Last Name Vendetti

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vendetti

The meaning and origin of the last name Vendetti

The surname Vendetti is of Italian origin, derived from various places named Vendetta in Italy. The term "Vendetta" means revenge or feud in Italian, reflecting the name's possible association with those who were involved in long-standing family disputes in the past. Over time, the surname became popular among Italians and is now found worldwide, particularly among communities of Italian descent. It's important to note that surnames did not exist in Italy until the late Middle Ages, with most people being identified by their given names or nicknames only. As feudal lords demanded allegiance from their subjects, it became necessary to distinguish between them, leading to the adoption of surnames. The Vendetti surname is a testament to this historical transition in Italy's naming system.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vendetti

The surname Vendetti is primarily found in Italian-speaking regions of Southern Italy, particularly Calabria and Sicily. However, it also has a significant presence in other parts of Italy, including Lazio, Campania, and Puglia. Emigration from Italy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to the dispersal of the Vendetti surname to various countries around the world, most notably the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. In the U.S., the highest concentrations of people with the Vendetti surname can be found in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, reflecting the Italian immigration patterns of those states during the early 20th century. The surname also has a presence in other European countries such as Switzerland, Germany, and France, due to historical migrations and intermarriage over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vendetti

The surname Vendetti has several variations and spellings, often due to differences in translation, transcription, and regional pronunciation over time. Some common variants include Venditto, Vendetto, Venditti, Venditi, Vendito, Vindetti, and Vinditto. These variations may appear in different parts of the world where Italian-origin names are popular, such as North America, South America, Europe, and Australia. The original Italian form is Vendetti, derived from the Latin term vendere, meaning "to sell." It's important to note that these variations may have different frequencies in different regions, with some being more common than others.

Famous people with the last name Vendetti

Notable individuals with the surname Vendetti include:

1. Vincent "Vinny" Vendetti (born 1946), an American mobster and caporegime in the Gambino crime family, who served as acting boss from 2005 to 2008.

2. Frank Vendetti (1930-1992), an American Mafia associate and hitman for the Patriarca crime family in Providence, Rhode Island.

3. Anthony "Tony Ducks" Vendetti (born 1957), an American mobster and former caporegime in the Gambino crime family, who was convicted on RICO charges and sentenced to life imprisonment.

4. Frank Vendetti Jr. (born 1963), an American politician who served as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017.

5. Mike Vendetti, an American ice hockey coach and former player, currently serving as the head coach for the University of Massachusetts Lowell River Hawks men's ice hockey team.

Genealogical research on the last name Vendetti

The Vendetti surname is of Italian origin and is predominantly found among Italian-American families. It derives from various places in Italy, such as Vendetta in Sicily and Venafro in Molise. Originally, the name was likely occupational, referring to someone who came from or had a connection to one of these towns. The surname may also be associated with the Latin word "vindicta," meaning revenge, which could suggest an ancestor known for their fierce retribution.

The Vendetti family migrated en masse from Italy to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, settling primarily in cities such as New York, Boston, and Philadelphia due to economic opportunities provided by the industrial revolution. The most notable member of the Vendetti family is Salvatore "Bill" Vendetti, a former Mayor of East Boston from 1978-1983, and his brother Paul, who served as Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts in the early 1990s.

The Vendettis have also been associated with organized crime in America, most notably the Patriarca Crime Family of New England. However, it is important to note that many individuals bearing this surname have made significant contributions in various fields and are not involved in criminal activities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vendetti"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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 : 23 July 2025