Surname Ludowici - Meaning and Origin
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Ludowici: What does the surname Ludowici mean?
The last name Ludowici is of German and Latin origin and is believed to have been derived from the term “Ludwig”, which means “of the people” or “citizen”. Ludwig is also sometimes used as a prefix to other German words, such as “wald” meaning “forest”. The combination of these two words can be translated to mean “inhabitant of a forest”.
It is possible that the Ludwig prefix is used to denote a region or locality where those bearing the last name Ludowici originated or have some connection to; and the suffix “wald” may refer to a geographic region where the ancestors of the family resided. It is therefore possible that the Ludowici surname originated as a way to identify a family from a particular place or region.
There are also alternative suggestions concerning the origin of the surname Ludowici. Some have mentioned that it is derived from the words “Ludwig” and “vicious”, which together can be translated to mean “dominant one” - suggesting that those with the Ludowici surname once had power or authority in a particular region or locality.
Overall, whether it is from the meaning “inhabitant of a forest” or “dominant one”, the last name Ludowici has many possible origins and meanings. The title likely held a special meaning to the ancestors of families bearing this name, and can provide a deeper insight into their personal history.
Order DNA origin analysisLudowici: Where does the name Ludowici come from?
The last name Ludowici is predominantly found in Germany today, where it's a common surname with estimated numbers of around 20,000 people bearing the name. It's thought to have roots in the town of Lowitz in Brandenburg, Germany, which is the origin of the family name. The name has made its way to the United States, with large numbers of Ludowicis settling in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio.
The name is also prominent in countries like Czech Republic, Belgium, Italy, Austria, and Luxembourg. It can be found in Lithuania, some parts of Canada, and the United Kingdom as well. It's thought that the name's presence in Lithuania was via Germany and Netherlands immigrants settling there in the 19th century.
The Ludowici family has a long and illustrious history, with many prominent people associated with the name. The Ludovici brothers, two Italian Baroque painters, were members of this family. The painter Antonio Ludovici was of Polish origin and painted several magnificent frescoes in Vatican and other Italian cathedrals.
There is also Charles Ludovici, a British literary critic who was famous for his translations of Nietzsche and his work in English translations of German literature. Another Charles Ludovici, this one from the Lowicz branch of the family, was an entrepreneur who founded the world-famous Ludowici company in Ireland in 1871—a company that is now famous for its clay roof tiles.
The Ludowici family name continues to remain prominent today, with many people bearing this noble name in various parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Ludowici
The surname Ludowici is derived from the German Lower Saxonian city of Lüneburg. This surname can come in various different forms such as Ludovico, Lüdowici, Lüdowic, Ludovici, Lüdoweki, Lu deserve and Lotzow.
Ludovico is the original Latin form of the surname, and is a combination of two words: ludos (‘game’) and vici (‘town’) which literally means ‘the town of the games’. It can be found mostly in Italian speaking countries, especially in the regions of Tuscany, Lombardy and Piedmont.
The German variant of Ludowici is Lüdowici. It is derived from the name of the city of Lüneburg in Lower Saxony. The original form was Ludwigshafen. However, when families moved outside the city, they changed the name to Lüdowici.
The variations Ludovici and Lüdoweki are the Italian and German forms of the surname, respectively. The Italian version has been further adapted to Lu deserve and Lotzow in some families.
The Ludowici surname is unique in itself. Over the centuries, the variations have been passed down, from one generation to the next, in order to keep the family’s roots alive. Today, it is common to find ancestors of this particular surname, in almost every part of the world.
Famous people with the name Ludowici
- Henry Ludowici: an American jazz violinist, born on 8 April 1947.
- Richard Ludowici: an American television editor, born on 29 October 1921 in East Orange, New Jersey.
- Albert J. Ludowici: an American sculptor and designer, born on 1948 in Connecticut.
- Michael Ludowici: a former mayor of San Francisco, born on 27 August 1943 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- John Ludowici: an American real estate developer and philanthropist, born in 1873 in Manhattan, New York.
- Gene Ludowici: an American football coach at the college level, who served from 1941 to 1957.
- Mario Ludowici: an Italian sculptor, musical instrument maker and art restorer, who was born in Abruzzo, Italy in 1915.
- George Ludowici: an American landscape painter from New Orleans, born on 16 October 1834.
- Walter Ludowici: an American film producer, editor and director, born on 31 March 1895 in Brooklyn, New York.
- Francesco Ludowici: an Italian visual artist and photographer, born on 7 October 1966 in Busto Arsizio, Italy.