Benelli (surname)

Benelli is an Italian surname. It is a patronymic surname, derived from the given name "Bene," a shortened form of names like Benedetto (Benedict) or Benvenuto (welcome). The suffix "-elli" indicates "son of" or "descendant of," meaning "Benelli" translates to "son of Bene" or "descendant of Bene."

The surname is most common in the northern and central regions of Italy, particularly in Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Marche.

Notable people with the surname Benelli include:

• Giovanni Benelli (1921-1982): An Italian Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, Archbishop of Florence and a close advisor to Pope Paul VI.

• The Benelli Family: Founders of the Benelli motorcycle company.

The surname Benelli is also associated with the Italian firearms manufacturer Benelli Armi S.p.A., known for producing shotguns and rifles.