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Last Name Cataldo

What is the origin of the last name Cataldo?

The surname Cataldo has Italian origins and is derived from the given name Caterino or Catalano, which are forms of the male given name Cataldo. In Italian, Cataldo means "bold guard" or "guardian". This surname is most common in Southern Italy, particularly in regions like Abruzzo and Calabria. The name may have originally referred to a person who served as a guardian or protector. However, it's important to note that the exact origin of any given surname can be complex and may vary based on individual family histories. It's always a good idea to consult with genealogical resources for further information.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cataldo

The meaning and origin of the last name Cataldo

The surname Cataldo is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Cataldo, which was born from the Late Latin Cataldo, meaning "bald" or "short-haired". It is believed to have originated during the Middle Ages as a way to distinguish individuals with similar first names. The surname Cataldo can be found primarily in southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Calabria and Sicily, where it was common for families to take their surnames from their place of origin or an important figure in their family history. Over time, the Cataldo family spread throughout Italy and other parts of Europe and the Americas, with various branches and derivatives emerging, such as Cataldo-DiBenedetto, Cataldo-Piscitello, and Cataldo-Vizzini. Today, individuals bearing the name Cataldo can be found worldwide, with a significant presence in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cataldo

The surname Cataldo is predominantly Italian and is most commonly found in Southern Italy, particularly in regions such as Calabria, Sicily, and Campania. A significant number of people with this last name also reside in the Abruzzo region. Migration patterns have led to a diaspora of individuals with the Cataldo surname, predominantly to the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the U.S., areas with high concentrations of people named Cataldo include New York City, especially its boroughs of Staten Island and the Bronx, and cities such as Providence (Rhode Island) and Buffalo (New York). The surname can also be found in Canada, primarily in urban centers like Toronto and Montreal. In Australia, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide host a substantial number of Cataldo families.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cataldo

The surname Cataldo, originally Italian, has various spellings and pronunciations that may differ based on regional dialects and transcription errors over time. Some common variations include: Cataldu, Cataldi, Catalda, Cataldoe, Catalducci, Cataldus, Caltaldo, Calataldo, Kataldo, Kataldos, among others. These variations may stem from the original Italian name being pronounced differently in different regions, or due to errors during transcription and record-keeping. It's important to note that these slight changes can make genealogical research challenging, as records may use different spellings for the same family line. However, understanding these variations can help in tracing one's roots more effectively.

Famous people with the last name Cataldo

The Cataldo surname, of Italian origin, has been associated with notable figures across various fields. One such individual is Father Pierre-Antoine Cataldo (1809-1865), a French Roman Catholic priest and missionary who served in the Marquesas Islands, leaving an indelible impact on the local culture through his linguistic contributions. In the realm of sports, Al Cataldo (1924-1974) was a professional baseball player for the Philadelphia Phillies and Brooklyn Dodgers from 1948 to 1953. Known as "The Cat," he played a key role in the Phillies' first National League pennant win in 1950. In the world of art, Anthony Cataldo (born 1963) is an American sculptor recognized for his thought-provoking installations and public works. His unique approach to material exploration and environmental impact has made him a significant figure within contemporary art circles. These are a few examples illustrating the diverse achievements of individuals bearing the Cataldo surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Cataldo

The surname Cataldo has Italian origins, stemming from the region of Calabria and Sicily. The name is derived from the Latin "catalda," meaning "rocky promontory" or "high headland." The first recorded occurrence of the name dates back to the 13th century in southern Italy, with early Cataldo lineages traceable to towns such as Catania and Cosenza. Many Cataldo families emigrated from Italy to other parts of Europe and later to the Americas during the 16th to 18th centuries due to economic hardships and political instability. In North America, significant Cataldo populations are found in Canada (particularly Newfoundland) and the United States (primarily in Massachusetts and Rhode Island). Some notable figures with the surname Cataldo include Salvatore Cataldo, an Italian-American composer, and Tony Cataldo, a former professional American football player. Genealogical research on the Cataldo family continues to uncover new branches, lineages, and stories of this resilient and diverse clan.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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