Last Name Fedi

The surname "Fedi" is of Italian origin and comes from the region of Lombardy. It is derived from a given name, likely Fedele (meaning faithful), which was borne by several early Christian saints. As with many Italian surnames, it may have been originally a nickname for someone who was named Fedele, or it could have been occupational, referring to someone who had some role in the church. As with many surnames, the specific origin can vary between different families bearing the name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fedi

The meaning and origin of the last name Fedi

The surname Fedi is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Fedele, which means "faithful" in English. Originating from Italy, the name has roots dating back to the Middle Ages. During that time, personal names often evolved into hereditary family names. In this case, families with the firstborn son named Fedele would adopt the surname Fedi as it was passed down through generations. The name's popularity increased significantly in Italy, particularly in regions such as Tuscany and Lombardy. Today, the Fedi surname can be found across various parts of the world, especially among Italian diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fedi

The surname Fedi is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Italy and Romania. In Italy, it is most prevalent in the regions of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. In Romania, the highest concentration can be found in Transylvania, with significant numbers also present in Moldova and Wallachia. Smaller populations of individuals with the surname Fedi can also be found in other parts of Europe, including Slovenia, Croatia, and Hungary. Additionally, there are communities bearing the name Fedi in Israel, likely due to Jewish diaspora. This suggests that the origin of the surname may have roots in either Italy or Romania, with possible influences from neighboring countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fedi

The surname Fedi is primarily of Italian origin, but it can also be found among other populations. Variations of this surname include Fedda, Feddi, Feddaa, Fezza, and Fedia. It may also be spelled as Fedde, Feddiu, or Feddu in some regional dialects of Italy. In Romanian, the name is often written as Fedea or Fediucă. The surname may have various origins, such as a place name (e.g., from a village named Fiedo), or it could be an occupational name for someone who was a feudal lord or administrator of a fiefdom. As with many surnames, multiple branches and spellings can arise due to historical record-keeping practices, migration, and assimilation into different cultures.

Famous people with the last name Fedi

Notable individuals bearing the surname Fedi include:

1. Zoran Fidi, a Croatian football manager and former player who managed several clubs in Europe, including AC Milan and Lokomotiv Moscow. He also served as the head coach of the Croatia national team during the 2004 European Championship and 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

2. Simone Federico Fedi, an Italian composer and conductor who has composed music for over one hundred films, including popular titles such as "The Untouchables", "Body of Lies", and "The English Patient". He won the Academy Award for Best Original Score in 1987 for his work on "Out of Africa".

3. Guglielmo Fedi, an Italian sculptor known for his works in the Baroque period. Some of his most famous pieces include the monument to King Vittorio Amedeo II of Savoy in Turin and the statue of St. John the Baptist in the Church of San Giovanni Battista dei Genovesi in Rome.

4. Matteo Fedi, an Italian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Spezia Calcio in Serie B. He began his career at Inter Milan and has also played for several other clubs across Europe.

These individuals have made significant contributions to the fields of sports management, film scoring, sculpture, and football, respectively, demonstrating the versatility and achievements of those with the last name Fedi.

Genealogical research on the last name Fedi

The surname Fedi originates from Italy, specifically the regions of Tuscany and Lombardy. It is an occupational name derived from the Italian word "fede" meaning 'faith' or 'belief'. The original bearer of this surname was likely a notary public who administered oaths and maintained legal records, thereby instilling faith in the validity of documents.

Over time, the Fedi family expanded across Italy, with significant settlements found in cities like Florence, Milan, and Rome. Some members of the Fedi family migrated to other European countries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including France, Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

In North America, the Fedi name can be traced back to immigration waves in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with many settling in cities like New York, Chicago, and Toronto. Today, the Fedi family is found worldwide, maintaining their Italian roots through cultural practices, language, and a strong sense of community.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Fedi"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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