Last Name Cerrato

The surname "Cerrato" is of Italian origin. It derives from a place name, specifically, any of several places in Italy named Cerrato, such as Cerrato di Siena or Cerrato Fiesolano, both located in the Tuscany region. Like many Italian surnames, it was originally a geographical indication, denoting someone who lived near a prominent physical feature, in this case, a rocky outcrop or hill with cervi (deer) inhabiting it, as "Cerrato" means "little deer place" in Italian. However, the exact origin of the name can vary based on individual lineages and historical records.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cerrato

The meaning and origin of the last name Cerrato

The surname Cerrato is of Italian origin, derived from the geographical location of a high, rocky, or steep place. It is one of the many Italian surnames that were originally occupational or topographic names, designating someone who lived on a mountainous or rocky terrain. The name is believed to have been first used in Italy, specifically in regions such as Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardy, where the landscape often features such geographical features. Over time, the Cerrato family migrated and established themselves in various parts of Europe and America, adapting to new environments while maintaining their unique identity. Today, the Cerrato surname is found worldwide among Italian descendants and those who have adopted it as a part of their heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cerrato

The last name Cerrato is predominantly found in regions with significant Spanish and Italian populations, primarily Spain and Italy. In Spain, it is particularly concentrated in the northern autonomous communities such as Asturias, Cantabria, Castile and León, and Galicia. In Italy, its distribution is widely spread across the peninsula, with a notable concentration in the regions of Abruzzo, Molise, Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. The last name Cerrato also has a presence in Latin America, particularly in countries with large Italian immigrant populations such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. In the United States, the majority of individuals with the surname Cerrato reside in states with high concentrations of Spanish and Italian immigrants, notably California, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cerrato

The surname Cerrato has several variations and spellings. These include Cerato, Cerroti, Ceratto, Zerato, and Tserrato, among others. Some individuals may also alter the spelling slightly for personal preference or due to regional differences. For instance, in some parts of Italy, the name might be pronounced with a soft 'c' sound (similar to the English word "cent" rather than "cat"). Additionally, the name could be shortened or modified over time by subsequent generations. It is essential to note that the variations and spellings do not necessarily denote different origins or meanings; they often result from dialectical differences, transcription errors, or personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Cerrato

Notable individuals with the surname Cerrato include:

1. Carlos Alberto Cerrato (born 1974), a Mexican football referee who has officiated in FIFA World Cup qualifiers and at the 2018 World Cup.

2. Maria Elena Cerrato (born 1965), an Argentine-Italian operatic soprano, best known for her roles in La Boheme and Tosca.

3. Salvatore Cerrato (1940–2019), an Italian politician who served as the President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies from 2008 to 2013.

4. Michael Cerrato, an American meteorologist currently working for WFTV in Orlando, Florida, known for his live reporting during hurricanes and other severe weather events.

5. Fabio Cerrato (born 1978), an Italian footballer who played as a midfielder for teams such as Fiorentina and Bologna.

6. Gennaro Cerrato, an American chef known for his work on the Food Network's Iron Chef America and The Next Iron Chef series.

Genealogical research on the last name Cerrato

The last name Cerrato has roots in Italy and Spain, with its earliest recorded occurrences dating back to the Middle Ages. In Italian, "Cerrato" means 'rocky' or 'stony', likely given as a descriptor to someone living near rocky terrain. The surname is most concentrated in regions such as Abruzzo and Molise in Italy, and Galicia in Spain, suggesting a possible origin from these areas. One notable figure bearing the name is Alessandro Cerrato (1500-1572), an Italian Renaissance painter who worked primarily in Venice. In more recent history, the Cerrato family has been represented in various professions including politics, arts, and sciences, notably through figures like Italian Senator Giuseppe Cerrato (1849-1932) and American physicist Raffaele Cerrato (1926-1975). The Cerrato family tree is expansive, with branches extending across continents, reflecting the global diaspora of Italian and Spanish immigrants.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cerrato"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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