Last Name Sturiale

The surname Sturiale is of Italian origin. It's a variant of the original Italian surname "Storaiolo," which comes from the Middle Ages. The name was likely originally an occupational name for a stone mason or someone who worked with stones, derived from the Latin word "stare," meaning 'to stand,' and "raius," meaning 'ray.' Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of this name have been modified due to regional dialects and scribal errors.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sturiale

The meaning and origin of the last name Sturiale

The surname Sturiale is an Italian patronymic name derived from a given name, possibly "Storiolo" or "Storielo," which were diminutive forms of "Storo" or "Storione," meaning 'tall man' in the Lombard language. It is thought to have originated from the region of Lombardy in northern Italy during the Middle Ages. The use of patronymic surnames, such as Sturiale, was a common practice in medieval Europe, where individuals were identified by their father's first name and occupation. Over time, these names became fixed and passed down through generations, leading to the widespread distribution of Italian surnames like Sturiale throughout Italy and its diaspora. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon yet distinctive surname among Italians and those with Italian ancestry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sturiale

The surname Sturiale is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the regions of Piedmont, Liguria, and Lombardy. These are historically important regions with rich cultural heritage, located in the northwestern part of the country. A significant number of Sturiale families can be traced back to the city of Alessandria in Piedmont, where the name is relatively common. Additionally, smaller concentrations of individuals bearing this surname have been identified in other parts of Italy and abroad, primarily among Italian diaspora communities in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. Overall, Sturiale remains a distinctively Italian surname with a geographical concentration in the northwest region of the country.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sturiale

The surname Sturiale has various spelling variations, including Sturiali, Sturali, Sturriale, Stiriale, Stiriale, Styrial, and Sturialli. These variations originate from different regions in Italy where the name is predominantly found. It is likely that each variation reflects regional dialects or scribal interpretations over time. The root of the name Sturiale is believed to be derived from a place-name or occupational title, potentially related to "stura" meaning to turn or bend in Italian. However, without specific historical records, the exact origin and meaning of the surname may remain uncertain.

Famous people with the last name Sturiale

The Sturiale family has produced several notable figures across various fields. In the world of sports, Giuseppe Sturiale is an Italian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper, having represented clubs such as Lazio and Inter Milan. In academia, Giovanni Sturiale, an Italian mathematician, is renowned for his work on differential geometry and Lie groups. In the artistic sphere, Luca Sturiale is a prominent Italian musician, best known for his contributions to the world of jazz music. Lastly, in the realm of politics, Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati, an Italian politician with Sturiale roots, served as the President of the Italian Senate from 2018 to 2022. These individuals, though not exhaustive, demonstrate the diverse achievements and impact of people sharing the last name Sturiale.

Genealogical research on the last name Sturiale

The surname Sturiale is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Tuscany, where it was first documented in the late Middle Ages. The earliest known record of this name dates back to the 14th century, in the city of Lucca, as "de Storiela". Over time, various spellings and regional variations have emerged, such as Sturiale, Sturlai, Sturlia, and others. The name is believed to be derived from a geographical location or topographic feature, possibly referring to a place with a rocky or stony terrain. Notable individuals bearing the surname Sturiale include artists, politicians, and military figures throughout Italian history, reflecting its longstanding presence in various communities within Tuscany. The family has also dispersed to other regions of Italy and to countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, due to migration during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Sturiale"
• 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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