Ottaviani

Ottaviani is an Italian surname. It is derived from the given name Ottavio, the Italian form of Octavius, with the suffix -ani indicating lineage or a family group. As a patronymic surname, Ottaviani originally signified “descendants of Ottavio” and is most commonly found in Italy, particularly in central regions, with a presence among Italian diaspora communities abroad.

In cultural and historical contexts, the name is most often associated with Italy-based records and genealogy. Individuals bearing the surname have appeared in various professional fields, including religion, academia, and the arts, reflecting the name’s broad distribution in Italian-speaking communities.

Notable people with the surname include Alfredo Ottaviani, an Italian cardinal of the Catholic Church who served as head of the Holy Office, the Vatican’s doctrinal body, in the mid-20th century. He was a central figure in Catholic doctrinal governance during the era surrounding the Second Vatican Council.

The surname Ottaviani can appear in historical and genealogical sources that trace family lineages in Italy and among Italian communities worldwide. Variants and related forms may be encountered in records, reflecting regional spelling variations and migrations.

See also: Ottaviano, a related given name from which Ottaviani is derived.