Last Name Ilardi

The surname Ilardi is of Italian origin. It is derived from a place name, indicating that an individual originally came from a location known as "Ilaradio" or "Ilarida," which are variants found in different regions of Italy such as Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardy. The original Ilardi family most likely lived in one of these areas and then moved to another region or country over time, carrying the name with them. This pattern is common in Italian surnames, which often reflect a person's place of origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ilardi

The meaning and origin of the last name Ilardi

The surname Ilardi is of Italian origin, specifically from regions such as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. It is derived from the personal name "Girardo" or "Ilderico," both of which have Germanic roots. Over time, it evolved into various forms, including Ildardo, Ilardo, and eventually Ilardi. The suffix "-i" in Italian signifies plural, indicating that at one point, this name may have been shared among multiple family members. Throughout history, the Ilardi family has likely resided in villages or towns with similar names, contributing to the dissemination and persistence of this surname within the Italian population.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ilardi

The surname Ilardi is predominantly distributed in Italy, with a significant concentration in the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Tuscany. These regions form the northern part of the country and are known for their rich history and cultural heritage. Smaller clusters can also be found in other Italian regions, such as Umbria, Marche, and Lazio. The name is relatively rare outside of Italy, with minor appearances in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States, primarily among Italian immigrants or descendants. This geographical distribution suggests that Ilardi is deeply rooted in Italian ancestry.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ilardi

The surname Ilardi has several variations and spellings, which may include Ilardy, I'Lardi, Ilaridis, I'Laridi, Illardi, Ilardino, and others due to regional dialects, transcription errors, or changes in family preference over time. Some common misspellings or typographical errors could be Ilard, Illard, I'lardi, or Ilarti. The Italian origin of the name suggests it may have derived from a place name or a personal name, possibly related to "ilaro" (elderly man) or "ilaridion" (small elder tree). These variations and potential misspellings are important to consider when researching one's genealogy or family history.

Famous people with the last name Ilardi

The Ilardi family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Salvatore Ilardi, an Italian-American physician who made significant contributions to the field of cardiology. He is particularly recognized for his research on coronary artery disease and was a pioneer in the use of invasive procedures such as angioplasty. Another prominent figure is John Ilardi, an American psychologist known for his work on depression, anxiety, and stress management. His book "Clinically Depressed: My Journey Through Madness to Hope" shares his personal experiences with depression and offers insights into effective treatments. Lastly, Luca Ilardi, a professional basketball player, represented Italy in the 2016 Summer Olympics. He currently plays for Olimpia Milano in Italy's top-tier league, Lega Basket Serie A. These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments and impact of those with the last name Ilardi.

Genealogical research on the last name Ilardi

The Ilardi surname is of Italian origin, predominantly found in regions such as Liguria and Piemonte. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name 'Elardo' or 'Ilderico,' both names having Germanic roots. The name initially emerged during the Middle Ages when the Lombards ruled parts of Italy, and personal names were often used as surnames.

Over time, the Ilardi family migrated to various parts of Europe and the Americas, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries due to political instability and economic opportunities abroad. Notable Ilardi families can be traced in countries like France, Switzerland, Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.

One well-known Ilardi descendant is Giuseppe Luigi Ilardi (1876-1943), an Italian composer, conductor, and pianist who made significant contributions to the Argentine music scene. The Ilardi family's lineage demonstrates a rich history with diverse geographical dispersal and notable achievements in various fields.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ilardi"
• 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

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