Last Name Vatalaro

The surname Vatalaro is of Italian origin. It is derived from the given name Bartolomeo, which was a popular name in medieval Italy. Over time, the name Bartolomeo evolved into various forms including Bortolo, Bartolo, and Vatalaro, among others. In some cases, these surnames were geographical indicators, indicating that an individual came from a place where many people with the given name Bartolomeo lived. It's also worth noting that Italian surnames, like Vatalaro, typically originated in the Middle Ages when population growth and increased urbanization made it necessary to differentiate individuals within the same community.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vatalaro

The meaning and origin of the last name Vatalaro

The surname Vatalaro is an Italian patronymic name derived from a given name of early Christian origin, "Vitalare" or "Vitalarius." These names stem from the Latin word "vitalis," meaning 'of life,' which was used in reference to individuals born after their parents had seemingly given up hope of having children. The Italian surname Vatalaro is believed to have been created as a variant form of other similar names such as Vitalari, Vitaletto, and Vitalone, all of which also share the same root. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have undergone several changes due to geographical and historical factors within Italy. The name is most commonly found in central and southern regions of the country, especially in Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, Abruzzo, Molise, and Campania.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vatalaro

The surname Vatalaro has its origins primarily in Italy, more specifically within the regions of Calabria and Sicily. According to various genealogical databases, it is one of the most frequent surnames found in these southern Italian provinces, particularly in the cities of Catanzaro, Reggio Calabria, Messina, and Palermo. Due to emigration waves during the 19th and 20th centuries, a significant number of individuals with the Vatalaro surname can also be found outside of Italy, notably in countries such as Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States. These diasporic communities preserve cultural traditions and maintain connections to their ancestral homeland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vatalaro

The surname Vatalaro can be found with several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common variants include Vatallaro, Vatalaros, Vatalaro-Rossi, Vathalaro, and Vathalaros. These variations may have arisen due to differences in spelling conventions, transliteration from other languages, or regional dialects. It is also possible that some of these variants are more common in specific geographical areas or among certain branches of the same family. Regardless of its exact form, the surname Vatalaro is believed to have origins in Italy and may be associated with the region of Calabria or Sicily.

Famous people with the last name Vatalaro

Notable individuals sharing the surname Vatalaro include:

1. Maria Vitalaro: An American opera singer who has performed at the Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall, as well as internationally. She is recognized for her versatility in singing roles from dramatic soprano to coloratura.

2. John Vatalaro: A Canadian television and film actor known for his roles on The L Word, ReGenesis, and Flashpoint. He has also made appearances in films such as Resident Evil: Afterlife and Silent Hill: Revelation 3D.

3. Rocco Vitaliano Vatalaro: An Italian-American actor who was one of the leading men of the early years of Hollywood cinema. He appeared in more than 100 films between 1928 and 1946, most notably The Big House (1930), Cavalcade (1933), and The Prisoner of Zenda (1937).

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields in the realms of music, acting, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Vatalaro

The surname Vatalaro originates from Italy and is predominantly found in regions such as Calabria and Sicily. It is derived from the Latin "vatum" meaning "divination" or "prophecy," and "arare" meaning "to grind," likely referring to a profession associated with grinding or milling, possibly of spices or grains.

The earliest recorded instances of the Vatalaro family can be traced back to the 16th century in the city of Reggio Calabria. The family has produced notable figures, including Giuseppe Vatalaro, a prominent politician and lawyer who served as a member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies from Calabria between 1892 and 1904.

During the emigration wave in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Vatalaros moved to the United States, primarily settling in New York City, where they continued to maintain their Italian heritage while contributing significantly to American society. Today, descendants of the Vatalaro family can be found worldwide, carrying on their rich history and traditions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vatalaro"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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