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Last Name Imperiale

What is the origin of the last name Imperiale?

The surname "Imperiale" is an Italian patronymic surname derived from the given name "Imperatore," which means "emperor" in Italian. This surname was likely given as a nickname for someone who bore a physical resemblance to or displayed characteristics associated with an emperor, or it may have been bestowed upon someone born into service to the imperial court. The use of this surname can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Italy, and it is most common among individuals of Italian descent.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Imperiale

The meaning and origin of the last name Imperiale

The surname Imperiale is of Italian origin and is derived from the Latin word 'imperialis,' meaning imperial or relating to an emperor. This surname was often given as a title of nobility, signifying that the bearer was related to a ruler or held a position of power in the imperial court. Over time, it became a common surname among Italian families, particularly those who lived in areas under the rule of the Holy Roman Empire or the various Italian city-states. Today, the surname Imperiale is found primarily among Italians and Italian-Americans, although it can also be found among other ethnicities due to migration and assimilation over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Imperiale

The last name Imperiale is predominantly found in Italy, originating from the regions of Sicily and Calabria in the south. It is also present in smaller numbers across other Italian regions such as Lombardy, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna. Beyond Italy, the distribution of the surname Imperiale is relatively low but can be found in significant numbers among Italian diaspora communities in countries like the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and Australia. In the U.S., the highest concentrations are found in states with a large Italian-American population, such as New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and California. The surname's presence in other parts of the world is likely due to historical migrations from Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Imperiale

The surname Imperiale has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Imperiali, Imperiale-Vassallo, Imperiali-Cavalieri, Impériale, Imperyale, and Imperjole. These variations may arise from changes in the rules of spelling, migration, or simply personal preference. In certain cases, additional elements such as hyphenated surnames (e.g., Imperiale-Vassallo) might be used to indicate family connections. Despite these variations, the underlying meaning remains consistent: the Italian derivative from the Latin word 'imperium', meaning power or empire.

Famous people with the last name Imperiale

The Imperiale family has been associated with notable figures in various fields, particularly in entertainment and politics. In the realm of music, one prominent member is Jimmy Imperiale, an American musician and songwriter who gained fame as a member of the band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.

In politics, John F. Imperiale served as a Republican member of the New York State Assembly for Queens County's 26th District from 1958 to 1974. He was also a candidate for Mayor of New York City in 1965 and the Governor of New York in 1968.

Moreover, Maria Imperiale, an American actress, is best known for her role as Lucy Carmichael on the NBC sitcom Amen from 1986 to 1991. Her career also includes roles in films such as The Rose (1979) and Death Wish 3 (1985).

These examples illustrate the diverse accomplishments of individuals bearing the last name Imperiale across different domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Imperiale

The surname Imperiale is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word 'imperium' meaning authority or empire. It was initially a title or name given to those who held imperial power. In Italy, it became a hereditary surname among noble families, particularly in regions such as Sicily and Naples. One notable historical figure with this surname is Giovanni Angelo Imperiale, Duke of Sant'Angelo, who lived during the 16th century. The family also produced several cardinals over the centuries. In modern times, variations of the name can be found across Italy and in Italian-American communities worldwide. Genealogical research into the Imperiale lineage may uncover connections to these influential families or reveal migration patterns among descendants to other countries.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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