Last Name Zoboli

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zoboli

The meaning and origin of the last name Zoboli

The surname Zoboli is an Italian name that likely originates from various regions within Italy, most notably Tuscany and Lombardy. It is believed to be derived from a local place name or nickname related to a specific geographical feature or occupation.

The name could have its roots in the Latin term "zaboli" meaning "beaver", which was used as a metaphorical term for someone who is hard-working and industrious, similar to a beaver's tireless nature. Alternatively, it may stem from the Italian word "zobo," a type of cereal or grain, suggesting that the original bearer might have been a farmer or miller.

Over time, Italian surnames evolved as a way for people to distinguish themselves from others, especially in urban areas where populations grew and families intermarried. The Zoboli name, like many Italian surnames, was likely formed over centuries through various combinations of given names, occupations, and geographical locations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zoboli

The surname Zoboli is primarily distributed across Italy, specifically in the regions of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. According to data from the Italian Statistical Institute (ISTAT), Lombardy accounts for the highest percentage of individuals bearing the name, with a significant concentration in provinces such as Milan, Bergamo, and Brescia. In Emilia-Romagna, the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, and Modena also exhibit high occurrences of the surname Zoboli. Smaller numbers of individuals carrying this surname can be found in other Italian regions, such as Tuscany, Veneto, and Piedmont. Additionally, there are notable communities of people with the surname Zoboli in Switzerland, particularly in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. The migration of Italians to various parts of the world over the past centuries has led to a scattering of individuals with this surname in countries like the United States, Canada, and South America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zoboli

The surname Zoboli can have various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical recording methods. Some common variants of this name include:

* Zobolli
* Zoboliy
* Zobolich
* Zobolewski
* Zobolewicz
* Zabolotny
* Zaboly
* Zaboli
* Zaboletzky
* Zabolescu
* Zobel
* Zabel
* Zabaleta
* Zavolokin (Russian equivalent)
* Sabolich, Sabolic, Sabolichy, Sabolics (Hungarian and Slovak variations)

These variations are derived from the original Italian surname Zoboli, which is likely a toponymic name meaning "from Zabola," a place in Italy.

Famous people with the last name Zoboli

Among the notable individuals with the surname Zoboli are:

1. Giuseppe Zoboli (born 1954), an Italian historian and professor at the University of Bologna, known for his works on the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
2. Luca Zoboli (born 1976), an Italian former footballer who played as a midfielder, most notably for Parma and Sampdoria. He also represented the Italy national team in several international competitions.
3. Luigi Zoboli (1842-1905), an Italian painter, known for his landscapes and genre paintings, particularly those of Venetian subjects. His works can be found in many museums around the world.
4. Michele Zoboli (born 1967), an Italian film director, screenwriter, and producer who has worked on several successful films, including "The Solitude of Prime Numbers."
5. Roberto Zoboli (1884-1970), an Italian painter, known for his landscapes, portraits, and still lifes, particularly those depicting the city of Venice. He was a founding member of the Venetian Macchiaioli movement.
6. Silvio Zoboli (1852-1928), an Italian engineer and politician who served as Minister of Public Works in the early 20th century, known for his work on railways and harbors in Italy.
7. Valentino Zoboli (born 1967), an Italian musician and composer who has scored numerous films, including Martin Scorsese's "The Departed." He has also worked with renowned artists like Andrea Bocelli and Sting.

Genealogical research on the last name Zoboli

The Zoboli surname is predominantly Italian, originating from the regions of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. Historical records suggest that the name is a diminutive form of the given name Zaccaria or Sabino, both of which have Biblical origins. The first recorded appearance of the name dates back to the 13th century in Lombardy.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, several branches of the Zoboli family emerged, with notable figures such as Girolamo Zoboli (a painter active during the Baroque period) and Giovanni Battista Zoboli (a renowned engineer and architect).

The surname also spread to other parts of Italy and Europe, including Switzerland, Austria, and France, due to migration and family branching. In some cases, variations in spelling such as Zaboli, Zaboletto, or Sabbioni may be encountered, reflecting regional dialects and transcription errors over time.

Genealogical research of the Zoboli family can be a rewarding pursuit for those interested in Italian history and genealogy, offering insights into the social, economic, and artistic landscape of Italy throughout the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zoboli"
• 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