Merello History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Italy

Etymology of Merello

What does the name Merello mean?

The Italian family name Merello is classified as being of personal name origin, as in the case of many family names this surname derives its origins from the given name of one of the parents of its initial bearer. The name Merello is most probably derived from a short form of the feminine version of the name Ademaro, Mara. To this name has been added the suffix "-ella" to form a pet name. In this case the surname is of matronymic origin and would mean "son of Mara". The root name "mare" also means "sea," denoting someone living by the sea.

Alternatively, the surname may be of nickname origin, based on a physical characteristic or a personal attribute of the original bearer. Instances of names with this origin are based on the Italian regional words "amaru", "amaro" and "maru", which mean "affliction and pain"; evidently early bearers of this name were known to their contemporaries by the fact that they suffered some kind of misfortune. The word "amaro" is ultimately derived from the Hebrew "mara", which means "bitter". This name has also biblical associations, as Mara was the name taken by Naomi out of sorrow.

Monte Morello is the highest mountain (934 m.) in the Florentine valley, Italy, located to the north-west of Florence.

Early Origins of the Merello family

The surname Merello was first found in Maglione (Piemonte), as records show some of the family were endowed with the title of Counts of Verde and Counts of Baio in the sixteenth century. In this case, the record shows the Marello spelling was used.

Early History of the Merello family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Merello research. The years 1852, 1872, 1882, 1922, 1929 and 1969 are included under the topic Early Merello History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Merello Spelling Variations

In comparison with other European surnames, Italian surnames have a surprising number of forms. They reflect the regional variations and the many dialects of the Italian language, each with its own distinctive features. For example, in Northern Italy the typical Italian surname suffix is "i", whereas in Southern Italy it is "o". Additionally, spelling changes frequently occurred because medieval scribes and church officials often spelled names as they sounded rather than according to any specific spelling rules. The spelling variations in the name Merello include Marelli, Marello, Marella, Marela, Merello and others.

Early Notables of the Merello family

Rubaldo Merello (1872-1922), an Italian painter and sculptor...

Migration of the Merello family

Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Merello were among those contributors:

The Merello Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Innocua Vigila
Motto Translation: Watch the innocent