NameCensus.

UK surname

Spinola

A surname of Italian origin possibly derived from the word for thorn or bramble.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Cardiff, Lambeth and Wandsworth.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Spinola is 151 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

151

2016, ranked #23,615

Peak year

2016

151 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 151 in 2016, ranked #23,615.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Young Families.

Spinola surname distribution map

The map shows where the Spinola surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Spinola surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Spinola over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1997 modern 64 #31,233
1998 modern 80 #29,966
1999 modern 78 #30,327
2000 modern 84 #29,706
2001 modern 90 #28,793
2002 modern 98 #28,243
2003 modern 97 #28,217
2004 modern 104 #27,338
2005 modern 111 #26,260
2006 modern 106 #27,332
2007 modern 109 #27,253
2008 modern 122 #25,638
2009 modern 122 #26,220
2010 modern 137 #24,907
2011 modern 131 #25,430
2012 modern 131 #25,439
2013 modern 141 #24,670
2014 modern 148 #24,075
2015 modern 148 #23,934
2016 modern 151 #23,615

Geography

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Where Spinolas are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Cardiff, Lambeth, Wandsworth, West Lancashire and Croydon. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Cardiff 027 Cardiff
2 Lambeth 022 Lambeth
3 Wandsworth 005 Wandsworth
4 West Lancashire 001 West Lancashire
5 Croydon 018 Croydon

Forenames

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First names often paired with Spinola

These lists show first names that appear often with the Spinola surname in historical and recent records.

Historical female names

No Forenames Found

Historical male names

No Forenames Found

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Spinola

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Spinola, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Multicultural and Educated Urbanites

Group

Ethnically Diverse Young Families

Nationally, the Spinola surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Young Families, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Spinola household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group includes many younger parents born overseas (particularly in Africa or EU countries) with children aged 0-4. Individuals identifying as of Mixed or Multiple ethnicities are also common. English may not be the primary language spoken. Accommodation consists principally of flats, and many properties are socially rented and/or overcrowded. Students are also present, unemployment is common, and other adults tend to work in low skilled jobs.

Wider pattern

Established populations comprising ethnic minorities together with persons born outside the UK predominate in this Supergroup. Residents present diverse personal characteristics and circumstances: while generally well-educated and practising skilled occupations, some residents live in overcrowded rental sector housing. English may not be the main language used by people in this Group. Although the typical adult resident is middle aged, single person households are common and marriage rates are low by national standards. This Supergroup predominates in Inner London, with smaller enclaves in many other densely populated metropolitan areas.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Spinola is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Spinola is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Spinola falls in decile 4 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Spinola is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - Other

This describes the area pattern most associated with Spinola, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Spinola

The surname Spinola originates from the Liguria region of Italy, particularly the city of Genoa, dating back to the 11th century. It is believed to derive from the Latin word "spina," meaning "thorn" or "bramble," possibly referring to someone who lived near a thorny bush or an area covered with brambles.

The Spinola family was one of the most influential and powerful noble families in Genoa during the Middle Ages and Renaissance period. They were actively involved in maritime trade and played a significant role in the city's political and economic affairs. The earliest known record of the name can be found in a document from 1109, mentioning a certain Oberto Spinola.

The Spinola name appears in numerous historical records and chronicles, including the Annals of Genoa, which document their involvement in various wars, diplomatic missions, and naval expeditions. One notable member of the family was Battista Spinola (1615-1676), a highly respected military commander who served the Spanish Crown during the Thirty Years' War.

Another prominent figure was Ambrogio Spinola (1569-1630), a renowned Spanish general and statesman who led the Spanish Army of Flanders during the Eighty Years' War against the Dutch Republic. He was celebrated for his military prowess and strategic brilliance, particularly during the Siege of Breda in 1625.

The Spinola family also had connections to the Knights Hospitaller, a famous medieval Catholic military order. One of their members, Gian Vincenzo Spinola (1616-1691), served as the 58th Prince and Grand Master of the Order of Malta from 1688 to 1689.

In the 13th century, the name Spinola was associated with the town of Spinola (now known as Spinola Nuova), located in the province of Alessandria, Piedmont region of Italy. This town was likely named after the Spinola family, who may have held feudal rights or owned lands in the area.

Throughout history, the Spinola surname has been spelled in various ways, including Spinola, Spinulla, Spinulle, and Spinulae, reflecting local dialects and regional variations in the Italian language. Despite its noble origins, the surname Spinola has since spread beyond Italy and can be found in various parts of the world, particularly among descendants of Italian immigrants.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Spinola surname: questions and answers

How common is the Spinola surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 151 in 2016. That gives Spinola a modern rank of #23,615.

What does the Spinola surname mean?

A surname of Italian origin possibly derived from the word for thorn or bramble.

What does the Spinola map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Spinola bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.