Last Name Volo

The surname Volo is of Italian origin. It is derived from a place name or a topographic name for someone who lived near a volley or clearing in the forest, or it could be an occupational name for a charcoal burner, as "vola" in some dialects means charcoal pit or kiln. The surname can also be found in Croatia and Slovenia among people who emigrated from Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Volo

The meaning and origin of the last name Volo

The surname Volo is of Slavic origin, specifically derived from several Eastern European countries such as Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It has multiple possible meanings and origins, depending on the specific region. In some cases, it may be a topographical name for someone who lived in a valley or low-lying area (from the Slavic word "volo" meaning 'meadow' or 'valley'). Alternatively, in Croatia, Volo can also be an occupational name for a furrier (from the Old Slavonic word "vlak" meaning 'wolf', as furriers were often associated with these animals). In Serbian, it may represent a diminutive form of the given name Volodar, which means 'ruler of the world'. Despite its varied origins, the surname Volo is primarily concentrated in these specific regions today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Volo

The last name Volo is predominantly found in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. This surname is also present in smaller numbers in Italy, where it has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. It is most concentrated in regions like Istria (a peninsula shared by Croatia and Slovenia), Dalmatia (a coastal region of Croatia), and Veneto (northeastern Italy). The name Volo may also be found among diaspora communities, particularly in Western Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where descendants from these regions have migrated over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Volo

The surname Volo has several variations and spellings worldwide. Some common spelling variations of the surname Volo include Vollo, Volle, Volloi, Voloi, and Valli, which are predominantly found among populations of Italian descent. In other regions, the name can be spelled as Volla or Voola, typically by people of German or Scandinavian ancestry. There also exist some less common variations such as Volua, Volu, and Volou, which may be found among individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Despite these differences in spelling, all these surnames are derived from the same root, possibly indicating a shared geographical or ethnic origin for many of the families bearing these names.

Famous people with the last name Volo

The Volos, while not a common surname, have produced notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is Gino Volo, an American professional wrestler who was widely known for his tag team appearances with the WWE during the 1980s and early 1990s, under the ring name "The Italian Stallion." Another prominent figure is John Paul Vollo, a United States District Judge serving on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. In sports, there's Jim Volo, a former American football player who played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Green Bay Packers and Washington Redskins. Lastly, in the realm of entertainment, Robert Volpe (also known as Bobby Vee), an American singer, songwriter, and musician, gained popularity in the mid-1950s and is best remembered for his cover versions of songs originally performed by Buddy Holly.

Genealogical research on the last name Volo

The surname Volo is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Ukraine and Russia. Originating from the Old Slavic word "volok" meaning 'cowhide' or 'leather', the surname Volo is believed to have been occupied by individuals who were skilled in leatherworking.

The earliest recorded occurrence of the name dates back to 16th century Ukraine, where a Piotr Volok is mentioned in historical records. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have undergone variations, including Volokh, Volochnik, Vologodsky, and others, depending on regional dialects and scribes' interpretations.

The Volo family has a history of migration, with many members leaving their native lands due to political instability, economic hardships, or religious persecution. Some families settled in neighboring countries like Poland, Belarus, and Lithuania, while others ventured further west, eventually reaching the United States and other parts of Europe and Asia.

Today, the Volo family is scattered across various continents, retaining their cultural heritage and traditions while adapting to their new environments. Genealogical research continues to uncover more about this fascinating lineage, offering insights into the lives of those who bore the name centuries ago.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Volo"
• 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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