This is a Southern European surname which owes much to Italy, but mainly because its origins are Roman. In its many forms it is found in Spain, Italy, France, and subsequently England. This is not surprising as the whole of the Western hemisphere shares the same calendar, and on this is the month of March, or in its original form 'Mars'. Named after the god of war, 'Mars' marked the beginning of the campaigning season for war! In most cases the name was originally given to a child born in March, but naming people after gods, particularly those associated with war or glory, has always been a popular in every nation. This particular surname is most often a patronymic and in these forms is found as Marzella, Marzello, Marzelle, Marzele, Marzelli, Marzelo, and Marzellano, the latter two being particularly associated with Spain. Examples of recordings taken at random through the various countries include the following - Enok Marsillae, a refugee from France, and a witness at Threadneedle Street French Huguenot church on June 13th 1703, Charles Marsily (this appears to be an anglicised spelling), christened at St Stephens church, Coleman Street, London, on November 30th 1783, and William Marzelli, who married Lucy Witherspoon, at St Edmund the King, London, on November 13th 1830. Finally we have Giovanni Marzella who married Maria Michela del Mastro, at Pietromonte Corvino, Italy, on November 23rd 1854. The coat of arms granted in France has the blazon of a blue field, charged with a gold fesse and thereon three black buckles. In chief a demi white talbot, saliant. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Martin Marzellano, which was dated August 2nd 1566, a witness at Miranda del Arga, Espagna, during the reign of King Phillip 11 of Spain, 1554 - 1592. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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