Defelice

DeFelice is a surname of Italian origin. It is commonly interpreted as a patronymic or toponymic name derived from the given name Felice, with the preposition de- meaning “of” or “from.” The form DeFelice (written without a space) is widespread in modern records, though variants such as De Felice, Defelice, and Del Felice are also encountered.

The surname is found throughout Italy and among Italian diaspora communities worldwide. In countries with large Italian immigrant populations—such as the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Australia—DeFelice appears in historical and contemporary records across many professions, including science, academia, sports, business, and the arts.

Variants and pronunciation vary by region and era, reflecting broader patterns of Italian naming practice. Related names include Felice (both as a given name and surname) and other de- or di- prefixed forms derived from personal names. The DeFelice form is part of a broader set of surnames that indicate lineage or origin from a named ancestor.

Notable bearers of the surname span multiple disciplines and nationalities, illustrating the name’s broad geographic and professional distribution. For further context, see also De Felice and Felice as related surnames and given names.