Last Name Galdin

The surname Galdin is of Italian origin. It is derived from a given name Galdo, which is a diminutive of the name Gualtiero, an Old High German personal name composed of the elements walht (ruler) and hari (army). This name was brought to Italy by the Lombards in the 6th century and later Latinized as Walther. Over time, the name evolved into its various Italian forms, such as Galdino or Galdini.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Galdin

The meaning and origin of the last name Galdin

The surname Galdin is an Italian and Swiss patronymic name derived from the given name Galde, which is a variation of the biblical name Gideon. The name Gideon appears in the Old Testament as one of the judges of Israel. Over time, the name evolved into various forms across different regions, with Galde being one such variant. In Italian and Swiss contexts, the surname Galdin can be traced back to individuals who were named after this ancestor Galde. As a patronymic name, it indicates that the original bearer was the son or descendant of someone named Galde. The surname Galdin is most common in Italy and Switzerland, reflecting the historical roots of its origin.

Geographical distribution of the last name Galdin

The surname Galdin is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the Northern regions such as Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. These regions have a significant Germanic influence due to their historical links with Austria, which may contribute to the prevalence of this name. A notable concentration of Galdin families can be found in the Trentino province, particularly in the valley towns of Valsugana and Primiero. The surname also has a presence in Switzerland, specifically in the canton of Graubünden, where it is likely a result of migration from Italian-speaking regions. Additionally, small numbers of Galdin families can be found in other parts of Europe, as well as in Latin America and North America, primarily due to immigration from Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Galdin

The surname Galdin has several variations and spellings, often due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variants include: Gallatin (from Italian), Galden, Galdene, Galdeen, Galladhin, Galldin, Gallidon, Galdain, Galdane, and Galdino. These variations originate from the Italian name Gallo-Din, meaning "rooster-judge," which was brought to various parts of Europe by immigrants. The spelling can also vary based on factors such as country of origin, historical period, or family traditions. For example, in English-speaking countries, it is commonly spelled Galdin, while in Italian it might be Gallo-Din or one of its many variations.

Famous people with the last name Galdin

Notable individuals with the surname Galdin include:

1. Matteo Galdin (born 1995), an Italian alpine skier who won a silver medal at the 2021 World Championships in men's slalom and has competed in two Winter Olympics.

2. Silvia Galdin (born 1996), an Italian alpine skier who represented her country in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 Winter Olympics. She won a bronze medal in the women's slalom at the 2021 World Championships.

3. Raffaele Galdino (born 1979), an Italian actor known for his roles in television series such as "Gomorra" and "Suburra." He won the David di Donatello Award for Best Actor in 2020 for his performance in "The Corleone Clan."

4. Giulia Galdino (born 1987), an Italian professional volleyball player who plays as a central blocker and has played on the national team since 2008, competing at the Olympic Games in 2016 and 2020.

Genealogical research on the last name Galdin

The Galdin surname is primarily found in Italian-speaking regions, particularly in the provinces of Trentino and Belluno. Historical records indicate that the name originated from a medieval Italian personal name "Galdino," derived from the Germanic elements "wald" meaning rule or power, and "hild" meaning battle or strife. The Galdin family is believed to have migrated to other parts of Europe during the Middle Ages due to political instability, war, and religious conflicts in Italy. Notable figures with the surname include Giovanni Battista Galdino (1769-1825), an Italian artist known for his landscapes and portraits, and Giuseppe Galdino (1903-1984), an Italian poet and writer who published several volumes of poetry. Genealogical research continues to uncover more information about the origins and dispersals of the Galdin family throughout Europe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Galdin"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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