Last Name Di-salvo

The surname DiSalvo is an Italian surname derived from the given name Salvio or the diminutive form 'SALVE' which means "safe" or "healthy". The suffix "di" in Italian typically indicates that the bearer was once a servant to someone with the name Salvi or Salvio. Therefore, DiSalvo could translate to "servant of Salvio." This surname is common among Italians, particularly those from Southern Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Di-salvo

The meaning and origin of the last name Di-salvo

The surname DiSalvo is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Salvatore. It means "savior" in Latin and was popularized as a personal name during the Middle Ages due to its religious connotations. As a surname, it emerged in Italy during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. The 'di' prefix is a common Italian noble or geographical indicator, signifying either a lineage from a specific location (DiSantis) or noble status (DiMarco). In the case of DiSalvo, it could have originated from someone who was known as "the savior" in their community. The name is still commonly found among Italians and Italian-Americans today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Di-salvo

The surname Di Salvatore, variant Di Salvo, is predominantly found in Southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Sicily and Calabria. It originated from the Norman conquest of Sicily in the 11th century, where it was given to Normans who served under Tancred of Hauteville, a key figure during that period. Over time, the name spread to other parts of Italy due to migration and settlement. Outside of Italy, significant Di Salvatore/Di Salvo populations can be found in countries with large Italian diaspora communities, such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, Australia, and Brazil. In these countries, the surname is often concentrated in urban centers where Italian immigrants settled, like New York City, Toronto, Buenos Aires, Sydney, and Sao Paulo.

Variants and spellings of the last name Di-salvo

The surname Di Salvo has various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and recording errors over time. Some common variations include DeSalvo, De Salvio, Desalvo, DiSalvo, Di Savio, and Di Salvio. These alterations may be found in different countries and regions where individuals with Italian heritage have settled. The root of the name is derived from Italian origins, combining "di" meaning "of" or "belonging to," and "Salvo," a personal name often meaning "safe" or "unharmed." These variations serve as an indicator of a shared origin while reflecting individual familial histories and adaptations over time.

Famous people with the last name Di-salvo

The DiSalvo family has produced several notable figures in various fields. One of the most prominent is Frank DiSalvo, an American Mafia member who served as a bodyguard for mob boss John Gotti during his trial in the 1980s. In a different sphere, Sal DiSalvo, known as Sals, was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played over 600 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1972 to 1983. Additionally, Tony DiSalvo is a renowned American guitarist and songwriter, best known for his work with the band Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. In the world of academia, Charles DiSalvo is a prominent professor at Cornell University, focusing on architecture and urban design. Lastly, Michael DiSalvo is an American politician who has served as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives since 2015.

Genealogical research on the last name Di-salvo

The surname Di Salvio, variantly spelled as DiSalvo, originates from Italy and is of Norman descent. The name is derived from the Norman personal name "Giselmus" or "Gislebertus," which evolved into "Gisalvero" in Italian, meaning "pledge of a warrior." During the Norman Conquest of Sicily in the 11th century, many Normans settled in Southern Italy and Sicily, introducing their names to the region. The Di Salvio family, like many other Italian families, immigrated to various parts of the world, particularly North and South America, during the mass emigration from Italy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In North America, the most significant concentration of the Di Salvio population is found in the United States, with New York being a prominent region. Genealogical research suggests that the Di Salvio family has preserved their heritage while adapting to diverse cultures and societies over generations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "di-salvo"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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