The surname Paoli is Italian in origin.
It is derived directly from the Italian personal name Paolo. The name Paoli functions in two primary ways within the Italian language:
- As a patronymic form, signifying "son of Paolo." This common practice in many cultures allows surnames to evolve from a father's given name, linking individuals to their ancestry.
- As the plural form of Paolo. In Italian, the 'i' ending is frequently used to form the plural of masculine nouns and names that end in 'o'.
The personal name Paolo itself is the Italian equivalent of the widely recognized name Paul, which traces its roots back to the Latin word Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble." Thus, the surname Paoli carries a rich linguistic heritage deeply embedded in Italian and classical Latin traditions.
