Last Name Capaldi

The last name "Capaldi" is of Italian origin. The name comes from the Italian word "capo," meaning "head" or "chief," combined with the suffix "-aldi," which is a common suffix used in Italian surnames. Therefore, "Capaldi" likely originally referred to someone who was a leader, chief, or head of a group or community. The name is most commonly found in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities around the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Capaldi

The meaning and origin of the last name Capaldi

The surname Capaldi is of Italian origin derived from the Latin word "capaldus," meaning bald-headed or tonsured. This surname was often given to individuals who were either bald or had a shaven head due to religious or ceremonial reasons. Capaldi has its roots in the region of Campania in Southern Italy and is relatively common in this area. The name likely originated as a nickname to distinguish individuals based on their physical characteristics, such as a bald head. Over time, it became a hereditary surname passed down through generations. Today, the surname Capaldi can be found not only in Italy but also in various parts of the world, particularly in countries with a significant Italian diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Capaldi

The last name Capaldi is primarily found in Italy and Scotland, with the majority of individuals bearing this surname residing in these countries. In Italy, the Capaldi surname is most prevalent in the southern regions, particularly in Campania, where the name is believed to have originated. In Scotland, the name is common in areas such as Glasgow and Edinburgh, with a significant presence in the central and northern regions of the country. Beyond these regions, the surname Capaldi can also be found in countries with historical ties to Italy and Scotland, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, where individuals of Italian and Scottish descent have settled and passed down the Capaldi name through generations. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Capaldi reflects its strong connections to both Italy and Scotland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Capaldi

Capaldi is an Italian surname that can be spelled in several variations due to the different dialects and regional influences in Italy. Some of the possible spellings and variations of the surname include Capaldo, Capalli, Capalladi, Capoldi, Capalte, Capalti, and Capaldy. The name may also be spelled with a double consonant, such as Cappaldi or Cappaldo, depending on the regional pronunciation. In some cases, the surname may have been anglicized to Capaldi, particularly for descendants who emigrated to English-speaking countries. Despite the various spellings and variations, all of these forms of the surname ultimately trace their roots back to the same Italian origin, and are likely to be related to each other in some way.

Famous people with the last name Capaldi

One famous person with the last name Capaldi is Peter Capaldi, a Scottish actor known for his role as the 12th incarnation of the Doctor in the long-running British television series "Doctor Who." Capaldi has also appeared in other popular TV shows and films such as "The Thick of It," "In the Loop," and "World War Z." Another famous Capaldi is Lewis Capaldi, a Scottish singer-songwriter known for his soulful and emotional vocals. He rose to fame with his hit single "Someone You Loved" and has since garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards for his music. Both Peter and Lewis Capaldi have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have gained a strong following of fans around the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Capaldi

The last name Capaldi is of Italian origin and is believed to be derived from the personal name "Capaldo," which in turn comes from the Latin name "Capaldus." The name is most commonly found in central and southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Campania and Calabria. The earliest recorded instances of the Capaldi surname date back to the early 16th century in Italy, where individuals with this name were found in various historical records such as baptismal certificates, marriage registers, and census documents. Over the centuries, the Capaldi family may have migrated to other countries, leading to variations in the spelling of the surname. Today, individuals with the surname Capaldi can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in countries with significant Italian diaspora populations such as the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Capaldi"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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