spallicci, and Spallina, among others. These variations arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors during migration, and individual preferences. The Italian surname Spalla generally means 'small ball' or 'marble', derived from the word 'spalla' meaning 'shoulder'. This name can also be found in some instances in other European countries, particularly those with a significant Italian influence, due to immigration patterns over centuries.

Famous people with the last name Spalla

The Spalla surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields, primarily in entertainment and sports. In cinema, Franco Spagna (b. 1946), an Italian actor, is one of the best-known individuals bearing this name. He made his film debut in the 1970s and went on to appear in numerous prominent roles. Another famous figure in show business is Italian television host Fabio Fazio, whose real surname is Spalla (b. 1964). In sports, Dino Spalla, an American basketball player, played for teams such as the Washington Generals, the Harlem Globetrotters' longtime rival team from 1970 to 1980. Lastly, there is Gennaro Spalla, a renowned Italian conductor and music professor who led several prestigious orchestras throughout Europe. These individuals, with their diverse talents and accomplishments, have made significant contributions in their respective fields, bearing the shared last name of Spalla.

Genealogical research on the last name Spalla

The surname Spalla is of Italian origin, derived from the Occitan word "espala" meaning shield. This surname was originally occupational, given to a maker or seller of shields. The earliest recorded bearer of this name was Paganello Spala, who lived in Treviso, Veneto, Italy during the Middle Ages.

The Spalla family expanded throughout Italy during the following centuries, with notable settlements in Tuscany and Sicily. Notable figures bearing the surname include Giovanni Battista Spalla, a 17th-century sculptor from Florence, and Giuseppe Spalla, an Italian politician who served as the mayor of Genoa in the late 19th century.

In more recent times, the Spalla family has also been recorded in America, particularly in New York City, where many Italian immigrants settled during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the surname Spalla is predominantly found among people of Italian descent around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Spalla"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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