Last Name Bonatti

The surname Bonatti is of Italian origin. It is a habitation name derived from one of the numerous places named Bonate, Bonatti, or Bonato in Italy. These place names are found primarily in the provinces of Como and Sondrio in Lombardy, as well as in Val Brembana in Bergamo. The name likely originated from these settlements and was subsequently carried by descendants who migrated to other regions or countries over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bonatti

The meaning and origin of the last name Bonatti

The surname Bonatti is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name "Bonato" or "Buonato," which means good or beneficial in Latin. This name was often given to babies born during times of prosperity, as a symbol of hope for continued success and well-being. The use of patronymics, surnames based on the father's given name, was common among Italian populations. The Bonatti family is believed to have originated from the region of Tuscany or Lombardy, two of the most populous and influential areas in medieval Italy. Over time, the Bonatti family spread across Italy and beyond its borders, contributing significantly to various fields such as politics, art, and science during the Renaissance period. Today, the Bonatti name can be found among Italian diaspora communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bonatti

The last name Bonatti is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the northern regions such as Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and Emilia-Romagna. It has a significant presence in the cities of Milan, Bergamo, Brescia, Turin, and Trento. Historically, the Bonatti surname can be traced back to the Alpine valleys of Valtellina, where it is believed to have originated from medieval families who were skilled in alpinism. Over time, emigration from these regions resulted in the spread of the Bonatti name to other parts of Italy and beyond, including countries like France, Switzerland, Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. Today, individuals with the surname Bonatti can be found worldwide, although a high concentration still remains in Italy due to the historical roots of the name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bonatti

The surname Bonatti exhibits several variants and spellings due to regional dialects and transcription errors over time. Some common variations include Bonati, Bonathi, Bonaudi, Bonaudo, and Buanati. These alterations may have occurred as a result of migrations or changes in the local language pronunciation. Additionally, some families have altered their names for assimilation purposes or to simplify spelling. Variants such as Bonatia, Bonatty, Bonattia, or Bonattye can be found, but are less common. It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a different ancestry or ethnicity, rather they reflect historical changes in naming conventions and pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Bonatti

Notable individuals sharing the surname Bonatti include:

1. Walter Bonatti (1930-2011), an Italian mountaineer and writer who is one of the few climbers to have reached the summits of all fourteen eight-thousanders without supplemental oxygen. His notable ascents include the first winter ascent of the Matterhorn in 1954 and the first traverse of the Alps in winter in 1962.

2. Giulia Bonatti (born 1970), an Italian actress and singer, best known for her roles in the television series "Un medico in famiglia" and "Incantesimo." She has also released several albums and performed on stage in various musical productions.

3. Marco Bonatti (born 1962), an Italian journalist and author, currently serving as a correspondent for the newspaper La Stampa in Rome. His works focus on politics, international affairs, and investigative journalism.

4. Francesco Bonatti (1588-1657), an Italian mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of statics, with his work "Statica Universale" being considered a precursor to the science of mechanics. He was also a professor at the University of Bologna and a member of the Society of Jesus.

These individuals represent a diverse range of achievements within their respective fields, showcasing the versatility and talent often associated with the Bonatti name.

Genealogical research on the last name Bonatti

The surname Bonatti is of Italian origin, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a geographical name derived from the town of Bonate Sopra and Bonate Sotto, located in the Lombardy region, approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Milan. In the late Middle Ages, as populations grew and resources became scarce, many Italians began to adopt surnames, which often denoted their place of origin. The Bonatti family name was likely formed by an individual or family who hailed from one of these towns. Over time, variations in spelling arose due to regional dialects, emigration, and recording errors. Variants include Bontati, Bonadati, and Bonazzi, among others. Notable persons bearing the Bonatti name include Giacomo Bonatti, an Italian painter from the 15th century, and Leonardo Bonatti, a historian of medieval Italy. The family's history is rich in art, academia, and local politics within the Lombardy region.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

About the author :

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 : 10 June 2025

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