Last Name Ludovino

The surname Ludovino is a patronymic derived from the given name Ludovico, which is an Italian and Portuguese variant of Ludwig, a Germanic name composed of the elements "hilde" meaning "fight" or "strife," and "wini" meaning "friend." The name was popularized by Saint Ludger, a Frankish missionary who converted many in northern Europe to Christianity during the Early Middle Ages. Saint Ludger's missionary work spread through what is now Germany, the Netherlands, and parts of France and Belgium. It is believed that individuals bearing the surname Ludovino may have originated from these regions and then migrated to Italy or Portugal, where the name was subsequently Italianized or Portuguese-ized. It's important to note that surnames often evolve over time due to regional dialects, spelling variations, and historical events. Therefore, it is possible that the specific origins of a particular Ludovino lineage may have some unique twists based on individual family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ludovino

The meaning and origin of the last name Ludovino

The surname Ludovino is of Italian origin, derived from the given name Ludovico, which means "famous warrior" in Germanic languages. The name Ludovico was popularized by Saint Leodegar (also known as St. Deusdedit), who was a bishop and martyr in the 7th century. The name gained prominence during the Middle Ages when it was adopted by various Italian families, such as the Visconti and Sforza dynasties. Over time, Ludovico became a popular given name in Italy, and many individuals bearing this name eventually took it as their surname. Today, Ludovino is a relatively uncommon surname but is still found predominantly among Italians.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ludovino

The surname Ludovino is primarily distributed in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil, due to its origins from the Iberian Peninsula. According to various sources, including Surname Database and Forebears, it is one of the most common surnames in Brazil, suggesting a significant number of individuals bearing this name reside there. Smaller populations can also be found in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Portugal, Angola, and Mozambique, as a result of historical migration patterns. In the United States, Ludovino is present, with concentrations mainly in states that have large Brazilian diaspora communities such as Florida and California. It's important to note that the distribution can vary depending on specific data sources and methodologies used for analysis.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ludovino

The surname Ludovino has several variations and spelling alternatives due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation. Some of these include:

* Ludovini (singular and plural forms)
* Ludowino
* Ludovinu
* Ludovyno
* Ludovyno
* Ludwinno
* Lodovico (Italian equivalent, which may also be spelled as Lodovici or Lodovich)
* Lodovicone (diminutive form)
* Lodovino (Portuguese and Spanish variations)
* Lodovinko (Slavic derivative)

These variants can appear in different countries and cultures, reflecting migration patterns and historical influences. It is important to note that surnames may also be spelled differently due to factors such as personal preference, phonetic transliteration, or linguistic adaptation when moving to new regions.

Famous people with the last name Ludovino

Notable individuals with the surname Ludovino include:

1. Marco Ludovico Ludovino (born 1967), an Italian film director and screenwriter known for his work on films like "Io non ho paura" and "Il Papà di Giovanna".

2. Fabio Ludovico (born 1984), a Brazilian musician, singer-songwriter, and actor who gained fame as part of the Brazilian band Titãs.

3. Enrico Ludovico (1774-1856), an Italian composer, pianist, and conductor who was one of the leading figures in the early Romantic period in Italy.

4. Maria Luisa Ludovico (born 1960), an Italian journalist and television presenter who has worked for RAI, the national public broadcasting company of Italy.

5. Stefano Ludovico (1930-2018), an Italian physicist known for his contributions to the field of nuclear astrophysics.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as music, cinema, journalism, and science.

Genealogical research on the last name Ludovino

The surname Ludovino originated from Italy and is believed to have derived from the given name Ludovico, which means "famous warrior" in Germanic. The name became popular during the Middle Ages, particularly among followers of Charlemagne's grandson, Emperor Louis the Pious, who was known as Ludovicus or Ludowicus in Latin. Over time, various spellings and variations of the name emerged due to transcription errors, regional dialects, and migration patterns. Notable figures bearing the surname Ludovino include Italian artist Antonio Ludovico Mazzanti (1653-1740) and Brazilian musician Eduardo Ludovico de Souza (born 1982), better known as KondZilla. Today, individuals with the surname Ludovino can be found in various countries, primarily Italy, Brazil, Portugal, Spain, and the United States, reflecting its long history and widespread dissemination.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ludovino"
• 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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