Last Name Troilo

The surname Troilo is of Italian origin. It comes from the medieval given name "Troilo," which was derived from the Greek name "Troilos." This ancient Greek name means "of Troy" or "from Troy," in reference to the legendary city and its people, as depicted in Homer's epic poem, the Iliad. The name Troilo became popular in Italy during the Middle Ages due to the influence of the Crusades, which brought stories from Greek mythology back into vogue among the Italian populace. Over time, as was common with many surnames during the Middle Ages, a person might have been known by a given name and also by the name of their father or occupation, eventually leading to the development of the patronymic surname "Troilo."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Troilo

The meaning and origin of the last name Troilo

The surname Troilo is of Italian origin, derived from the medieval given name "Troilo," which means "famous chariot warrior" or "famous in warfare." It is composed of two elements: 'troi' meaning 'three' and 'lo' signifying 'wheel.' This suggests a warrior who was renowned for his three-wheeled chariot. The name Troilo first appeared during the Middle Ages, particularly in Italy where it gained popularity among noble families due to its noble connotations. As Italian migration increased throughout history, the name Troilo spread across Europe and eventually to other parts of the world. Today, the surname Troilo is found predominantly among individuals of Italian descent, although it has also been adopted by those with other ethnic backgrounds who appreciate the unique historical significance of this fascinating moniker.

Geographical distribution of the last name Troilo

The surname Troilo is predominantly found in Italy and Brazil, with significant concentrations in both countries. In Italy, it is most common in the southern regions, particularly Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria, and Sicily. This can be attributed to the historical migration patterns from these areas. The name also has a presence in other Italian regions such as Lazio, Tuscany, and Campania. In Brazil, Troilo is mainly found in the southern states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, which have strong historical ties with Italy due to immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, smaller populations can be found in other Latin American countries like Argentina and Uruguay, also as a result of Italian immigration. The name is less common outside these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Troilo

The surname Troilo has various spelling and pronunciation variations across different regions and countries. Some common spellings include Troyle, Troilé, Troiol, Trojlo, Troyl, Trööl, Troyel, and Troyille. These variations may result from differences in regional phonetic rules, historical misspellings, or cultural influences. The name's origin can be traced back to Italy, where it possibly derives from the word "troiolo," meaning a small wheel or pulley. Alternatively, it could originate from the Italian given name Troilo, which is of Latin origin and means "truly powerful" or "he who is strong in truth." These variations demonstrate the rich cultural history and diversity associated with the Troilo surname.

Famous people with the last name Troilo

The Troilo surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields. In literature, there is Eduardo Troilo (born 1946), an Argentine journalist and writer who won the prestigious Casa de las Américas Prize for his novel "El silencio es oro" in 1980. In music, Juan Carlos Troilo (1913-1982) was a renowned bandoneon player and composer from Argentina, often referred to as the 'Príncipe de la música tanguera'. He is best known for composing the famous tango "Por una cabeza". In Italy, Maria Troilo (1865-1937) was a distinguished archaeologist who made significant contributions to the study of ancient Roman artifacts. Lastly, in sports, Angelo Troilo (born 1970), an Italian racing driver, competed in the Formula One World Championship for Minardi in the early 2000s. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements and impact of those carrying the last name Troilo across different disciplines and regions.

Genealogical research on the last name Troilo

The Troilo surname is primarily of Italian origin, deriving from the medieval given name Troilo, which is thought to be a variant of the Greek name TROJAN (Τροιαν), meaning "from Troy." This name was popularized by the legendary Trojan War hero Achilles' Trojan horse companion, Troilus. The Troilo family can be traced back to the region of Apulia in Southern Italy, where it is believed they first emerged during the Middle Ages. Over time, some branches of the Troilo family migrated to other parts of Italy and Europe, such as Sicily, Sardinia, Spain, France, and even as far as South America. Notable figures bearing the name include the Italian architect Troilo Iacopo (15th century), and the Argentine journalist and politician Alejandro Troilo (1920-1984). Genealogical research continues to uncover more about the history, distribution, and evolution of the Troilo surname worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Troilo"
• 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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