Last Name Spinello

The surname Spinello is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Latin word "spinulus" which means "little thorn." This name was often given to someone who had a prickly character or appearance. Over time, it became a hereditary surname in Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Spinello

The meaning and origin of the last name Spinello

The surname Spinello is of Italian origin, derived from the given name "Spino," which translates to "thorn" or "brier" in English. It is believed that this surname was originally an occupational name for someone who worked with thorns or briers, such as a farmer or a weaver using brambles for their work. Alternatively, it could have been a nickname given to someone who was tough, like a thorn, or had a prickly personality. The use of surnames became more common in Italy during the Middle Ages as populations grew and communities needed a way to distinguish between individuals with the same first name. Today, the Spinello surname can be found across the globe, particularly in countries with significant Italian diaspora, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Spinello

The surname Spinello is predominantly Italian in origin and has a significant concentration within Italy, particularly in regions such as Abruzzo, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Liguria, Marche, Puglia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Toscana, Umbria, and Veneto. The name's frequency varies across these regions, with higher concentrations noted in the southern regions like Calabria, Apulia, and Sicily. Beyond Italy, notable numbers of individuals bearing the surname Spinello can be found in countries with large Italian diaspora communities, such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, Australia, and Brazil. It's interesting to note that, similar to many other Italian surnames, Spinello often signifies a profession or a characteristic, in this case, potentially being related to a spinner or someone with spinning movements due to its derivation from the Latin word 'spina,' which means 'thorn' or 'spin.'

Variants and spellings of the last name Spinello

The surname Spinello has several spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Spinelli, Spinella, Spinele, Spinollo, Spinoletti, Spina, Spigno, and Spinetti. These variations stem from regional dialects, family interpretation of their name's origin, and the influence of other languages on Italian surnames. For example, Spinelli is a common variation found in many parts of Italy, while Spinello is less prevalent. Similarly, Spina may be an adaptation influenced by Latin, as it more closely resembles the Latin word for spine (spina). The name Spinello is primarily Italian and derives from the occupational name for someone who was a spinner or twister of yarns or fabrics, likely originating in one of Italy's many regions known for textile production.

Famous people with the last name Spinello

The Spinello surname has been associated with notable figures in various fields. Among them is Jacopo di Bonascio (also known as Giacomo di Pietraporcari), an Italian Renaissance sculptor and architect, who contributed to the Florence Cathedral and the Baptistery of St. John. Another well-known figure is Leon Spinello, an American artist, best recognized for his contributions to the Abstract Expressionist movement in New York City during the mid-20th century. Additionally, there's Anna Maria Spinelli, an Italian physician, who made significant strides in advancing the field of pediatrics as a prominent figure in the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors and the European Medicines Agency. Lastly, there is Francesco Spinelli, an Italian lawyer and politician, who served as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Italy and was instrumental in drafting the Treaty of Rome, establishing the European Economic Community.

Genealogical research on the last name Spinello

The surname Spinello originates from Italy and is of Occitan or Italian origin. It is a diminutive form of the given name "Spino," derived from the Latin word "spina," meaning 'thorn.' The earliest records showing the existence of people with this surname date back to the Middle Ages, primarily in regions such as Tuscany and Lombardy. Notable individuals bearing this name include the 13th-century sculptor Nicola Pisano, who was known for his work on the Pulpit of Prato, and Pietro Spinello, a prominent poet from the 15th century. As with many Italian surnames, Spinello was often regionalized or changed due to geographical or occupational variations, resulting in spellings such as Spinelli, Spinell, Spinola, and others. The family spread across Italy during the Middle Ages and later migrated to other European countries, including Spain, France, and Germany, where they have continued to thrive.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Spinello"
• 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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