Last Name Vitulli

The surname Vitulli is of Italian origin. It is derived from the given name Vittulo, a diminutive form of the male name Vitale, which means "life" in Latin. This name was brought to Italy by the Lombards and Normans during their invasions in the Middle Ages. Over time, as is common with many surnames, it evolved to its current form, Vitulli, through various spelling variations due to differences in transcription, scribal error, and regional dialects.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vitulli

The meaning and origin of the last name Vitulli

The surname Vitulli is of Italian origin, stemming from various regions in Italy such as Sicily, Calabria, and Abruzzo. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name Vittulo or Vitolo, which was a diminutive form of the male name Vito, meaning "life" in Latin. The name Vito itself has roots dating back to the late Roman Empire, where it was used as an abbreviation for the Latin name VITUS, also meaning "life." Over time, the surname Vitulli evolved as families with this name migrated from Italy to other parts of Europe and the world, adopting different spellings based on local linguistic influences. Today, the surname Vitulli is primarily found among people of Italian descent, although it has also been assimilated into other cultures through migration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vitulli

The last name Vitulli is predominantly Italian in origin and primarily found within Italy. More specifically, it is most concentrated in the region of Calabria, which lies in the 'toe' of the Italian boot-shaped peninsula. Beyond Italy, significant numbers of Vitullis can also be found in other Italian diaspora communities, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. The dispersal of the name to these countries is a result of Italian immigration waves during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Furthermore, there are smaller groups of Vitulli families in Australia and France, indicating a more global presence of this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vitulli

The surname Vitulli has several variations and spellings. These include: Vitelli, Vittelli, Vittoli, Vitollo, Vitolo, Vitucci, and Vituzzi. These variations may be due to regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or individual preference when anglicizing the name. The most common spelling is Vitulli, which originates from Italy. This surname is primarily found in regions such as Calabria, Apulia, and Sicily, but it can also be found elsewhere in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities worldwide. The name Vitulli is believed to have derivations from the Latin "villus," meaning "shepherd." It may also be a shortened form of other names containing "Vit-," such as Vitofredo or Vitomarino. Despite these variations, the surname Vitulli retains a strong connection to its Italian roots and the cultural heritage it represents.

Famous people with the last name Vitulli

The Vitulli family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. In entertainment, there's Frank Vitulli, an American actor who played memorable roles in movies like "The Color Purple" and "A River Runs Through It." On the sports side, Tony Vitale, a former professional soccer player, represented both the United States and Italy during his career, playing for teams such as Toronto FC and Chievo Verona. In academia, Dr. Maria Grazia Vitulli is a renowned historian, specializing in medieval studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Lastly, in the realm of politics, Carmelo Anthony Vitullo, also known as Mel Vitullo, served as a Pennsylvania state legislator and was recognized for his work on environmental conservation issues. These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments and contributions made by those bearing the surname Vitulli.

Genealogical research on the last name Vitulli

The surname Vitulli is primarily of Italian origin, derived from the given name Vittulo or Vitale, both of which mean "life" in Latin. The name has been documented since the Middle Ages in various regions of Italy, particularly Sicily and Calabria. Notable figures bearing this surname include Vitale Michiel, a Venetian doge during the late 12th century, and Vittorio Vitulli, an Italian-American composer and pianist active in the early 20th century. The spread of the name Vitulli to other countries is largely due to the Italian diaspora in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the last name can be found throughout the Americas, Europe, and Oceania, reflecting the global impact of Italian immigration.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vitulli"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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