Spagnuolo Surname in Italy

The surname Spagnuolo originates from a direct or dialectal adaptation of the term linked to Spain or the Spanish ethnic identity, reflecting an origin or connection to the country. Its presence is primarily concentrated in Southern Italy, especially in Apulia around Taranto (Grottaglie, Monteiasi, Taranto, Montemesola, and Carosino). In Campania, for instance in Sant'Egidio del Monte Albino, the name appears as early as the 16th century, with individuals such as Nardo Antonio Spagnuolo documented in 1520. Related variants show diverse distributions: Spagna is uncommon and scattered across Italy; Spagnol mainly occurs in the area around Treviso and Pordenone; Spagnoli is widespread in central and northern regions; Spagnolo is common in Veneto, Calabria, Campania, and Apulia; Spagnulo has smaller clusters near Salerno but is predominantly Apulian. Some bearers of these surnames may directly descend from Spanish origins, notably linked to historic events like the 1492 expulsion of Sephardic Jews from Spain.