Castellani is a surname derived from the Italian word castello ("castle"). Like many Italian surnames, it may have originated as a topographic name identifying someone who lived near a castle, worked within a castle, or came from a locality named Castello, Castelli, or a similar place name.

According to E. De Stefani, the surname also has a specific historical connection with the feudal society of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. In the region of Carnia, the term castellani was used to identify groups of free men and ministeriales associated with the patriarchal and later Venetian administrations. In this context, the surname may preserve the memory of a social status or administrative function linked to castles and fortified settlements.

Distribution

The surname is widespread throughout Italy and belongs to a large family of surnames derived from castello.

De Stefani documents the surname in Friuli from the late 13th century. Historical records place families bearing the forms Castello, Castellan, and Castellani in Cervignano del Friuli and nearby localities. In Carnia, the Castellani families were particularly concentrated in Maiaso and Colza, while the related surname Castellarin is documented in Casarsa della Delizia.

Variants and Related Surnames

• Castello is one of the principal forms derived directly from the word castello.
• Castellan is a related surname documented in Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
• Castellarin is a regional variant associated with the area of Casarsa della Delizia.
• Castelli is another closely related surname. According to F. De Laurentiis, Castellani may in some cases have developed from this pre-existing family name.

Notes

De Stefani notes that until the middle of the 14th century, numerous castles were scattered throughout Carnia and were inhabited by noble families. In medieval usage, the word castello could also refer more generally to the most substantial or fortified residence of a rural landowner.

The surname therefore may reflect several different historical realities, including residence near a castle, origin from a place bearing that name, association with a feudal community, or descent from families identified with the social group known as the castellani.