Surname distribution and origin notes
Villani Surname in Italy
Villani is very common among Italian surnames. It is held by 10,973 people across 1,165 Italian towns. The top towns are Rome (427), Milan (405), Naples (214). The strongest regional presence is in Lombardia, Campania, Puglia. Related variants include VILLANO.
Origin notes
Origin and meaning
The surname Villani is widespread throughout Italy, particularly common in Apulia, Campania, and Lombardy. Its origin is twofold: it may derive from place names containing the root "Villa" or from the medieval term "villanus," referring to a rural inhabitant or villager, as opposed to a city dweller. This social distinction is well documented in 13th-century records. A prominent historical figure bearing this surname is Giovanni Villani, born in Florence in 1276, known for his "Nova Chronica," an important medieval chronicle of Florentine and Italian history.
Surname map
Distribution in Italy
Highest presence: Rome
Villani Surname Distribution Map in Italy
This map shows the areas of Italy where the Villani surname is more or less present. Warmer colors indicate stronger presence, while cooler colors indicate lighter presence.
Italian towns with the highest presence
| Town | Province | Region | People |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rome | Rome | Lazio | 427people |
| Milan | Milan | Lombardia | 405people |
| Naples | Naples | Campania | 214people |
| San Marco in Lamis | Foggia | Puglia | 209people |
| Ferrara | Ferrara | Emilia-Romagna | 194people |
| Foggia | Foggia | Puglia | 194people |
| Turin | Turin | Piemonte | 187people |
| Nocera Superiore | Salerno | Campania | 171people |
| Bologna | Bologna | Emilia-Romagna | 166people |
| Parma | Parma | Emilia-Romagna | 154people |
