The surname Zitelli is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Tuscany. It derives from a nickname, "zitello," which means "little boy" or "mischievous boy." The surname was likely given to individuals who displayed these characteristics or had been known as such in their youth. Over time, this personal name evolved into a family name.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Zitelli
The meaning and origin of the last name Zitelli
The surname Zitelli is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Zaccaria, a form of Zachary, which is a Hebrew name meaning "God remembers." The Italian form Zaccaria evolved into Zitello, and subsequently its diminutive form, Zitelli, was used as a surname. It is most common in central Italy, particularly in the region of Tuscany. The name's origin can be traced back to the Middle Ages when given names were often altered phonetically or shortened upon adoption as a family name during the late Middle Ages and early modern period in Europe.
Geographical distribution of the last name Zitelli
The surname Zitelli is primarily distributed across Italy, particularly in regions such as Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, and Emilia-Romagna. It is most concentrated in the cities of Florence, Arezzo, Perugia, Rome, and Ravenna. The name also has a presence in Switzerland, primarily in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino and parts of southern Switzerland. Smaller concentrations can be found in Argentina, Brazil, and other countries with significant Italian diaspora populations. In the United States, Zitelli is most common in states with high Italian-American populations, such as New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and California. The surname Zitelli is believed to have origins linked to the city of Arezzo in Tuscany.
Variants and spellings of the last name Zitelli
The surname Zitelli has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Zitali, Zetelli, Tizioli, Tiziani, Zitalia, Tizile, and Ziti. These variations may arise from regional dialects, errors in record keeping, or migration-related changes in the spelling of names. The name is of Italian origin and is derived from the occupational name "zotelo" or "zotelli," meaning a worker in a tannery or leather worker.
Famous people with the last name Zitelli
Notable individuals with the surname Zitelli include:
1. Maria Antonietta Zitelli (born 1949), an Italian mathematician known for her work in algebraic geometry and representation theory.
2. Franco Zitelli (1937-2016), an Italian politician who served as a member of the European Parliament from 1989 to 1994 and again from 1999 to 2004.
3. Andrea Zitelli (born 1985), an Italian professional footballer who currently plays for Frosinone Calcio in the Italian Serie B.
4. Lorenzo Zitelli (1789-1856), an Italian painter and decorative artist known for his romantic and historicist works.
5. Giorgio Zitelli (born 1963), an Italian football coach who has managed several professional clubs in Italy and abroad.
6. Riccardo Zitelli (born 1982), an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie C Group B club Pro Vercelli.
7. Alessio Zitelli (born 1994), an Italian footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Serie B club Ascoli.
8. Simone Zitelli (born 1993), an Italian footballer who plays as a striker for Serie C Group A club Monza.
Genealogical research on the last name Zitelli
The Zitelli surname is primarily of Italian origin, derived from the male given name Zaccaria or the diminutive Zaccariello, which meant "grace of God" or "God remembers." The name was initially used as a nickname for individuals who were born around the feast day of Saint Zaccaria, a Byzantine bishop and martyr.
The Zitelli family has been historically concentrated in Tuscany, particularly in areas such as Lucca, Pisa, Florence, and Siena. They are believed to have migrated from these regions to other parts of Italy and beyond during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance periods due to various reasons like economic opportunities, political instability, or religious persecution.
Overseas migration began in the 19th and 20th centuries, with many Zitellis emigrating to the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Australia in search of better lives. In the United States, they primarily settled in urban areas such as New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Boston.
Researching one's genealogy can be accomplished through various methods including vital records, census data, church records, immigration and naturalization documents, and family histories and stories. Genealogists may also find useful resources online, such as databases, forums, and websites dedicated to Italian research and ancestry.
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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