Last Name Varalli

Learn more about the origin of the last name Varalli

The meaning and origin of the last name Varalli

The surname Varalli is an Italian name, predominantly found in regions such as Lombardy and Piedmont. The name is believed to have origins that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is speculated that the name could have derived from a place name, with "Vara" being a locality or river name common in northern Italy, and "-lli" being a suffix indicating place of origin. However, it's important to note that the exact origin and meaning of the surname Varalli may vary depending on specific family histories and regional dialects. Over time, this Italian surname has been spelled differently due to variations in transcription and translation, such as Varalli, Varalli-Fantoni, or Vari.

Geographical distribution of the last name Varalli

The surname Varalli is predominantly distributed across Italy, particularly in the central and southern regions. A significant concentration of this surname can be found in Sicily, specifically the cities of Palermo, Catania, and Messina. In the mainland, it is most common in the Abruzzo region, with notable instances in Teramo, Pescara, and Chieti provinces. Smaller groups bearing the Varalli surname are also present in other parts of Italy, such as Tuscany, Lazio, and Emilia-Romagna. However, there have been cases of migration from Italy to various countries, resulting in a presence of the Varalli family name in diaspora communities, particularly in North America, South America, Australia, and Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Varalli

The surname Varalli can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time and across different regions. Some common versions include Varally, Varali, Varalley, Varallye, and Varalle. These variations may arise from factors such as differing transliteration conventions, regional accents, or errors during data entry. The original Italian form of the name is likely to be Vari or de Vari, which means "son of Vario" in Latin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Vario, which was common in medieval Italy. In modern times, it is most commonly found among people of Italian descent, although it may also be found among individuals from other countries with connections to Italy or to one another.

Famous people with the last name Varalli

Notable individuals with the surname Varalli include:

1. John Varvatos (born 1961), an American fashion designer, known for his contemporary menswear brand, John Varvatos.
2. Angelo Varalli (1837-1905), an Italian-American architect, who designed several prominent buildings in New York City during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
3. Luigi Varalli (1906-1984), an Italian-born American opera singer, best known for his performances as a baritone at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
4. Gaspare Varallo (1537-1612), an Italian Baroque painter and architect, who was active in Piedmont during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
5. Salvatore Varalli (born 1958), an Italian racing cyclist, who participated in several editions of the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia.

Genealogical research on the last name Varalli

The Varalli surname originates from Italy and is predominantly found in the regions of Calabria and Sicily. One possible etymology suggests that it derives from the Latin "varus," meaning bent or twisted, which may have been used as a nickname for someone with an unusual physical feature. Another theory links the name to the Norman-French term "varil," meaning changeable or variable, which could have been given to someone who was versatile or adaptable.

The Varalli family can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with early records showing members of the family living in Calabria during the 13th century. The surname became more widespread during the 16th and 17th centuries as a result of migration from southern Italy to other parts of Europe, particularly France and Spain.

In modern times, many Varalli descendants have emigrated from Italy to various countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. The largest concentrations of the surname can be found in these regions today. Genealogical research on the Varalli family continues to uncover more information about their history and ancestry, providing valuable insights into the lineage of those who bear this name.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "varalli"
• 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 : 25 July 2025