Moschella

Moschella is an Italian surname derived from a diminutive of the Italian word mosca, meaning "housefly." This etymological origin suggests that the surname likely began as a nickname—possibly for an annoying or bothersome person, drawing on the pesky nature of the common housefly. Such nicknames based on insects or animals were not uncommon in medieval Italy, where they often described personality traits or physical characteristics.

The surname is primarily found in southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Sicily and Calabria, where many Italian surnames ending in "-ella" are common. The suffix "-ello" or "-ella" typically indicates a diminutive form, so Moschella could be interpreted as "little fly," either as an ironic nickname or as a descriptive term that eventually became a hereditary surname.

Notable individuals bearing the surname include Domenico Moschella (c. 1948–2015), a Canadian politician of Italian descent, and William Moschella (born 1968), an American lawyer who served as Assistant Attorney General under President George W. Bush. While the surname is not among the most common globally, its distinctiveness and etymological curiosity make it a notable example of Italian onomastic tradition.

A variant of the surname is Mosconi, which derives from a cognate or related root, likely also from mosca but with a different suffix.

• Meaning: "housefly" (nickname)
• Origin: Italian
• Type: Surname
• Usage regions: Italy (especially south), overseas Italian diaspora