Last Name Tigli

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tigli

The meaning and origin of the last name Tigli

The surname Tigli is primarily Italian in origin, derived from a local place name or topographical feature. The term "tigli" translates to "holm oaks" in Italian, referring to the tree species Quercus ilex, which is native to the Mediterranean region. This name may have been used as a surname by individuals who lived near a grove of holm oaks or were associated with these trees in some way. Alternatively, it could have been a topographic surname for someone who resided near a location marked by holm oak trees. The exact origins of the Tigli surname can vary among different families, as many Italian surnames were originally geographical indicators and later assumed as hereditary names during the Middle Ages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tigli

The surname Tigli is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the central and northern regions. Its highest concentration can be observed in Emilia-Romagna, specifically in the provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia, where it is considered one of the most common surnames. This suggests that the name may have originated from these areas or may be associated with a specific historical event or social group there. However, there are also instances of Tigli being found in other Italian regions like Lombardy and Tuscany. The presence of Tigli outside Italy is relatively scarce but can be traced to Italian immigrants who migrated primarily to North America and South America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, carrying their native surnames with them.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tigli

The surname Tigli can have various spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription conventions. Here are some of the possible variations:

* Tegli (Italian)
* Tiglio (Italian)
* Teixeira (Portuguese, from the Italian Tiglio)
* Tygl (Estonian)
* Tygiel (Polish)
* Tygel (Dutch)
* Tigle (Hebrew)
* Teigle (Irish)
* Tegla (Georgian)
* De Tiglia (Italian, noble family surname)
* Del Tiglia (Italian, noble family surname)

These variations may also have different pronunciations depending on the language and region. For example, in Italian, Tiglio is pronounced [tiʎo], while in Portuguese, Teixeira is pronounced [tʃajʃɐjɾɐ]. In Polish, Tygiel is pronounced [ˈtɨɡlɛf] and in Dutch, Tygel is pronounced [ˈtyɣəl].

Famous people with the last name Tigli

The Tigli family is not notably renowned for producing famous individuals with that specific surname. However, it's important to note that surnames are often changed due to various reasons such as immigration, adoption, or name changes, so it's possible that there may be well-known figures with the original Italian variant "Tigli" who have since altered their surnames. One example is Marco Tiglio, a famous Italian film director and screenwriter, but his surname has been altered from its original form.

In the realm of art, Gino Tiglio is an American sculptor known for his works that often incorporate found objects and reflect social issues. While not globally recognized, he has made significant contributions to the contemporary art scene in the United States. Furthermore, there's Giulio Tigliabue, a renowned Italian musician who specializes in jazz guitar and has collaborated with various artists across Europe. These examples highlight individuals carrying or having carried the Tigli-variant surname who have achieved noteworthy successes in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Tigli

The surname Tigli originates from Italy and is primarily found in the regions of Tuscany and Umbria. Historically, it is believed to be a topographic surname derived from the Italian word "tiglio," which means "lime tree." Lime trees were often used as landmarks or to identify properties in feudal times, hence their use in surnames. The earliest known recorded instance of the Tigli family was Pietro Tigli, who lived in Siena during the 13th century. The family played significant roles in various historical events throughout Italy, particularly during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. Some notable members include Leonardo Tigli, a prominent painter from Siena during the early 1500s, and Giuliano Tigli, an accomplished architect from Florence in the late 16th century. The Tigli family has maintained its presence in Italy to the present day, with branches expanding across various regions of the country.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "tigli"
• 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