The surname Rimola is characteristic of southern Italy, particularly of the province of Cosenza (Calabria). Its historical nucleus is concentrated in the zone comprised between Spezzano Albanese and Castrovillari, with variants such as Rimoli (Cassano allo Ionio) and Rimolo (Morano Calabro).

The territorial distribution of the surname is not accidental. This Calabrian strip forms part of an area with a strong presence of arbëreshë communities, descendants of Albanians who settled in southern Italy from the 15th century. For this reason, some studies suggest that the root of the surname could be linked to that ethnic and cultural tradition.

It is a surname of strong local identity, with phonetic variants that respond to the dialect evolution of the zone. A presence of the surname is also documented in northern Italy —for example in the Trecate area (Novara) from the 17th century—, which could indicate early migratory movements.

In sum, Rimola is a surname deeply linked to the Calabrian territory and possibly to the arbëreshë heritage, which makes it an interesting case for genealogical and regional-identity studies.