Last Name Spalletti

The surname Spalletti originates from Italy and is derived from a place name, specifically from the town of Spalleti located in the Marche region. The Italian surnames often originate from places where their bearers lived or worked. Over time, as people moved from their original homes to other regions, these place names evolved into family names. In this case, the surname Spalletti is believed to have originated from the town of Spalleti.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Spalletti

The meaning and origin of the last name Spalletti

The surname Spalletti originates from Italy, specifically from regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Marche. It is derived from a nickname or occupation related to a person who was skilled at making and repairing shields or armor, known as a "spalliere" in Italian. Over time, the surname has been spelled variously as Spalletti, Spaletty, and other variations. The name became more widespread during the Middle Ages as people migrated from rural areas to urban centers, adopting family names to distinguish themselves from others. Today, it is still a common Italian surname and can be found in various Italian-speaking communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Spalletti

The surname Spalletti is predominantly found in Italy, specifically in central and northern regions. According to data from various genealogical sources, it is most common in the Emilia-Romagna region, particularly in cities like Bologna, Modena, and Forlì-Cesena. Smaller concentrations can also be found in other parts of Italy, such as Tuscany, Lazio, and Umbria. Outside of Italy, the name has a minor presence in countries with large Italian diaspora populations, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. The distribution pattern suggests that the surname Spalletti originated from one or more locations within Emilia-Romagna and spread across Italy and to other parts of the world through migration events over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Spalletti

The surname Spalletti has several variations and spellings. Some common variants include Spalleti, Spaletty, Spalletta, Spaletti, and Spalatty. These differences can be attributed to regional dialects, transcription errors, or personal preferences in spelling over time. Additionally, some families may have adapted the name slightly upon immigration, due to difficulties in pronunciation or translation. For instance, Italian names often changed when brought to English-speaking countries as a result of phonetic adaptation or anglicization. The surname Spalletti originates from Italy and is derived from the word "spalto," meaning split or cleft, likely referencing a geographical feature such as a rocky outcrop or a gap in a mountain range.

Famous people with the last name Spalletti

The most notable individuals with the surname Spalletti are primarily associated with the field of football (soccer). Luciano Spalletti is an Italian professional football manager and former player, who has managed various clubs such as Roma, Zenit Saint Petersburg, and Internazionale Milan. He led Inter to their first Serie A title in seven years during the 2019-20 season. Stefano Spalletti, another Italian football coach, has managed several teams including Cremonese, Pro Patria, Bologna, and Udinese Calcio. He is also known for his time as a player with various clubs in Italy. In the world of entertainment, there's Giuseppe Spalletti, an Italian opera tenor who gained international recognition for his performances in several operas, including La Bohème, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot.

Genealogical research on the last name Spalletti

The surname Spalletti originates from Italy and is believed to have derived from the Italian word "spallare," meaning "to flay" or "skin." This suggests that the original bearer of this surname may have been a butcher or a tanner. Notable figures with the last name Spalletti include Cardinal Prospero Lorenzo Spalletti, an Italian Catholic priest who served as the Grand Master of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre and was appointed a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1985. Another significant figure is Giuseppe Spalletti, an Italian politician who served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Spalletti family has also produced several notable military figures, including General Alessandro Spalletti, who fought in the Risorgimento, the movement for Italian unification in the 19th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "spalletti"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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