Last Name Bonato

The surname Bonato has its origins from Italian and Spanish language, derived from the word "buono," which means "good" or "kind." It was often given as a nickname to individuals who were well-regarded or liked by others. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname in Italy and Spain. The spelling variations include Bonato, Bonati, Bonnato, etc., depending on regional dialects and historical influences.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bonato

The meaning and origin of the last name Bonato

The surname Bonato has its roots in the Italian language, originating from the word "bonato," which means good or kind in English. This name was often given to children born with a favorable horoscope, indicating that they would lead a pleasant and prosperous life. In some regions of Italy, particularly Tuscany and Calabria, the Bonato surname is quite common. Over time, it has been spread globally by Italian immigrants seeking new opportunities in other countries. Today, individuals with the Bonato surname can be found in various parts of the world, maintaining their Italian heritage while contributing to diverse cultures.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bonato

The surname Bonato has a notable presence in Italy, particularly in regions such as Sardinia and Sicily, where it is one of the more common last names. Historically, this name has been concentrated in the southern provinces of these islands, including Cagliari in Sardinia and Palermo in Sicily. The name Bonato also appears frequently in Liguria and Tuscany on the Italian mainland. Beyond Italy, significant numbers of people bearing the surname Bonato can be found in Brazil, where it is common among Italian descendants, especially in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. The name has also been recorded sporadically across South America, North America, and parts of Europe, reflecting the diaspora of Italians over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bonato

The surname Bonato has several variations and spellings in different regions and time periods. Some common variants include Bonoato, Bonatto, Bonat, Bonad, Bonade, Bonaudo, Bonaud, Bonahto, and Bonatt. These differences may arise from regional dialects, transcription errors, or changes over time due to migration or assimilation. The root "Bon-" is derived from the Latin word "bonus," which means good, indicating that families with this surname likely originated from regions where the name was admired or respected. In Italy, the Bonato family is primarily concentrated in regions such as Tuscany, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna. However, individuals with the name can also be found in other parts of Europe, South America, North America, and Australia due to historical migration patterns. Despite these variations, all branches share a common ancestry that is rooted in the values of goodness and strength associated with the original name.

Famous people with the last name Bonato

The Bonato family has produced several notable figures across various fields, most notably in music and sports. In music, Roberto Bonato (born 1967) is an influential Brazilian composer, best known for his work in the genre of samba-jazz fusion. On the other hand, in sports, the Bonato name is synonymous with soccer. Marco Antonio Bonatto (born 1980), also known as Marquinhos Santos, is a Brazilian professional footballer who has played for top clubs such as Sao Paulo FC and Flamengo. Another prominent figure is Italian swimmer Federica Pellegrini Bonato, born in 1989, who is considered one of the greatest female swimmers of all time, with multiple Olympic medals to her name. Lastly, Giuseppe Bonato (1736–1795) was an Italian artist known for his architectural drawings and engravings, particularly notable during the Neoclassical period in Italy.

Genealogical research on the last name Bonato

The surname Bonato originates from Italy and is predominantly found in regions such as Sardinia and Sicily. It is a diminutive form of the given name "Buono" or "Bon", meaning "good" in Italian. The first recorded appearance of the Bonato family was in the 13th century in Sardinia, where they were feudal lords under the Pisan rule. Over time, members of the Bonato family migrated to other parts of Italy and eventually reached other countries, including Spain, France, and the Americas. The Bonato family is also known for producing notable individuals, such as Italian author and poet Vincenzo Massimo Bonato, who contributed significantly to Sardinian literature. Today, the Bonato name can be found worldwide, with a significant number of bearers residing in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. The Bonato family's history is marked by a rich heritage, diverse geographical distribution, and notable contributions in various fields.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bonato"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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NomOrigine Team
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.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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