Last Name Tomaselli

The surname Tomaselli is of Italian origin. It is a variant of the original surname Thomas, which derives from the Aramaic name Ta'oma (twin) and was later Latinized as Thoma. During the Middle Ages, many European countries adopted the practice of adopting occupational names or nicknames as surnames to distinguish individuals within a community. In Italy, the popularity of the name Thomas led to the formation of various regional variations such as Tomaselli.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tomaselli

The meaning and origin of the last name Tomaselli

The surname Tomaselli is of Italian origin, derived from the given name Tommaso (Italian for Thomas), which is thought to have been brought to Italy by Crusaders during the Middle Ages. The surname Tomaselli is a diminutive or variant form of Tommasi, meaning 'son of Thomas'. It is primarily found in regions such as Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy, although it can also be encountered in other Italian-speaking areas like Sicily. Over time, the spelling has evolved to include various regional dialects and immigrant influences, hence variations such as Tomasselli or Thomaselli may also be found. The name Tomaselli is relatively common in Italy, reflecting the popularity of the given name Thomas throughout the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tomaselli

The surname Tomaselli is predominantly found in Italy and is of Ligurian origin, being most concentrated in the region of Genoa and surrounding provinces. However, its presence can also be traced in other parts of Italy such as Tuscany, Sardinia, and Umbria. Emigration from Italy during the 19th and 20th centuries led to the dispersal of Tomasellis across various countries, notably Argentina, Brazil, Switzerland, France, Canada, the United States, and Australia. In these diaspora communities, the surname has often been Latinized or Anglicized (e.g., Thomaselli, Thomasson, Thompson, etc.). The geographical distribution of Tomaselli therefore encompasses both its historical roots in Italy and its contemporary presence in various countries around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tomaselli

The surname Tomaselli has several variants and spellings, stemming from its Italian origins where it means "son of Thomas." Some common variations include Thomasselli, Thomasel, Thomazelli, Tomasal, Tomasol, Tomassello, and Tomasoletto. Additionally, the name may be abbreviated or phonetically spelled as Tommassey, Thomasi, or Tomasich. These variations may appear in English, Italian, or other languages, reflecting the global dispersal of the Tomaselli family. It is essential to note that genealogical research can help individuals trace their ancestry and discover their specific lineage within this surname's many forms.

Famous people with the last name Tomaselli

Notable individuals bearing the surname Tomaselli include:

1. Giorgio Tomaselli (born 1948), an Italian actor and voice actor, best known for his roles in the TV series "La piovra" and "Il commissario Montalbano."
2. Luca Tomaselli (born 1967), an Italian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of Italian football, winning multiple Serie A titles with AC Milan and Juventus FC.
3. Marcello Tomaselli (1895-1981), an Italian architect, urban planner, and designer who contributed to the modernization of Milan in the early 20th century. His works include the Garibaldi Station, the Pirelli Tower, and many public buildings and parks around Milan.
4. Giuseppe Tomaselli (1879-1955), an Italian painter and decorator who was one of the leading exponents of the Art Nouveau movement in Italy. His work can be found in several museums and private collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields of art, sports, and design, leaving lasting legacies for future generations.

Genealogical research on the last name Tomaselli

The Tomaselli surname is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. It's derived from the personal name Tommaso, which was borne by Saint Thomas Aquinas and other significant figures in Christian history. The earliest recorded instance of the Tomaselli surname can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, with many early bearers of the name appearing in historical records from cities like Milan, Bologna, and Florence during the Renaissance period. Over time, members of this family migrated across Europe, with significant populations establishing themselves in countries such as Switzerland, France, and Germany. In more recent times, descendants of the Tomaselli family have made their way to North America, primarily settling in the United States and Canada. Today, the surname Tomaselli can be found worldwide among communities of Italian descent.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Tomaselli"
• 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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