The name Vito is a masculine Italian given name derived from the Latin name Vitus. It has its origins dating back to ancient Rome, where it was likely a shortened form of the Roman family name Vitelius or Vitellius.

The Latin name Vitus is believed to be connected to the Latin word "vita," meaning "life." This suggests that the name Vito may have been associated with concepts of vitality, liveliness, or living well. It is also possible that the name has roots in the Latin verb "vivere," meaning "to live."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Vitus can be found in the story of Saint Vitus, a Christian saint and martyr from Sicily who lived in the late 3rd or early 4th century AD. The legend of Saint Vitus, who was said to have been a young boy martyred for his faith, likely contributed to the popularity of the name in Catholic regions.

In the Middle Ages, the name Vito appeared in various historical records and documents across Italy. One notable bearer of the name was Vito Pisano, an Italian mathematician and philosopher who lived in the 13th century and made significant contributions to the development of mathematics and arithmetic.

During the Renaissance period, the name Vito gained further prominence in Italy. One of the most famous figures with this name was Vito Accorambuoni, an Italian diplomat and statesman who served as the ambassador of the Republic of Florence to various European courts in the 15th century.

Another notable figure from this era was Vito Liuzzio, an Italian painter and architect who lived in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. He was known for his works in the Calabrian region of Italy, where he designed and constructed several churches and public buildings.

In more recent history, the name Vito has been associated with several influential figures in various fields. One such individual was Vito Volterra, an Italian mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to the fields of mathematical biology and functional analysis in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Another notable bearer of the name was Vito Marcantonio, an Italian-American politician and lawyer who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1935 to 1937 and again from 1939 to 1951. He was a prominent figure in the labor movement and a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice.