Meaning & History
Avelina is a Spanish feminine given name, primarily recognized as the feminine form of Avelino. The name Avelino itself is used in honor of the 16th-century Italian saint Andrea Avellino (often spelled Avelino in Spanish and Portuguese). Saint Andrea Avellino, born in 1521 in the town of Avellino in Campania, was a prominent Theatine priest known for his piety, charitable work, and numerous miracles attributed to him. He was canonized in 1712.
The surname Avellino originates from the town of Avellino, which derives from the Latin Abellinum, an ancient settlement of the Samnites (an Italic people). The exact meaning of Abellinum is unknown, though it may be related to the Oscan or pre-Indo-European substrate. The town itself was founded before the Roman conquest and later became a Roman municipium. The saint's surname, given his birthplace, ultimately comes from this toponym. Alternatively, the root surname Avellino may occasionally depict the hazelnut (from Latin abella avellana), but the dominant link is the town.
Avelina follows the common Spanish pattern of forming feminine names by adding the suffix -ina to a masculine base (compare Josefina from José). While not among the most popular given names in Spain today, Avelina maintains a traditional presence, especially in families devoted to Saint Andrew Avellino. Variant spellings include Avelina (as given), Abelina (by association with Abel), and occasionally Avellina (with double l).
Notable Bearers
- Avelina Landín (born circa 1900) was a Spanish actress of the silent film era.
- Avelina Llagostera (born 1946) is a Mexican pop singer and actress, daughter of singer Lydia Mendoza.
- Avelina de la Rosa (1847–1933) was a Spanish-born Cuban educator and feminist.