Last Name Lodi

The surname Lodi is believed to have Italian origins. It is derived from a place name, specifically the city of Lodi, located in the Lombardy region of Italy. The city's name comes from the Latin word "lodus," which means "high meadow." Over time, people who lived near or hailed from this city took on the name as their surname. This pattern of adopting geographical place names as surnames is common in many European countries, including Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lodi

The meaning and origin of the last name Lodi

The surname Lodi is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Lotario or Ludovico, which are variants of the Germanic name 'Hludwig', meaning "famous battle". This name was brought to Italy by the Holy Roman Emperors of the German House of Habsburg in the late Middle Ages. The surname Lodi is most commonly associated with the city of Lodi in northern Italy, where it is believed that many bearers of this surname originated. Over time, the name spread throughout Italy and other European countries due to migration and intermarriage. Today, the Lodi surname is common in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lodi

The surname Lodi has a significant presence primarily in Italy, specifically in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. These areas are historically rich with the influence of Milanese dynasties, one of which was the House of Sforza, whose members often bore the name Lodi. The surname also appears in other parts of Italy, but less frequently. Outside of Italy, the Lodi name can be found in countries with Italian diaspora communities, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States, where many Italians emigrated between the 19th and early 20th centuries. In these cases, the surname often preserves its original Italian form.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lodi

The surname Lodi has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Loddi, Loodi, and Lody. These variations may arise from regional dialects, misinterpretations during migration, or changes in spelling conventions. Other less common versions of the name include Ludovici, Ludowici, and Lodovico, which are derived from the Italian given name Ludovico (meaning "famous warrior"). Furthermore, it's worth noting that there is also a town named Lodi in Italy and other countries, leading to additional variations among people originating from these areas. These variations highlight the rich history and cultural diversity associated with the Lodi surname.

Famous people with the last name Lodi

Notable individuals with the surname Lodi include:

1. Amedeo Lodi (1897-1962), an Italian composer and conductor, known for his operas and symphonies.

2. Giacomo Lodi (1594-1660), an Italian painter from the Bolognese school, best known for his religious works.

3. Ugo Lodi (1897-1963), an Italian film director who worked during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

4. Luca Lodi (born 1985), an Italian footballer who played for various clubs including Juventus and Sassuolo Calcio.

5. Maria Loi (born 1967), a Greek-American chef, cookbook author, and television personality known for her traditional Greek cuisine.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as music, art, film, sports, and gastronomy.

Genealogical research on the last name Lodi

The Lodi surname originates from Italy and is primarily associated with the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. It is derived from various locations named Lodi throughout these regions, such as the city of Lodi and the town of Lodi Vecchio. The name's earliest recorded usage dates back to the 13th century, when members of the Lodi family held significant political and military positions in northern Italy. Over time, the Lodi family expanded and migrated, with many bearing the surname settling in other parts of Europe, particularly France and Spain, as well as North America due to immigration during the 16th and 17th centuries. Notable figures with the Lodi name include the Italian artist Jacopo Ligozzi and American politician Thomas Lodi, among others. Today, individuals bearing the Lodi surname can be found worldwide, maintaining a diverse global presence.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lodi"
• 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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