Last Name Vignola

The surname Vignola is of Italian origin. It is derived from various places with the same name in Italy, such as Vignola in Emilia-Romagna and Vignola Falzone in Campania. These names are derived from the Latin "vinea" meaning vineyard, and were likely given to people who lived near or worked on a vineyard. It is also possible that some instances of the surname may have originated as an occupational name for someone who tended vineyards.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vignola

The meaning and origin of the last name Vignola

The surname Vignola is an Italian name derived from various geographical locations or occupations. Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word "vinea," meaning vineyard or vine, and the suffix "-ola" which often indicates a place where something was made or located. Over time, it has been used as a topographic surname for someone who lived near a vineyard, or an occupational surname for a vintner. The name also appears in various Italian city names, such as Vignola near Bologna and Vignola di Ravenna, indicating that the surname may have originated from these places. Notable figures with the surname Vignola include Giacomo della Porta (also known as Vignola), a prominent Renaissance architect who designed St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vignola

The surname Vignola is predominantly Italian in origin and is most commonly found within Italy, particularly in regions such as Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Piedmont. These regions are known for their historical significance in arts, culture, and architecture, and the name could potentially have been associated with these fields due to the historical Italian architect Vignola, who was active during the Renaissance period. The name may also be found among the Italian diaspora in various parts of the world, particularly in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States, where large numbers of Italians emigrated in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vignola

The surname Vignola has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include:

1. Vignola: This is the original Italian spelling, which means "vineyard" or "wine-grower".
2. Vignolai: A slightly modified form of the original Italian spelling.
3. Vignolae: Another variant of the Italian spelling.
4. Vignole: This French spelling is derived from the Italian and means the same as Vignola.
5. Wynnolla: An English adaptation of the Italian surname, though it's less common.
6. Winola: A phonetic variation that evolved in English-speaking countries.
7. Wynolle: Another English spelling variation.
8. Vinola: A possible misspelling or simplified version of the original Italian spelling.
9. Vignoila: A less common variant of the Italian surname.
10. Wynnollae: An uncommon English adaptation with an added 'e' at the end.

Famous people with the last name Vignola

Giacomo Vignola (1568-1632) was an influential Italian architect and engineer during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. He worked extensively in Rome, designing several prominent buildings such as the Church of Gesù, Palazzo Chigi, and the Palazzo Spada. His work was significant in shaping the Baroque style. Another notable figure with the surname Vignola is Aldo Rossi (1931-1997), an Italian architect, urban planner, and theorist. Known for his minimalist approach to architecture, he won the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1990. Lastly, Francesco Vignola (1578-1647) was a composer and lutenist of the late Renaissance period. He is credited with writing some of the earliest published collections of music for the lute in Italy.

Genealogical research on the last name Vignola

The surname Vignola, of Italian origin, is believed to have derived from various geographical locations in Italy bearing the same name, such as Vignola in Emilia-Romagna and Vignola di Sarzana in Liguria. Its earliest recorded occurrence dates back to the 13th century. The Vignolas are often associated with the arts and humanities; notable bearers of this surname include Giacomo Vignola, an architect who designed the main dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome during the Renaissance period, and Antonio Vignola, a composer from the Baroque era. The name has also been carried by several Italian immigrants to North America, particularly in the United States, where it remains relatively common today. Genealogical research on the Vignolas would involve tracing lineages through church records, census data, and immigration archives, as well as examining historical documents that pertain to Italian nobility and prominent figures within arts and humanities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vignola"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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