Zanelli Coat of Arms and Surname Origin

Families named Zanelli share their surname's story with Zanella, of which it is a variant. At root, the name means “Little Gianni (John)”. Zanelli and Zanella differ only in the final vowel; Italian surnames often appear in both a singular and a plural form. Spellings drifted because names were written down by ear in parish books, tax rolls and passenger lists.

Other spellings include Zanello and Zane.

Heraldry is personal: arms associated with the Zanella surname were borne by specific families, and sharing the name does not mean sharing the blazon. Research your Zanelli family history with a full surname report and painted coat of arms.