Save Type Surname (from occupation & from nickname) Usage Italian Pronounced Pron. /kan.ˈnɛl.la/ [key·simplify] Other Forms FormsCannelli, Cannello Meaning & History Diminutive form of canna "cane, reed, pipe", possibly a nickname for a tall, thin person, or perhaps taken directly from cannella "cinnamon (spice)" as a metonymic name for a spice merchant.