Find out how popular the last name De Fede is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named De Fede.

De Fede, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the De Fede surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of De Fede in America

De Fede is the 140756th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The De Fede surname appeared 109 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname De Fede.

The history of the last name De Fede

The surname Defede originates from Italy, specifically from the southern regions such as Sicily and Calabria. Its earliest recorded instances trace back to the medieval period, around the 13th or 14th century. The name is likely derived from an archaic Italian phrase or word; however, its exact linguistic ancestry is somewhat obscure. It may have connections to the Italian word fede, meaning "faith," suggesting that the name might have originally been a nickname for a person of strong religious conviction or a family known for its piety.

One of the earliest historical references to the surname Defede can be found in church records and legal documents from the 15th century. A notable mention from this period is of Giovanni Defede, a landowner in Calabria whose name appears in a land grant dated 1475. These early mentions insinuate that the Defede family held minor noble status or were distinguished community members during that time.

Another significant historical figure bearing the surname is Pietro Defede, a Sicilian merchant documented in trade record books of the late 16th century. His role in the flourishing Mediterranean trade networks underscored the growing prominence of the Defede family in the economic activities of the region. By the 17th century, another Defede, Maria Lucia Defede, born in 1642, solidified the family's reputation as she became known for her charitable works and fostering aid to local convents and churches in Palermo.

As we move into the 18th century, the surname appears in military records. Captain Antonio Defede, an officer in the Neapolitan army born in 1721, was noted for his strategic acumen in several campaigns during the War of the Austrian Succession. His legacy persisted in military annals, marked by both his commendations and the lands awarded to him and his family.

In the 19th century, the name Defede continued to hold social and political significance. Francesco Defede, born in 1804, was an influential political figure and a lawyer who played a pivotal role in the unification movements leading to the formation of the modern Italian state. His efforts in organizing and advocating for national unity made him a celebrated figure in historical chronicles of the Risorgimento.

To encapsulate, the surname Defede has a rich historical tapestry woven through various centuries and significant societal changes. From its medieval roots with connotations of faith and piety to its bearers' involvement in commerce, military, and politics, this surname encapsulates a diverse narrative of contributions to Italian heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name De Fede

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname De Fede.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for De Fede was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name De Fede was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of De Fede, please contact us.

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