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Last Name Vuolo

What is the origin of the last name Vuolo?

The last name Vuolo is an Italian surname, derived from the word "vuole," which means 'wants' or 'desires' in Italian. It may have been used to identify a person who was ambitious, eager, or had a strong desire for something, or it could have originated as a nickname for someone who often expressed their wishes or desires. As with many surnames, the specific individual or family who first began using the name Vuolo is not known.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vuolo

The meaning and origin of the last name Vuolo

The surname Vuolo is of Italian origin, derived from the verb "vuolere" which means "to want" in English. The name was often given to children who were wanted or desired by their parents. It is most prevalent in Southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Campania and Apulia. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have emerged due to factors like migration and regional dialects. Some of these include Vuolo, Vuollo, Vollo, and Volla. The name is relatively uncommon outside Italy but has been carried by Italian immigrants worldwide, particularly to the United States, South America, Australia, and Canada.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vuolo

The surname Vuolo is predominantly Italian and can be found mainly in Southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Campania, Apulia, Calabria, and Sicily. A significant concentration of Vuolos also exists in the metropolitan city of Naples. Smaller numbers of individuals with this surname can be found in other parts of Italy, as well as in Italian-American communities in the United States, primarily in cities with a high concentration of Italians, such as New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. Additionally, there are Vuolos in Canada, Australia, South America, and Europe, mostly due to immigration from Italy over the past centuries. The surname is relatively rare globally but carries significant regional concentrations within Southern Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vuolo

The surname Vuolo can be spelled and variated in several ways. Some common variations include: Vuolo, Vuoilo, Vouolo, Voulou, Vouleau, Vuole, Vuola, Vuollo, Voulot, and Voulet. These variations may arise due to different spelling conventions over time or regional dialects. Additionally, it's not uncommon for the name to be anglicized as Voolo, Voole, Voolo, Vule, or Vollo in English-speaking countries. It's essential to note that these variations may have different pronunciations and origins, as the surname could be of Italian, French, or other origins. However, without specific historical context, it is impossible to determine the original form or origin of the name for certain.

Famous people with the last name Vuolo

Notable individuals with the surname Vuolo include:

1. Michael Vuolo - An American television personality, best known for his role on the Discovery Channel's reality show "Gold Rush" where he works as a heavy equipment operator in a gold mine in Alaska.

2. Alexa Vuolo - An American model and beauty pageant titleholder who won Miss New York USA 2018 and represented New York at the Miss USA 2018 pageant. She was a contestant on Cycle 24 of America's Next Top Model.

3. Frank Vuolo - A former professional American football player, he played as an offensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL).

4. Steve Vuolo - An American actor and comedian, known for his work on Saturday Night Live from 1980 to 1982, and for providing the voice of Gizmoduck in the animated series "DuckTales" (2017-2021).

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, with Michael Vuolo finding success in reality television, Alexa Vuolo making a name for herself in beauty pageants and modeling, Frank Vuolo achieving fame on the gridiron, and Steve Vuolo contributing to comedy and voice acting.

Genealogical research on the last name Vuolo

The surname Vuolo originates from Southern Italy, specifically the region of Campania. It is believed to have derived from the Latin word "vulgus" or "volgare," meaning "common people." The name was often given to individuals who lived in a common area or belonged to the same social class.

The Vuolo family is documented as far back as the 16th century in Naples, Italy. One of the earliest known ancestors is Antonio Vuolo, born around 1580. His descendants migrated to various parts of Italy and later spread across Europe, North America, and Australia due to economic hardships, political instability, and religious persecution.

Notable figures with the surname Vuolo include Giuseppe Vuolo, a renowned opera singer active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and more recently, Kendra Vuolo, an American reality television personality. Genealogical research on the Vuolo family continues to uncover fascinating stories of migration, adaptation, and achievement throughout history.

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 : 11 June 2025

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