The surname Atlante is of Italian origin and derives from a place name. It is believed to originate from the city of Atlantis, a legendary island mentioned by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato in his works "Timaeus" and "Critias." However, it's important to note that Plato's Atlantis is not a real geographical location, but rather a mythical one. In Italy, many surnames originated from place names, either because the family came from a specific town or village, or the place name was used as a nickname for the original bearer of the surname. Over time, these place names became hereditary surnames.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Atlante
The meaning and origin of the last name Atlante
The surname Atlante, derived from the Latin term "Atlanticus," is of geographical origin. It is believed to have been originally given as a nickname to someone living near or associated with the Atlantic Ocean. The name originated in Europe, particularly among Mediterranean populations, as the Atlantic Ocean was a significant landmark for them. Over time, it became a hereditary surname, passed down from one generation to the next. Notably, Atlante shares its etymology with the term "Atlantis," the mythical island mentioned in Plato's works, although there is no direct connection between the two beyond their shared origins in the Atlantic Ocean.
Geographical distribution of the last name Atlante
The surname Atlante is predominantly of Italian origin and is primarily distributed in Italy, particularly in regions such as Lazio, where Rome is located, and Emilia-Romagna. The highest concentrations are found in the cities of Rome and Rimini. Outside of Italy, the name can also be found among the Italian diaspora communities, notably in Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. In Argentina, Atlante is common in the province of Buenos Aires, while in Brazil it is particularly prevalent in the state of Rio de Janeiro. In the U.S., there are significant numbers of people with the surname Atlante in states such as New York, Florida, and California, reflecting Italian immigration patterns over the past century.
Variants and spellings of the last name Atlante
The surname Atlante has several variations and spellings due to differences in translation, regional dialects, and transcription errors over time. Some common variations include Atlantic, Atланте, Atlandt, Atlanter, Atlantis, and Atalanta (which is a feminine given name, not a surname). These variations stem from the Latin word "Atlanticus," which comes from the Greek "Atlas." The name is associated with Atlas, a Titan in Greek mythology who was punished by being forced to hold up the celestial spheres on his shoulders. The term "Atlantic" has been used for geographical features such as the Atlantic Ocean, suggesting that some of these surname variations may have originated from individuals living near or migrating from areas around this ocean.
Famous people with the last name Atlante
The Atlante family is not notably known to have produced any globally recognized figures with significant impact across various fields such as politics, entertainment, science, or sports, under the last name "Atlante" alone. However, there are a few notable people with variations of this surname who have made their mark:
1. Sergio Atlantico (born 1973), an Argentine footballer who played as a defender for clubs like River Plate and Newell's Old Boys.
2. Alessandro Atlante (born 1980), an Italian footballer who represented teams such as Sampdoria, Roma, and Lazio.
3. Antonio Atlantis (born 1974), an Italian singer-songwriter and actor, best known for his participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008.
These individuals have gained recognition within their respective fields in Italy and Argentina but are not globally renowned under the last name Atlante specifically.
Genealogical research on the last name Atlante
The surname Atlante originates from Italy, specifically the region of Tuscany. It is derived from the Latin "atlantis," which means "shield bearer." Historical records indicate that the name was first recorded in the 13th century in Pisa and Lucca. Over time, various spellings have emerged due to the inconsistencies in transliteration and local dialects, such as Atlanti, Atalante, and Athalante.
The Atlantes were a mythological race in Greek and Roman mythology who served as pillars at the entrances of gardens or palaces, symbolizing strength and protection. This could potentially suggest that the original bearers of the name Atlante were associated with strength and guardianship in their community. The family migrated to other regions such as Spain, Portugal, France, and South America during the age of exploration, further disseminating the surname globally.
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
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