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Last Name Vidale

What is the origin of the last name Vidale?

The surname Vidale is of Italian origin. It derives from the given name Vitali, which was originally a byname for someone who was strong and lively, a vigorous person. The surname Vidale, as well as its variants such as Vitali, Vitale, Vitaley, and others, is common in Italy. Over time, people with this surname may have migrated to other parts of Europe or the world, carrying their Italian ancestry with them. However, it's important to note that genealogical research would be necessary to confirm the specific origins of a particular Vidale family.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vidale

The meaning and origin of the last name Vidale

The surname Vidale is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Vitaliano or Vitalio, both of which mean "life" in Latin. The name Vitaliano was brought to Italy by the Roman Empire and gained popularity during the Middle Ages. Over time, it evolved into various regional forms, with Vidale being one such variant, particularly common in the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Umbria. As a patronymic name, Vidale would have originally been given to someone who was the son of a man named Vitaliano or Vitalio. Similar Italian surnames include Vitale, Vitali, and Vittalini. The name carries no particular religious significance in its origin, although it has been associated with Catholic saints named Vitalis throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vidale

The surname Vidale is most predominantly found in Italy, particularly in regions such as Liguria, Piedmont, and Emilia-Romagna, reflecting its Italian origin. A significant number of people with the last name Vidale can also be found in other parts of the country, including Tuscany, Veneto, and Sicily. The diaspora of Italians has led to a presence of this surname in various countries around the world, notably in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Canada, and the United States. In North America, it is particularly concentrated in cities with large Italian-American populations like New York City, Philadelphia, and Chicago.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vidale

The surname Vidale has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation, transliteration, and transcription over time. Some of these include Vidal, Vydale, Vidael, Videal, Vydell, Vydele, Viddal, Vydoll, and Videlle. These variations can also be found in different countries such as Italy (Vidali, Vidàle), Spain (Vidal, Vidallé), France (Vidal, Vidau), Germany (Widale, Wydal), and the United States. It is essential to note that these variations may not necessarily indicate a different origin or ethnicity; instead, they primarily reflect changes in pronunciation, spelling, and transliteration over generations.

Famous people with the last name Vidale

The Vidales are a notable family of diverse professions and accomplishments. One of the most renowned is Frankie Vidale, a prominent American actor who gained fame for his roles in popular sitcoms like "That '70s Show" and "Sons of Anarchy." In the realm of academia, Richard A. Vidale stands out as an esteemed molecular biologist, known for his work on gene regulation and cancer research at The Rockefeller University. In music, Vidal Scofilara is a composer and musician whose works span various genres, including classical, jazz, and world music. Lastly, in the sports world, Juan Pablo Valdéz (known as "Johnny Valdez") is considered one of the greatest breakdancers of all time, having won numerous competitions and earning the title of World Breakdance Champion three times. Each member of the Vidale family has made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Vidale

The surname Vidale originates from Italy and has a rich history dating back to medieval times. One of the earliest recorded instances is in the region of Liguria during the late Middle Ages, where the name was spelled as "Vidali" or "Guidali." Over time, variations such as Vidal, Vidale, and Vidali emerged due to regional dialects and record-keeping practices. The family migrated throughout Italy, with significant populations found in Liguria, Tuscany, and Veneto regions. Notable figures bearing the name include the Renaissance artist Giovanni Andrea Vidale and the philosopher Antonio Vidale. In the 19th century, many members of the Vidale family emigrated to America, settling primarily in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. Today, there are several thousand individuals with the surname Vidale spread across various countries, with a significant presence in Italy, Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 15 June 2025

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