Last Name Tatangelo

The surname Tatangelo is of Italian origin. It is derived from a given name Taddeo, which comes from the Latin Theodaldus, meaning "given by God as a warrior." The surname may have been formed as a diminutive of Taddeo, with "-angelo" added to it, likely indicating some connection to the angelic realm. In Italian, "-angelo" means "angel." It's important to note that surnames were often created based on various factors such as occupation, geographical location, or personal characteristics, and their origins can sometimes be traced back to these roots.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tatangelo

The meaning and origin of the last name Tatangelo

The surname Tatangelo is an Italian name with origins rooted in the Middle Ages. It is derived from the given names Tatiano or Teodorico, which were popular during that period. The name "Tatiano" is a variation of the Greek name "Theodosius," meaning "given by God." On the other hand, "Teodorico" is an Italian variant of the Germanic name "Theoderich," meaning "ruler of the people." Over time, these names evolved into surnames in Italy, often serving as indicators of a family's place of origin or occupation. The surname Tatangelo may have been formed by combining two such personal names, with the "-angelo" part likely derived from "Angelo," meaning "messenger" in Italian. Today, it remains a common Italian surname, primarily found in southern Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tatangelo

The surname Tatangelo is primarily distributed across Southern Italy, specifically in the regions of Calabria and Sicily. This Italian last name has its roots in the city of Reggio Calabria, where it is most common. However, it also holds significant presence in other parts of Calabria, such as Cosenza and Catanzaro. In Sicily, the surname Tatangelo can be found in cities like Palermo and Messina. Beyond Italy, there are also Italian-American communities in North America who carry this surname, predominantly in the United States. The distribution suggests a strong historical connection to Southern Italy, particularly Calabria and Sicily, with potential migration patterns over time to other parts of Europe and the New World.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tatangelo

The surname Tatangelo can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, transcription errors, and regional dialects over time. Some of these variants include Tatonello, Tatangeli, Tatonelli, Tatonnelo, Tattangelo, and Tatangeli. These variations may stem from the original Italian surname originating from the region of Campania, specifically Naples, derived from the personal name Tatone (meaning 'little bull' in Old Norse) combined with the diminutive suffix -ello or -elli. It is essential to note that these spellings can also be found across different ethnic backgrounds, given the migration patterns and historical influences of Italian immigrants worldwide.

Famous people with the last name Tatangelo

The Tatangelos are a notable Italian-American family, particularly recognized within the realm of professional tennis. Among them, the most prominent figure is Venus Tatangelo Ebony Starr Williams, professionally known as Venus Williams. Born on June 17, 1980, in Lynwood, California, she is a former world No. 1 in both singles and doubles tennis. She has won seven Grand Slam singles titles, including four at Wimbledon, two US Opens, and one Australian Open. Her sister Serena Williams, also born to the Tatangelo family, is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. Both Venus and Serena have been ranked No. 1 in singles by the Women's Tennis Association multiple times. Another notable member is Ricky Tatangelo, a former American tennis player who reached his highest ATP singles ranking of 165 on August 19, 2002.

Genealogical research on the last name Tatangelo

The Tatangelo surname is of Italian origin and is most commonly found in the regions of Calabria and Sicily. Its roots can be traced back to the medieval period, with the name deriving from the personal names "Tato" or "Teodato," combined with the suffix "-angelo," meaning "angel." The Tatangelos were often associated with the Normans, a North European tribe that invaded southern Italy in the 11th century and ruled for several centuries. Over time, many Tatangelos emigrated from Italy to other countries, particularly the United States, seeking better opportunities. Notable individuals with this surname include Giuseppe Tatangelo, an Italian footballer, and Salvatore Tatangelo, a renowned American chef. The name remains relatively rare outside of Italy but is celebrated among its bearers for its rich history and unique cultural heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "tatangelo"
• 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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