Last Name Spidalieri

The surname Spidalieri is of Italian origin. It is derived from the medieval given name Spidale or Spitalare, which means "hospital worker" in Old Italian. Over time, it evolved into the more common variant, Spidaleri. In Italy, it is most commonly found in regions such as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Spidalieri

The meaning and origin of the last name Spidalieri

The surname Spidalieri is of Italian origin, derived from the medieval occupational name "spadalieri." In medieval Italy, a spadaliero was a mounted knight or soldier who carried a sword as his primary weapon. The term evolved from "spada," meaning sword, and "liera," meaning bearer or carrier, hence "sword bearer" or "swordsman." This name likely originated in the city-states of central Italy, particularly Florence or Siena, during the Middle Ages. As these cities were centers of power and wealth during that period, many surnames developed from professional or geographical associations. The Spidalieri family would have been notable warriors or soldiers in their time, and the name was likely passed down through generations to commemorate their military service.

Geographical distribution of the last name Spidalieri

The surname Spidalieri is predominantly Italian in origin and is primarily found in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, and Marche, with significant concentrations in cities like Bologna, Rome, and Ancona. The name's distribution also extends to other Italian provinces, indicating migration from the original heartland over time. Beyond Italy, smaller populations of Spidalieri can be found in countries with a substantial Italian diaspora, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. In the U.S., concentrations are particularly evident in states like New York, Illinois, California, and Pennsylvania, where many Italian immigrants initially settled. The distribution pattern suggests a strong connection to Italian roots, while international migration has led to the dispersal of the surname Spidalieri across multiple continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Spidalieri

The surname Spidalieri has several variations and spellings due to differences in translation and transcription over time. Some common variants include Spidelliery, Spidaleiri, Spidalliere, Spidalleri, Spidleri, and Spidari. These variations may appear in different regions or countries where the surname has been carried by migrating families. Additionally, due to phonetic changes and historical discrepancies in spelling, there may be regional dialects or typographical errors that further alter the spelling of this name. However, it's important to note that these variations can lead to difficulty in tracing family history or genealogy, as records may not always match exactly.

Famous people with the last name Spidalieri

The Spidalieri family has produced several notable individuals throughout history. One of the most renowned is Giuseppe Spidalieri (1827-1904), an Italian archaeologist and academic who played a significant role in the study of Ancient Rome. He was appointed as the first director of the National Museum of Roman Civilization in 1875. In the field of music, Enrico Caruso (1873-1921), an Italian tenor whose career spanned from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, was also a Spidalieri. Known as the greatest operatic tenor of his era, he is often considered one of the best in history. Another prominent figure is Angela Spidalieri (b. 1986), an Italian actress and model who gained international recognition for her role in the television series "Medici: Masters of Florence."

Genealogical research on the last name Spidalieri

The surname Spidalieri originates from Italy and is believed to have derived from the profession of a bridge builder, as "spiana" means 'break' or 'split' in Italian, and "dieri" could be a shortened form of "di liera", meaning 'of iron'. The name was commonly found in the Marche and Umbria regions. Notable individuals with this surname include musicians like Luigi Spidalieri and Giuseppe Spitaleri, and astronomer Federico Zuccari-Spidalieri. In genealogical records, variations of the name include Spidaliere, Spitale, Spitalleri, Spitalieri, and Spitadelli. The migration of people with this surname to other countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America, can be traced back to the 19th century due to emigration caused by economic hardship and political instability in Italy at the time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "spidalieri"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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