Last Name Desideri

Learn more about the origin of the last name Desideri

The meaning and origin of the last name Desideri

The surname Desideri has its roots in Italy, particularly in regions such as Tuscany and Lombardy. It is derived from the given name "Desiderio," which means "desired" or "wished-for" in Latin. The name was common during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period in Italy, reflecting the desire for personal ambition, love, or spiritual fulfillment. As a patronymic surname, Desideri was originally used to identify individuals born to a father named Desiderio. Over time, it has spread beyond Italy due to migration and assimilation, taking on various spellings in different languages (e.g., Desiderius, Desidério). Today, the name remains relatively uncommon globally but is still widely found among Italian descendants worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Desideri

The last name Desideri is predominantly found in Italy, with significant concentrations in central and northern regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. This surname's frequency increases notably in Bologna, Florence, Perugia, and Rome, reflecting the historical distribution of Italian populations within these regions. Desideri is also found in smaller numbers in other parts of Italy, with some instances in Sardinia, Sicily, and the Veneto region. Outside of Italy, there are Desideris in Switzerland, particularly in the canton of Ticino where Italian-speaking communities reside. Additionally, a small number of Desideri families can be found in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, often traceable to Italian immigration waves during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Desideri

The surname Desideri can have several variants and spellings due to phonetic and regional differences in transcription over time. Some common versions include: Desiderio, Desidorio, De Sidario, De Sidarious, De Siddario, Dessideri, De Sideri, De Siderius, Desiderius, and Desidero. It is important to note that the spelling can change from one country or region to another, reflecting the local pronunciation and historical conventions for writing personal names. The original Italian form of the name, Desideri, comes from the masculine given name Desiderio, which means "desired" in Latin.

Famous people with the last name Desideri

The Desideri family has been notable for producing several significant individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Giuseppe Desideri (1743-1815), an Italian architect who worked primarily in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he was instrumental in designing and building some of the city's most iconic structures, including the Alexander Column and part of the General Staff Building on Palace Square. In the world of academia, Antonio Desideri (1743-1820) stands out as a scholar and collector from Bologna, Italy. He amassed one of the finest libraries in Europe during the late 18th century. Additionally, Alessandro Desideri (1661-1743), an Italian Jesuit missionary, played a crucial role in bringing Christianity to China, establishing the first permanent Catholic mission in Beijing in 1690. These notable figures demonstrate the diverse achievements and enduring impact of individuals bearing the last name Desideri.

Genealogical research on the last name Desideri

The Desideri surname is of Italian origin, derived from the given name "Desiderio," meaning 'desired' or 'longed for.' Originating in the region of Tuscany, this name can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Notable bearers of the Desideri name during that period include members of the powerful Guelf and Ghibelline factions in the city-states of Florence and Siena. The family gained prominence as merchants, bankers, and political figures throughout Italy.

Over time, the Desideri family expanded across Europe, particularly in countries with strong trade relations with Italy such as France, Germany, and Spain. In the 15th and 16th centuries, many members of the Desideri clan were involved in the exploration and colonization efforts of the Mediterranean and the New World.

The Desideri name continues to be found predominantly among Italian communities worldwide, with significant concentrations in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela, and the United States due to historical waves of immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the Desideri family tree boasts a diverse range of professionals across various fields, reflecting their longstanding tradition of achievement.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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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 : 14 June 2025