Last Name Vitello

The surname Vitello is of Italian origin and is derived from a number of possible sources. It may originate from a variety of geographical locations in Italy, such as Vitulazio in Lazio or Vituliano in Umbria, both of which are named after the Latin word for calf (vitulus). Another theory suggests that the surname might have originated from a personal name Vitolus or Vitellius, which were names given to babies born during the summer solstice or midsummer in ancient Rome. The name Vitellus was also associated with the Roman emperors Vespasian and Titus Flavius Vitellius, who ruled between 69-79 AD. Over time, the surname has evolved to various spellings such as Vittel, Vitelli, Vitello, Vitale, and others due to factors like regional dialects, spelling variations, and changes in transcription during migration and record keeping.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vitello

The meaning and origin of the last name Vitello

The surname Vitello is an Italian name, derived from the Latin word "vitulus," which means 'calf.' It was originally used as a nickname for someone who was either small, like a calf, or had some characteristic reminiscent of a calf. Over time, the name became hereditary and spread across various regions in Italy. In some instances, the name could also have been a topographic surname, referring to a place where calves were raised. The name Vitello can be found among Italian immigrants in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. It is most prevalent in central and northern regions of Italy, particularly in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vitello

The last name Vitello is predominantly Italian in origin and has a significant concentration in regions such as Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardy. Historically, it's believed that the surname may have been derived from the Italian word for 'veal', reflecting the occupation of those who initially bore the name. In terms of geographical distribution, outside of Italy, Vitello can also be found in significant numbers among Italian diaspora communities in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. In the U.S., concentrations are particularly high in areas with large Italian-American populations like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and California. However, the distribution of this surname globally is primarily a result of Italian migration patterns over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vitello

The surname Vitello has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time. Some of the most common variations include Vitello, Vittel, Vitela, Vittelli, Vitelli, Vitelloes, Vitelis, and Vittollo. These variations may arise from regional dialects, misspellings, or changes in surname pronunciation over generations. Despite these differences, all these variations share a common Italian origin, derived from the word "vitello" meaning calf in Italian.

Famous people with the last name Vitello

Notable individuals with the surname Vitello include:

1. Jerry Vitello (born 1948), an American jazz pianist, arranger, and composer who has worked with numerous artists including Mel Tormé, Rosemary Clooney, and Sarah Vaughan.
2. Mario Vitelli (1907-1963), an Italian painter known for his surrealistic works that explored themes of death, eroticism, and dreamlike landscapes.
3. Nick Vitello (born 1972), an American college baseball coach who currently serves as the head coach at the University of Missouri. Previously, he was the head coach at Kansas State University and Louisiana Tech University.
4. Tito Vitellio (died 817 AD), a Roman patrician who served as Emperor of the Byzantine Empire from July to October 820 AD following the assassination of Michael II. His brief reign ended when he was overthrown and executed by Leo V the Armenian.
5. William Vitello (born 1946), an American philosopher known for his work in ethics, aesthetics, and philosophy of mind. He is currently a professor at Stony Brook University.

Genealogical research on the last name Vitello

The surname Vitello is an Italian patronymic derived from the given name Vitalis, meaning "life" in Latin. It originated as a nickname for a person who was vigorous or lively. The name is predominantly found in Italy and is most concentrated in the regions of Tuscany, Lazio, and Emilia-Romagna.

The Vitellos were a prominent family during the Roman Empire, with Gaius Vitellius (30-69 AD) serving as Emperor for just eight months in 69 AD. However, this is not directly related to the modern Italian surname Vitello, as it likely originated later and independently.

In terms of genealogy, public records show various branches of the Vitello family throughout Italy dating back to the Middle Ages. Notable figures with the surname include the 16th-century architect Giuliano da Sangallo and the contemporary operatic tenor Vittorio Grigolo. The surname Vitello is also present in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with a significant Italian diaspora such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vitello"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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