Cardinali History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Italy

Tuscany, one of the oldest and most beautiful island regions of Italy, is the esteemed birthplace of numerous prominent families, including the family that bears the surname Cardinali. Although people were originally known only by a single name, it became necessary for people to adapt a second name to identify themselves as populations grew and travel became more frequent. The process of adopting fixed hereditary surnames was not complete until the modern era; the use of hereditary family names in Italy began in the 10th and 11th centuries. Italian hereditary surnames were developed according to fairly general principles and they are characterized by a profusion of derivatives coined from given names. Although the most common type of family name found in Tuscany is the patronymic surname, which is derived from the father's given name, names derived from occupations are also found. Occupational surnames, which are less common that other types of surnames in Italy, date back to the feudal era. However, under the Feudal System, occupational names did not become hereditary until the offices themselves became hereditary. It was only after an occupation was inherited by several generations in lineal descent, that occupational names came to be applied to entire families, and so became a hereditary surname. The surname Cardinali is a name for a "Cardinal," one who studied as a Cardinal's apprentice.

Early Origins of the Cardinali family

The surname Cardinali was first found in Florence (Italian: Firenze), where the main branch of the family originates. Early records show Iacopo di Nicol di Teglia Cardinali living in the city in 1393.

Early History of the Cardinali family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cardinali research. More information is included under the topic Early Cardinali History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cardinali Spelling Variations

Surnames that originated in Italy are characterized by an enormous number of spelling variations. Some of these are derived from regional traditions and dialects. Northern names, for instance, often end in "o", while southern names tend to end in "i". Other variations come from the fact the medieval scribes tended to spell according to the sound of words, rather than any particular set of rules. The recorded variations of Cardinali include Cardinali, Cardinale, and Cardinaletti. and others.

Early Notables of the Cardinali family

Prominent among members of the family was

Giovanni Cardinali of Pesaro, who was a Bishop in the 14th century
Giovanni's brother Leonardo Cardinali was also a Bishop during this century
records show that Nicol Cardinali of Syracuse was Baron of either Cariato or of Carioso
Guido Cardinali of Pesaro was the mayor of Padua
the Cardinali family of Velletri produced many government councilors
Luigi Cardinali of Velletri was a prominent philosopher, physicist, and author. He also held the position of librarian in the town. Luigi's brother Clemente Cardinali was also a famous author, public...

Migration of the Cardinali family

In the immigration and passenger lists were a number of people bearing the name Cardinali Adele Cardinali, aged 39, who arrived at Port Colborn, Ont., Canada in 1923; Angelo Cardinali Anagni, aged 39, who arrived at Ellis Island from Roma in 1909..

Contemporary Notables of the name Cardinali (post 1700) +

Michael Cardinali (b. 1990), Italian professional footballer
Julieta Cardinali (b. 1977), Argentine film and television actress