Di Napoli is a locational Italian surname meaning ‘from Naples’. The name is derived from the Italian city of Naples (Napoli), combined with the Italian preposition di meaning ‘from’ or ‘of’. Thus, the surname originally indicated someone who had migrated from Naples to another location.
Etymology and Origins
The surname Napoli itself originates from the ancient Greek city Neapolis (‘new city’), founded in the 5th century BC. As a di prefix surname, Di Napoli belongs to a common pattern of Italian surnames indicating geographic origin, often used to differentiate immigrants from a particular place.
Variants and Related Forms
Several variant forms exist, including Dinapoli (without space), Napoletani (meaning ‘Neapolitans’), and the feminine or plural forms. The root surname Napoli is by far the most common; the more explicit locative also appears as Napoliello, a diminutive or hypocoristic derivative.
Distribution and Notable Bearers
The surname Di Napoli is concentrated in southern Italy, especially in the Campania region, where Naples lies. According to available surname distributions, the name is also found among Italian diaspora communities in the Americas. Notable contemporary bearers include the Italian football coach Giuseppe Di Napoli and Italian cricketer Damiano Di Napoli.
- Meaning: ‘from Naples’ (locational)
- Origin: Italian
- Type: Habitational surname
- Usage Regions: Italy (especially Campania), diaspora in North and South America
Sources: Wiktionary — Di Napoli