Last Name Fedele

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fedele

The meaning and origin of the last name Fedele

The surname Fedele originates from Italy, specifically from regions such as Sicily and Calabria, where it is most prevalent. It is derived from the Latin name "Faithfulis," which means faithful or loyal. Over time, this name evolved into the Italian form "Fedele." Throughout history, the name has been associated with individuals who were known for their loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness. The surname Fedele spread as Italian immigrants migrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas during the 19th and 20th centuries, carrying their ancestral names with them and contributing to the cultural diversity of their adopted lands.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fedele

The surname Fedele is predominantly distributed across Southern Europe, particularly in Italy, with significant concentrations in Sicily, Calabria, and Sardinia. It also appears in smaller numbers in other regions like Campania, Puglia, and Lombardy. Beyond Italy, the name is also found in France, Spain, and Malta, though these populations are relatively small compared to those in Italy. The migration of Italians in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought Fedele surname carriers to various countries in North and South America, Australia, and Africa as well, but these diaspora communities are typically smaller than those in Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fedele

The surname Fedele has several variations and spellings, including Fedeli, Fedeley, Fedelia, Fedele, Fezzule, and Fazzuoli, among others. These variants are primarily due to differences in spelling conventions over time and regional dialects. The Italian surname Fedele is derived from the given name Felice or the adjective felice, which means happy or fortunate. It's important to note that while these variations may exist, the spelling of a particular name often depends on the specific historical context and family branch.

Famous people with the last name Fedele

The last name Fedele has been associated with several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Giuseppe Fedele (1798-1864), an Italian painter known for his historical and religious works, particularly the frescoes at the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi in Ravenna, Italy. Another prominent figure with this surname is Antonio Fedele (born 1953), an Italian politician who served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies for two terms and was the Minister for Regional Affairs in the Berlusconi IV Cabinet from 2008 to 2011. In the realm of sports, Franco Fedele (born 1943) is an Italian former footballer who played as a midfielder and made over 50 appearances for the Italian national team. Lastly, Angela Fedele (born 1967), a Canadian actress, has starred in films such as The Tao of Steve, Riding Giants, and Stick It, among others. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements and accomplishments associated with the last name Fedele.

Genealogical research on the last name Fedele

The surname Fedele originates from Italy and has roots in several regions, primarily Sicily and Sardinia. It is derived from the Latin word "fidelis," meaning faithful or loyal. The name emerged as a nickname for someone who possessed these qualities.

Throughout history, various branches of the Fedele family have been documented across Italy. Some notable figures include Giorgio Fedele, an 18th-century painter from Venice, and Francesco Federico Fedele, an 19th-century engineer who contributed to the development of railway systems in Sicily.

Emigrants bearing the Fedele surname have spread across the globe, with significant populations found in the United States, Argentina, Canada, Australia, and Brazil. Genealogical research suggests that these diaspora families are largely descended from the Italian branches of the name. The study of Fedele genealogy can provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and migration patterns of Italian communities over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Fedele"
• 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 June 2025