Last Name Cappa

The surname "Cappa" is of Italian origin. It derives from the Latin word 'capa' meaning 'cloak', and was originally an occupational name for a maker of cloaks or a vendor of used garments. During the Middle Ages, many European countries adopted systems of hereditary surnames based on occupation, location, or personal characteristics. In Italy, the adoption of fixed surnames occurred later than in other parts of Europe and was largely completed by the end of the 19th century.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cappa

The meaning and origin of the last name Cappa

The surname Cappa is of Italian and Spanish origin, derived from the Latin word "capa" which means 'cloak' or 'cape'. It was often used as an occupational name for a maker of cloaks or a professional who wore a cape in their trade. Over time, it also became a nickname for someone who was quick-witted or clever, likening them to a quick-moving cloak. The surname is most prevalent in Italy, particularly in the regions of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, as well as in Spain, especially in Catalonia. It can also be found among Italian immigrants in other parts of Europe and the Americas.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cappa

The Cappa surname has a predominant distribution across Italy, particularly in the regions of Tuscany, Piedmont, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna. It is also found in significant numbers in the provinces of Genoa, Lucca, and Modena. Additionally, there are smaller clusters of Cappa families in the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. Beyond Italy, notable populations of individuals with the surname Cappa can be found in Argentina, primarily in the province of Buenos Aires, due to Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller groups can also be found in Spain, France, Switzerland, and the United States. The geographical distribution suggests a historical roots in the northern and central regions of Italy, with significant dispersal through migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cappa

The surname Cappa has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. Here are some common versions:

1. Capa - This is one of the most popular variants, with a slightly modified spelling.
2. Kapka or Kapkaa - These forms can be found in different Eastern European countries such as Bulgaria and Poland.
3. Kapka-Kapko - This Russian form may also include the patronymic Kapko.
4. Capello - An Italian variant, which means "cap" in English.
5. Kapp - A shortened version that can be found in German-speaking regions.
6. Cappaert - A Flemish spelling variation.
7. Kapteyn - This Dutch spelling is a variant of the original surname and also means "captain" in English.
8. Capote or Capoote - Spanish and Portuguese variations, which can mean "coat."
9. Cappello-Cappi or Cappaia - These are other Italian variants that may include the feminine form of the surname.

Famous people with the last name Cappa

The Cappa surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. In the world of music, one of the most renowned is Tony Cappa, an American trumpeter who played with Count Basie and Duke Ellington. In the realm of art, there is Giorgio Cappa, an Italian painter known for his expressionist works that combine figuration and abstraction. In sports, Giuseppe Cappa, a former Italian footballer, represented Italy at the 1920 Summer Olympics and played for several top-tier clubs in the early 20th century. Lastly, in the scientific community, there is Franco Cappa, an Italian-American chemist who has made significant contributions to the understanding of atmospheric aerosols and their impact on climate change. These are some of the most notable individuals with the Cappa surname, showcasing their diverse accomplishments across music, art, sports, and science.

Genealogical research on the last name Cappa

The surname Cappa is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "capa" meaning cloak or cape. It is primarily found in the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. Historically, bearers of this name were associated with the textile industry due to the occupation of cloak-makers.

One notable figure with the surname Cappa is Alessandro Cappa (1425-1498), an Italian humanist and canon lawyer. He served as the Bishop of Tortona from 1465 until his death. Another significant individual is Giulio Cappa (born 1970), an Italian football coach, who has managed several professional teams in Italy.

The Cappa family also includes individuals with notable achievements in the arts and sciences, such as Giovanni Maria Cappa (1568-1624), a mathematician and astronomer, and Giuseppe Cappa (1790-1871), an engraver. The lineage can be traced back to various Italian cities including Milan, Turin, and Genoa.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cappa"
• 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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