Surname Galli - Meaning and Origin

DNA Self-Discovery: How My iGENEA Test Connected Me to My Galli Roots

Taking the iGENEA DNA test revolutionized my perception of my personal identity and heritage, creating a deeper connection with my Galli lineage, and subsequently influencing my daily considerations, interactions, and my attachment to the world.

Q. Galli

Galli: What does the surname Galli mean?

Galli is a surname of Italian origin. It derives from the medieval given name "Gallo" which means "rooster" in Italian. The name was most likely used as a nickname originally, implying traits associated with a rooster such as energy, alertness, and courage. Over time, it evolved into a surname used by families, often to signify descent from an ancestor who had the nickname. In some cases, it could also be associated with someone who came from a place named with this word. The surname Galli is widespread throughout Italy, but it is especially common in Northern regions such as Lombardy and Tuscany. Like many Italian surnames, variations of Galli can include Gallini, Gallino, Gallucci, and Gallus.

Galli: Where does the name Galli come from?

The surname Galli is of Italian origin, and it is derived from the Latin term "gallus," which means "rooster". This name was often given as a nickname to a proud or valiant person, signifying the traditional traits associated with a rooster like bravery and vigour. Over time, it became a patronymic surname passed down through generations.

Galli can be traced back to several regions in Italy, especially in Northern/Central Italy, such as Lombardy, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna. The widespread dispersion of the name indicates that several unrelated lineages adopted this surname independently.

Today, the surname Galli remains most common in Italy, particularly in the northern part of the country. Actually, based on frequency, it stands as one of the top hundred surnames in Italy. Outside Italy, it has spread to countries with significant Italian immigrant populations, such as the United States, Brazil, Argentina, and other European countries. However, it is less common in these countries compared to Italy. In all these places, it may be found in various forms due to local linguistic alterations and diversities.

Variations of the surname Galli

The surname Galli, which originates from Italy, can be found in various forms, either as result of regional differences or due to Anglicization or other local adaptations methods. Some of these variations include Gallo, Gall, Gallagher, and Galley.

The simplest variant of Galli is most likely Gallo, which is more prevalent in the southern regions of Italy, but can also be found in the Lombardia region in the North. Gall, on the other hand, is a spelling usually observed in English speaking regions where the Italian surname has been Anglicized.

Gallagher, an Irish surname, might be associated with Galli, not because of linguistic similarities, but due to similarities in their original meaning. Both names are said to translate to or have the connotation of "rooster" or “brave”.

Furthermore, Galley is another variation often found in English-speaking countries. It’s important to note that these variants might not always relate to the same lineage as the original Italian surname. Other possible variations of Galli could occur by adding suffixes like -ini, -oni, -etti etc., typically giving the connotation of 'little' or 'large'. Therefore, Gallini, Galloni, and Galletti could be possible variants, though they may represent different lineages.

Famous people with the name Galli

• Bruno Galli: An Italian fashion designer known for his colorful beachwear.
• Riccardo Galli: A prominent figure in the field of soccer, famously known for his time in the "Inter Milan" youth academy.
• Licia Galli: An Italian actress who made her name during the 60s and 70s.
• Luke Galli: A rugby league player from New Zealand.
• Fabio Galli: A professional Italian footballer.
• Giovanna Galli: Another Italian actress known for her roles in Farfallon (1974), Django Shoots First (1966) and Cjamango (1967).
• Antonio Galli: An Italian art historian and restorer.
• Jean-Sébastien Galli: Swiss sports entrepreneur, founder of the company Global Sports Invest.
• Clotilde Galli: A prominent Italian botanist.
• Mario Galli: An Italian opera singer active during the early 20th century.
• Chiara Galli: An Italian sociologist.
• Renato Galli: Swiss footballer who played as a forward.
• Fritz Galli: A Swiss sprint canoeist who competed in the 1960s.
• Virginio Galli: Several people have this name including an Italian footballer and an Italian cyclist, both active during the 20th century.
• Antonietta Galli: An Italian film actress known for her work in the mid-20th century.

Other surnames

GallGallaGallacharGallacherGallagerGallagharGallagherGallaghurGallaherGallardoGallasbyGallasphyGallaspyGallaugherGallayGalleGalleaGalleasGallegherGallegosGallerGallesGalleyGallicGallidgeGallieGallienneGalliher