Baldi is an Italian surname, derived from the given name Baldo. Baldo originated as a short form of Germanic names containing the element bald (Proto-Germanic *balþaz), meaning "bold, brave." Examples include Baldwin ("bold friend") and Theobald ("bold people"). In Italy, Baldo occasionally serves as a short form for the non-Germanic name Baldassare, the Italian form of Balthazar. Etymology The root of the name, Baldwin, combines bald "bold, brave" with wini "friend." This personal name was popular in medieval Flanders and among the Normans, who introduced it to Britain after the conquest of 1066. Baldwin became especially renowned thanks to Baldwin I of Jerusalem, a leader of the First Crusade and later the first king of the Kingdom of Jerusalemfrom 1100 to 1118. Notable Bearers Beyond its medieval origins, the surname Baldi appears in various fields. In the United States, according to the 2010 Census, it ranked 20,739th in frequency, with a concentration among White individuals (87.92%). Figures bearing the name include the Italian mathematician Bernardino Baldi (1553–1617), known for his contributions to mathematics and literature, and the contemporary American professor Philip Baldi, a specialist in historical linguistics. Variants and Distribution Italian variants of the surname include Baldini and Baldinotti. Equivalent surnames in other languages are also derived from Germanic Bald names, such as the Dutch Baaiman, Beulen, Beulens, Boelens, Boels, Bulle. Meaning: "Bold, brave" (derived from Baldo) Origin: Italian surname Type: Patronymic (from given name Baldo) Regions: Italy, Italian diaspora (esp. United States, UK)