Last Name Zanarelli

The surname Zanarelli is of Italian origin and it's derived from a nickname for someone with a long face or beak-like nose. It comes from the medieval Italian word "zana" meaning beak or snout, and "dello" or "di" which are common Italian prefixes used to denote place of origin or family name. The name is most commonly found in central and northern Italy, particularly in the Emilia-Romagna region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zanarelli

The meaning and origin of the last name Zanarelli

The surname Zanarelli is of Italian origin, specifically from the central Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. It is derived from the occupation of a "zana," which was a term for a weaver in the Middle Ages. The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who was skilled at weaving, or possibly for someone who worked as an apprentice to a weaver. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname that was passed down through generations. In its various spellings (such as Zanarini, Zannarelli, and Zanarotti), the name can be found throughout Italy, but it is most common in regions with a strong tradition of weaving.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zanarelli

The geographical distribution of the surname Zanarelli is primarily centered in Italy, with significant concentrations in regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. Historically, the name originated from the city of Zara (now Zadar in Croatia), which was under Venetian rule during the Middle Ages. As a result, Italian emigrants bearing the surname Zanarelli can also be found in various parts of Europe, particularly in countries that received significant numbers of Italian immigrants, such as Switzerland, Germany, France, and Spain. In North America, the name is most prevalent in the United States, with large populations in states like New York, Illinois, and California. Smaller communities of Zanarellis can also be found in Canada, Australia, and South America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zanarelli

The surname Zanarelli has several variations and alternate spellings. These include but are not limited to: Zannarelli, Zannarelli, Zannarilli, Zannerelli, Zanerelli, Zanarolli, and Zanarini. These variations may arise due to regional dialects, transcription errors during immigration, or personal preferences in spelling. Despite these differences, they all share the common root "Zanarelli", which is believed to be derived from the Italian word for little or small, "piccolo," possibly denoting a diminutive form of an earlier surname.

Famous people with the last name Zanarelli

Notable individuals with the surname Zanarelli include:

1. Lou Zanrelli (born 1942), an American jazz saxophonist and clarinetist, who has collaborated with artists like The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra.

2. Richard Zanuck (1934-2012), a prominent Hollywood film producer, best known for co-founding the production company Zanuck/Brown Productions and producing films such as "Jaws," "The Sting," and "Driving Miss Daisy."

3. Joe Zanarelli (born 1946), an American drummer who played with artists like Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and the Rolling Stones during their early years.

4. Angela Zanotelli (born 1985), an Italian biathlete who has competed in three Winter Olympics and won several medals at the Biathlon World Championships.

Each of these individuals has made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning music, film production, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Zanarelli

The Zanarelli surname is an Italian one, originating from the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. Historically, it is believed to be derived from the occupational name "zana" (woodman) or "zanarolo" (mason), with the suffix "-elli" indicating a diminutive or nickname.

The earliest known records of the Zanarelli family date back to the 13th century in Italy, where they were documented as landowners and artisans. Some branches of the family migrated to France during the Renaissance period, while others moved to Switzerland in the late 18th century.

In the United States, the Zanarelli family began arriving in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily through immigration from Italy to cities such as New York, Boston, and Chicago. Today, the surname is prevalent in both Europe and North America, with notable figures including Italian footballer Fabio Zanarini and American baseball player Frank Zanarini.

Overall, the Zanarelli family history demonstrates a long-standing presence in Italy, with a diaspora that has influenced various cultures around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zanarelli"
• 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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