Last Name Cestari

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cestari

The meaning and origin of the last name Cestari

The surname Cestari is of Italian origin, derived from various place names located in Italy. One possible origin is from the town of Cestaro, situated in the province of Savona in Liguria. The name itself likely derives from the Latin "castrum," meaning a fort or castle, indicating that the original bearers of this surname may have lived near such a fortified structure. Over time, variations in spelling and migration patterns led to numerous adaptations of the name, including Cestari, Cestarich, Cestarelli, and others. The surname Cestari is predominantly found among populations of Italian descent, reflecting its historical roots in Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cestari

The surname Cestari is predominantly Italian in origin and is most commonly found within Italy, particularly in regions such as Campania, Lazio, and Puglia. However, due to Italian immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name has also been dispersed among various diaspora communities, notably in South America, North America, and Australia. In North America, significant populations of Cestaris can be found in countries like the United States, particularly in states such as New York, New Jersey, and California, as well as Canada, mainly in Ontario and Quebec. In South America, Brazil has a notable presence of individuals with the last name Cestari.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cestari

The surname Cestari has several variations and spellings, some of which include:

1. Cestari - The standard Italian spelling.
2. Cestary - An English variation that maintains the pronunciation while adjusting for English orthography.
3. Tsettari - This is a variant often found among individuals with Italian heritage living in areas where Italian-American communities are prominent, such as in the United States.
4. Tzestaris or Tsestaris - These are alternative spellings that can be encountered in transcriptions of names from historical documents, particularly those from Greek or Slavic backgrounds who may have anglicized their surname to sound similar but with differences in spelling due to linguistic nuances.
5. Tsettaro - Another Italian variation, while less common, is still a recognizable form of the name Cestari.
6. These variants are not exhaustive, as there may be other regional or personal adaptations, but they represent some of the most prevalent versions of the surname Cestari and its relatives in various parts of the world.

Famous people with the last name Cestari

Notable individuals with the surname Cestari include:

1. Vincent Cestari (1924-1978): An American painter and illustrator known for his work in advertising, comic books, and children's books. He collaborated with authors such as Richard Scarry and Dr. Seuss.

2. Louis Cestari (1930-2006): An American character actor who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout the 1950s to 1980s, including "The Twilight Zone" and "Gunsmoke."

3. Frank Cestari (born 1943): A retired professional ice hockey player who played for teams such as the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings in the National Hockey League. He was a two-time All-Star selection during his career.

4. John Cestari: An American composer known for his work in film and television, including the scores for "The Long Kiss Goodnight," "Tombstone," and "Crimson Tide."

Genealogical research on the last name Cestari

The surname Cestari is believed to have origins in Italy, specifically from the region of Puglia. It is derived from the medieval given name Cesare, which means "hairy" or "long-haired." The name gained widespread usage during the Roman Empire and has since been carried by numerous families throughout Italian history.

One notable lineage of the Cestari family can be traced back to the 14th century in the town of Altamura, Puglia. Members of this family held significant positions within their community as politicians, military leaders, and religious figures.

The Cestari family migrated to other parts of Europe and later to North America during the 19th and 20th centuries, settling primarily in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. In these new countries, they continued to make their mark as entrepreneurs, artists, and political leaders, demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to community.

Today, the Cestari family name can be found across the globe, with many members maintaining a proud Italian heritage while contributing to their respective communities in diverse ways.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cestari"
• 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 : 27 July 2025