Surnames and Their Origins – March 2024

In this issue we will highlight some Italian surnames beginning with the letter U and those that begin with the letter V.

UBALDI – This surname’s origin is from the German word meaning bold. It is present in 16 of Italy’s 20 regions. According to the Bureau of Vital Statistics it is mostly heard in the region of Le Marche. Variations: UBALDINO, UBOLDI.

ULIVIERI – This surname derives from the first name Oliviero. It is present in 15 of Italy’s 20 regions. According to the Bureau of Vital Statistics it is mostly present in the region of Tuscany. Variation: ULIVIERO.

URBANI –This surname derives from the Latin word “urbanus,” meaning citizen. It is present in all of Italy’s 20 regions. It is mostly present in Tuscany and least registered in Valle d’Aosta. Variations: URBANO, URBANIELLO.

URSO – This surname derives from the Latin word “ursus,” meaning bear. It is present in all of Italy’s 20 regions. It is mostly present in Sicily and least registered with vital statistics in Valle d’Aosta. Variation: URSINI.

VADINI – This surname derives from the Latin word “vadum,” meaning ford, to indicate the place of origin of the family. This is a very uncommon surname. It is sparsely present in only nine of Italy’s region. It is mostly present in Abruzzo.

VALENTE – This surname is from the first name Valente, derived from the Latin name “Valens, Valentis.” These come from the Latin verb valere meaning to be well, healthy. It is present in all of Italy’s 20 regions. It is mostly present in Puglia and least registered with vital statistics in Valle d’Aosta.

VALERI – This surname is from the first name Valerio, derived from the Latin name “Valerius,” also from the Latin verb valere meaning to be well, healthy. It is present in all of Italy’s 20 regions. It is mostly present in Lazio and least registered with vital statistics in Valle d’Aosta. Variations: VALERIO, VALLERI, VALERINI, VALERIANI.

VALESE – This surname derives from the Italian word “valle,” meaning valley. It is sparsely present in only 10 of Italy’s region. It is mostly present in Campania.

VALTERI – This surname is from the German first name Gualtiero, derived from “Waldhari,” consisting of “waldaz” meaning leader and “harja,” meaning army. It is sparsely present in only five of Italy’s region. It is mostly present in Lazio. Variation: VALTER.

VANNI – This surname is from the first name Giovanni, derived from the Hebrew “Yohanan,” consisting of “Yahwè” meaning God and “hanan” meaning to be merciful. It is present in all of Italy’s 20 regions. It is mostly present in Tuscany and least registered with vital statistics in Valle d’Aosta.

VARRIANO – This surname derives from the Latin name “Varius” and is used as a nickname for someone who lives in or comes from the property of Varrius. It is sparsely present in only seven of Italy’s region. It is mostly present in Molise.