Last Name Loddo

The surname Loddo is believed to have Italian origins, specifically from the region of Lombardy. It is derived from a given name, "Lodo", which was popular during the Middle Ages and meant "justice" or "righteousness" in Latin. The name was often used as a byname for someone who was considered just or righteous. Over time, it became a hereditary surname. However, it's important to note that surnames often have complex histories with multiple possible origins and variations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Loddo

The meaning and origin of the last name Loddo

The surname Loddo is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name "Lodo", which was popular during the Late Antiquity and Early Middle Ages. Lodo, in turn, is believed to be a diminutive form of the Greek name "Theodore" meaning "gift of God." The name evolved over time due to regional variations and phonetic changes, leading to different spellings such as Lotto, Lodati, and Loddo. The spread of this surname can primarily be traced back to northern Italy, particularly in regions like Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy, where it is still common today. Over centuries, the Loddo family has contributed significantly to Italian history and culture, with notable figures including artists, scholars, and politicians.

Geographical distribution of the last name Loddo

The surname Loddo is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the regions of Campania and Calabria. In Campania, it is most common in the provinces of Salerno, Avellino, and Naples. In Calabria, it is frequently observed in the provinces of Catanzaro and Cosenza. While Loddo can also be found in other Italian regions, its presence is significantly less compared to Campania and Calabria. It is worth noting that some individuals with the surname Loddo have migrated from Italy to other countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America, spreading the family name globally.

Variants and spellings of the last name Loddo

The surname Loddo has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variants include Laddo, Laddu, Laudo, and Lado. These variations may arise from slight phonetic changes or regional dialects. Additionally, the name may have originated from various sources, such as Italian (from the personal name "Lodovico" or a place-name), Spanish ("lodo," meaning mud), or other languages. It's important to note that these variations may lead to multiple individuals sharing the same last name, making genealogical research challenging at times.

Famous people with the last name Loddo

Notable individuals with the surname Loddo include:

1. Giuseppe Loddo (1892-1947), an Italian general during World War II who was involved in the resistance against the German occupation in Italy.

2. Anthony Loddo, an American baseball player who played for teams like the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies in Major League Baseball (MLB). He is best known for his tenure with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

3. Salvatore Loddo (born 1947), an Italian politician who served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies from 2008 to 2013, representing the Democratic Party.

4. Angela Loddo, an American actress known for her roles in television shows such as "The Sopranos" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit".

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields of military, sports, politics, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Loddo

The surname Loddo is believed to originate from the southern Italian region of Campania, specifically Naples and its surrounding areas. It's an occupational name derived from the Latin "lodus," meaning watchman or guard, which was often used for those who held positions as gatekeepers or caretakers in feudal societies. The Loddo family has a rich history, with several notable members contributing to various fields throughout Italy. One prominent figure is Giuseppe Loddo, an Italian politician and lawyer who served as the Mayor of Salerno from 1903 to 1920. Another significant member is Matteo Loddo, a distinguished military officer during World War II. The surname also spread to other parts of Italy, such as Sicily and Sardinia, due to migrations and historical events. Today, the Loddo family can be found in various regions of Italy and around the world, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Loddo"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends