The surname Di-Matteo is of Italian origin. It derives from the given names Matthew (Mattia) or Matthias, which are Hebrew in origin and mean "gift of God." In Italy, it was common for surnames to be derived from personal names, particularly among the population that converted to Christianity during the Middle Ages. The "-di" prefix in this surname is a regional variation found in Tuscany and signifies "son of" or "descendant of," thus Di-Matteo can be translated as "son of Matthew" or "descendant of Matthias."
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The meaning and origin of the last name Di-matteo
The surname Di Matteo is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Matthew (Matteo in Italian). It originally functioned as a nickname for someone thought to be resembling Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles in Christianity. The name Matthew translates from Aramaic to mean "gift of God." The Italian variant Di Matteo indicates that the bearer was either a son or descendant of a person named Matteo. This surname is common among Italian populations and has been carried over to various parts of the world due to immigration waves, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Geographical distribution of the last name Di-matteo
The surname Di Matteo is predominantly Italian and has its origins from the Latin "Matthias," which means gift of God. Geographically, it is most concentrated in southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Campania, Calabria, Apulia, and Sicily, reflecting its historical roots in these areas. In Campania alone, Naples and Caserta are the provinces with the highest number of Di Matteos. The surname also has a significant presence in other Italian regions like Lazio, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna. Beyond Italy, the Di Matteo family has migrated to various parts of the world, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and Australia, due to emigration over the centuries. In these countries, they have established communities with substantial populations of individuals bearing the surname Di Matteo.
Variants and spellings of the last name Di-matteo
The surname Di Matteo has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common spelling variations include DeMatteo, DiMateo, Di Mattio, di Mattia, DiMattia, de Matteis, di Mateo, and di Matias. These variations may be found among individuals of Italian descent, as the name originates from Italy. It is a composite surname derived from the personal names "Di" (meaning 'of' or 'belonging to') and "Matthew" or "Mattia", a common given name in Italy, resulting in the compound surname Di Matteo. In addition to the variations mentioned above, there may be other regional or familial spellings that have arisen over centuries of usage.
Famous people with the last name Di-matteo
Notable individuals with the surname Di Matteo include:
1. Roberto Di Matteo – An Italian football manager and former player who managed Chelsea FC to win the UEFA Champions League in 2012, after taking over from Andre Villas-Boas mid-season. He also had a successful playing career at clubs such as Lazio and West Bromwich Albion.
2. Luca Di Matteo – An Italian racing driver who has competed in various motorsports series, including Formula One and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
3. Paolo Di Canio – A former Italian footballer who played as a striker for several English clubs like West Ham United, Sheffield Wednesday, and Sunderland. He is known for his flamboyant playing style and controversial off-field antics.
4. Stefano Di Matteo – An Italian businessman who gained public attention after winning the 2015 edition of the reality television show "The Apprentice UK." Following his victory, he was offered a job as a junior partner in Lord Sugar's business empire.
Genealogical research on the last name Di-matteo
The surname Di Matteo originates from Italy and is of Mediterranean origins. It is derived from the personal name Mattia or Mateo, which is the Italian form of Matthew, a biblical name meaning "gift of God." The surname has various spellings in different regions, such as DiMateo, DiMatteo, and Dimatteo.
The Di Matteo family has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. They are believed to have originated from the southern Italian region of Calabria, where they held prominent positions in feudal society. The family migrated to various parts of Italy and eventually spread to other countries during the European migrations.
In the United States, a significant number of Di Matteos immigrated from Italy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, seeking better opportunities. They settled primarily in urban centers such as New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago, where they became involved in various industries including construction, manufacturing, and politics.
Today, Di Matteo is a common surname among Italians and Italian Americans, with concentrations in Italy, the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil. Genealogical research on this name can be extensive due to its prevalence in various regions and historical periods.
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.
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