Show ContentsNovella History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The distinguished surname Novella can be traced back to the ancient and beautiful region of Venice. Although people were originally known only by a single name, it became necessary for people to adopt a second name to identify themselves as populations grew and travel became more frequent. The process of adopting fixed hereditary surnames was not complete until the modern era, but the use of hereditary family names in Italy began in the 10th and 11th centuries. Italian hereditary surnames were developed according to fairly general principles and they were characterized by a profusion of derivatives coined from given names. The surname Novella came from the personal name Novello. The Italian word "novello" is derived from the Latin "novellus," which means "new."

Early Origins of the Novella family

The surname Novella was first found in Venice, the most famous city of the Veneto region, is noted for the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Mark, and the unique canals which wind throughout the city. It is in this rich Italian region that origins of the Novella surname are found. Roots of the Novella family have been located in the city of Padua, with Riccardino Novelli, a government consul in 1113.

Early History of the Novella family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Novella research. The years 1264, 1293, 1334, 1349, 1418, 1465, 1561, 1600 and 1662 are included under the topic Early Novella History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Novella Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Novelli, Novello, Novel, Noviello, Novella, Novèl, Novellis, Novelloni, Novellucci, Novi and many more.

Early Notables of the Novella family

Prominent among members of the family was Andrea, Antonio, and Giovanni Novello, who were involved in the Senate in Genoa during the late 13th century; Prosavio Novelli was Bishop of Ceneda in 1264; Luigi Novelli was a military Captain of 600 soldiers and was known for his bravery and outstanding conduct; Giuliano was mayor of Florence in 1293; many members of the Novelloni family of Bologna were involved in the Senate during the 14th century; also of this lineage was Pope Benedetto XII, who was elected in 1334; Francesco...
Another 88 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Novella Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Novella family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Mrs. Novel, who arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1820.


Contemporary Notables of the name Novella (post 1700) +

  • Novella Nelson (1939-2017), American actress and singer


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