Last Name Zolla

The surname Zolla is of Italian origin. It derives from the Middle High German word "Zoll," meaning toll (tax) or custom house. This occupational name was given to people who worked as customs officers or toll collectors. Over time, the name spread throughout Italy and became more common in regions such as Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto. The spelling variations of this surname include Zolla, Zoll, and Zolli.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zolla

The meaning and origin of the last name Zolla

The surname Zolla is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "zolla" which means 'rush' or 'reed'. This surname was often given to someone who lived near a marshy area where rushes or reeds grew abundantly. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name may have varied due to regional dialects and changes in record-keeping practices. The Zolla family is believed to be one of the oldest families in Italy, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages in various regions such as Lombardy, Piedmont, and Tuscany. Notable individuals bearing the surname Zolla include political figures, artists, and scientists throughout Italian history. The name has also spread globally due to Italian immigration, particularly to South America and North America, where descendants of the Zolla family continue to thrive.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zolla

The last name Zolla has its origins primarily in Italy, particularly in the region of Lombardy and Piedmont. It is also prevalent in some parts of Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto. In recent times, due to migration, individuals with the surname Zolla can be found in various countries across the world. A significant number reside in North America, primarily in the United States and Canada. The highest concentrations outside of Italy are often found in urban areas such as New York City, Toronto, and Chicago, reflecting historical patterns of Italian immigration to these regions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller populations of Zolla family descendants can also be found in Australia, South America, and parts of Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zolla

The surname Zolla has several variants and spellings, primarily due to differences in translation, transcription, and regional pronunciation over time. Some common variations include:

* Zolla: This is the original Italian spelling of the name, derived from the occupation of a 'zollo' or toll collector.
* Zola: A variant in both English and Italian, which can also be a short form of names containing the element 'zola', meaning 'wolf'.
* Solle: This is a variation found in some regions of Italy, where 'z' becomes 's' due to dialectal pronunciation.
* Zolla-Mancini: A compound surname combining Zolla with Mancini, common among Italian families who married or intertwined with others bearing the name Mancini.
* Zohla, Solha, or Soela: These are variations found in other European languages and cultures. For instance, in some Slavic languages, 'z' is replaced by 's'.

These variations highlight the diversity of the Zolla surname across different regions and languages, reflecting the rich tapestry of human migration and cultural exchange throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Zolla

The Zolla surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields. In music, Paolo Zolla, an Italian conductor and composer, is renowned for his work in opera. He was particularly known for his interpretations of Verdi's operas. In the field of science, Domenico Zolla, an Italian physicist, made significant contributions to the understanding of superconductivity and electron theory. In sports, Gaetano "Gaetano" Zolla is a retired Italian footballer who played as a midfielder for several prominent clubs in Italy and Spain. Outside of these fields, Alessandro Zolla, a Swiss entrepreneur, co-founded the online marketplace Tictail, which enables independent designers to sell their products worldwide. These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and accomplishments of those bearing the surname Zolla.

Genealogical research on the last name Zolla

The surname Zolla originates from Italy and is primarily found in the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont. It is an occupational name derived from the Italian word "zollo," meaning toll or tax collector. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the late Middle Ages. In the 16th century, the Zolla family was already well-established in the city of Milan. Over time, many branches of the Zolla family migrated from Italy to other parts of Europe and North America. One notable lineage can be traced back to Giuseppe Zolla, who immigrated to the United States in the late 19th century and later established a successful business in Chicago. Today, the name Zolla is predominantly found among Italian-Americans but also appears in other Italian-speaking communities around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zolla"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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