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Last Name Zilioli

What is the origin of the last name Zilioli?

The surname Zilioli is of Italian origin and is derived from various places with similar names in Italy. One such place is Zilio, a small village in the province of Treviso, Veneto region, known as Ziljo in some historical documents. The name could also originate from other locations with similar spellings or meanings, such as Zilio di Feltre, another Italian town in the Belluno province. The surname may have been originally a toponymic name, derived from the place of residence, or it might have an occupational origin related to a specific profession. However, without further information about the specific family's history, it is challenging to provide a definitive answer regarding its origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zilioli

The meaning and origin of the last name Zilioli

The surname Zilioli is an Italian name derived from the diminutive form of the given name Giorgio (George) or Giulio (Julius). The suffix "-ioli" is a common ending for Italian surnames, often indicating a place name or a nickname. It could have originated from a location named Zilio, which might be unidentified now, or it could have been a term of endearment for someone with the names Giorgio or Giulio. The name first appeared in Italy during the Middle Ages and became more common as the Italian population migrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zilioli

The surname Zilioli is primarily concentrated in Italy, with significant populations predominantly found in the Emilia-Romagna region, specifically within Bologna and Modena provinces. This suggests a potential historical origin from these areas. Additionally, smaller groups bearing the surname can be traced in other Italian regions such as Tuscany, Lazio, and Piedmont. There have also been records of individuals with the last name Zilioli residing in Switzerland, specifically in the canton of Ticino, due to migration from Italy. While the distribution is primarily within these two countries, there are rare occurrences of the surname Zilioli in other parts of the world as a result of migration and diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zilioli

The Zilioli surname has several variants and spellings due to linguistic and regional differences over time. Some common variations include Zilioli, Zillioli, Ziljoli, Zilolio, Zilliolis, and Ziliole. These variations may arise from minor differences in spelling, phonetic changes, or dialectical shifts in the Italian language. Additionally, some immigrants to other countries might have anglicized the name slightly, leading to further variations like Zilioli-Lee or Zilley. It's important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate different surnames but rather differences in spelling and pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Zilioli

The Zilioli family is notably recognized for its contributions in various fields. One prominent member is Fabrizio Zilioli, an Italian journalist and author who has worked for major media outlets such as Corriere della Sera and Rai television. He is known for his investigative journalism and has authored several books on political and social themes.

Another notable figure is Marino Zilioli, an Italian politician who served as a member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2009. He was a part of the European People's Party and worked in various committees focusing on agricultural policy, regional development, and petitions.

Lastly, Paolo Zilioli is an Italian philosopher and university professor, known for his research in aesthetics, art history, and the philosophy of culture. He has published numerous books and articles in these areas and has taught at several universities in Italy and abroad. These individuals represent a diverse range of accomplishments within their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Zilioli

The surname Zilioli originates from Italy, specifically in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. Historically, it is believed to be a variant of the name Ziliolo, derived from the medieval given name Zilio, which is thought to have been a diminutive of the name Gisulfo or Gisolfo, both originating from Theoderic the Great's Gothic court. The name spread across Italy during the Middle Ages due to migration and feudal systems. Notable figures with this surname include Giuseppe Zilioli, an Italian classical scholar, and Giovanni Zilioli, a renowned operatic tenor in the early 20th century. Today, the Zilioli family can be found predominantly in Italy, but also in other Italian-speaking communities around the world due to immigration.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 26 July 2025

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