Surname Vella - Meaning and Origin

Vella: What does the surname Vella mean?

Vella is a last name of a few different origins - Italian, Spanish, and Maltese. In Italian and Spanish, 'Vella' means 'beautiful' or 'pretty'. It is derived from Latin word 'Vellus' meaning fleece which can be associated with beauty and attractiveness. Therefore, the last name could have been adopted by or granted to an individual who was known for their good looks or charming personality.

In the context of Maltese origin, 'Vella' is a common surname and occupational in nature. It is derived from the term for a type of fishing boat, thus likely given to fishermen or people working in related professions. In all instances, surnames can serve as a link to a family's geographic, occupational, or personal history.

However, the meanings associated with surnames can vary significantly depending on regional variations and the passage of time. For a true understanding of the meaning and history of the last name, individuals are advised to look into their specific family histories.

Vella: Where does the name Vella come from?

The last name Vella is most commonly found today in southern Italy and Sicily. According to genealogical sources, the name is derived from the Latin word vella meaning "beautiful." This name likely originated as a nickname given to someone as a compliment. Though a predominantly Italian surname, Vella is also found in other parts of the world. In countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Croatia, France, India, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States, Vella is used either as a surname or as a given name.

In Italy, Vella is typically a southern surname. More specifically, it is most commonly seen in the provinces of Naples, Avellino, and Calabria. The regions of Molise, Campania, Abruzzo, Basilicata, and Sicily are also home to this name. Vella is still a popular name in these regions today and is today seen more as a marker of traditional Italian culture.

In the United States, the Vella surname is most frequently found in the following states: New York, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. It has also been found in other states including Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Washington. Of these states, it is most commonly seen in New York, followed by Massachusetts, and then California.

Overall, the last name Vella is most common in Italy, especially in the southern regions of the country. In the United States, it has been found in several states, most notably New York, Massachusetts, and California.

Variations of the surname Vella

The variant spellings and surnames of Vella are Bila, Vela, Bela, and Vellan. These all have the same origin, which is a adaption of the Latin word “villa” that means “town”. Historically, the root form of the surname Vella trace back to around the 4th century BC in north-central Italy.

The surname Vella was used to indicate the origin or residence of an individual in a specific town or settlement. During the medieval period, when family names began to become the norm across Europe, the name Vella was adopted by many of the residents living in the same villages. This is how the surname Vella slowly evolved and spread throughout Europe.

The surname Vella could also be used to indicate a noble family line. In this case, the Latin term “de villa” (of the town) was added onto their surname. This was a way for them to distinguish themselves from the commoners who lived in the same towns.

The surname Vella also has links to the religious sector. The surname Vella was also adopted as a reference to the Roman Catholic priest and theologian Giovanni Battista Vella, who was born in Sicily in 1640.

No matter the spelling, the surname Vella is one that has a long and storied history. This surname has been used by many families over the centuries, but it is still maintained as a sign of family connection and pride.

Famous people with the name Vella

• Jay Vella: Canadian television news Anchor.
• Chris Vella: award-winning American Cinematographer.
• AJ Vella: stand-up comic and actor.
• David Vella: Maltese professor of heritage studies.
• Letizia Vella: Italian contemporary artist and sculptor.
• Jason Vella: Major League Soccer player for Seattle Sounders FC.
• John Vella: Grammy-nominated audio engineer and record producer.
• Lawrence Vella: American photographer and videographer.
• Joseph Vella: prominent Maltese composer and music educator.
• Mark Vella: international pop star.
• Roger Vella Bondin: Maltese entrepreneur, philanthropist and businessman.
• Matthew Vella: acclaimed author of several books on cultural and political issues.
• Paul Vella Gregory: Maltese artist and designer.
• Leslie Vella: award-winning Maltese writer.
• Julie Anne Vella: actress and model best known for her roles in Grown-ish and The Kicks.

Other surnames

Veller