Cardinale
An Italian surname meaning “cardinal,” likely first used for someone associated with the Church office or as a nickname for someone dignified in rank or bearing.
The #9,535 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 90,568 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Cardinale is the Italian form of a word ultimately from Latin cardinalis, meaning “principal,” “hinge,” or “chief.” As a surname, it likely began either as an occupational name for someone connected with a cardinal or church service, or as a nickname for a person thought to be important or prominent. The same root underlies the English word “cardinal” in its ecclesiastical sense.
History
The surname is found chiefly in Italy and in Italian diaspora communities abroad. Like many Italian surnames based on titles or offices, it may have been applied to several unrelated families independently. English onomastic writers also noted forms like this among surnames derived from titles or official designations.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The underlying Latin root originally had to do with a “hinge,” which is why “cardinal” also came to mean something central or essential.
From the historical record
“Soon they sembled in sale, Both kynge and cardinale, says an old writer. ' Sale ' and 'Saul ' are still extant. Names still more curious than these are those taken, not from the residence itself, but from particular rooms in such residence. They are doubtless the”
— English Surnames: their sources and significations