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Last Name Zilli

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What is the origin of the last name Zilli?

The surname Zilli is of Italian origin. It is derived from the medieval given name "Zilio," which was a diminutive form of the male given name Giulio (Julius), which is derived from the Latin name Iulius. The name Julius was originally used by members of the Roman gens Julia, one of the most prominent families in ancient Rome. Over time, the surname Zilli spread across Italy and has since become a common surname there.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Zilli

The surname Zilli originates from Italy, specifically regions such as Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. It is an occupational name derived from the Italian word "zolla," which means straw or hay. Over time, it came to be used as a metonym for someone who dealt with these materials, such as a thatcher or a farmer. The surname Zilli, like many Italian surnames, has its roots in feudal times when landowners began to distinguish themselves and their tenants by specific names. It is important to note that the spelling and pronunciation of this name can vary across different regions within Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zilli

The surname Zilli is predominantly Italian in origin, with its highest concentrations found in regions such as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. According to FamilyNameDistribution.com, the province of Lucca in Tuscany has the highest percentage (approximately 1 out of every 684 residents) of individuals bearing the name Zilli. Other significant populations can be found in neighboring provinces like Pistoia and Massa-Carrara. The presence of this surname is also notable in Liguria, particularly in Genoa, where it represents about 1 out of every 2,083 residents. Beyond Italy, smaller numbers of individuals with the surname Zilli can be found in countries such as Switzerland, Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, reflecting historical migration patterns from Italy to these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zilli

The surname Zilli has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common spelling variants include: Zili, Zilli-Jensen (a compound surname), Zilley, Zille, Zielly, Zhili, and Zhylly. These variations are predominantly found in Italy, France, Scandinavia, and Slavic regions. The name's origin is typically Italian, derived from the occupation of a miller or someone who lived near a mill. As with many surnames, spellings can change over time due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and family preference. It's always fascinating to explore the diverse ways a single name can evolve across different cultures and languages.

Famous people with the last name Zilli

The Zilli family name has produced several notable individuals across various fields. In the realm of entertainment, David Zilli is an American television producer and director known for his work on shows such as "Frasier," "The Drew Carey Show," and "Mad About You." In the field of finance, Robert Zilli is a prominent figure in the investment world, serving as the Chief Investment Officer at Lazard Asset Management. Notably, he was also the Portfolio Manager for the First Eagle Global Fund. In sports, Alessandro Zilli is an Italian professional ski jumper who has represented his country in multiple Winter Olympics and World Championships. Lastly, in academia, John Zilli is a distinguished computer science professor at the University of California, Berkeley, known for his contributions to distributed systems research. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements and accomplishments associated with the family name Zilli.

Genealogical research on the last name Zilli

The surname Zilli is of Italian origin, specifically from regions such as Liguria and Tuscany. It is derived from the personal name Giulio (Julius), which was popular during the Roman Empire. Over time, the name evolved into variations like Zili, Zilla, and Zolla, with Zilli being one of the most common. The earliest records of the surname date back to the late Middle Ages, with documentation in Tuscany as early as the 13th century. Notable individuals with the surname include the Italian painter Giovanni Zilli (circa 1460-1528), and the Italian footballer Marco Zilli (born 1986). The Zilli family, like many in Italy, experienced migration due to economic reasons, spreading the name across Europe and the Americas. Genealogical research is ongoing to further trace the history and distribution of this surname.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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