Last Name Colasante

Learn more about the origin of the last name Colasante

The meaning and origin of the last name Colasante

The surname Colasante is of Italian origin, specifically from regions such as Campania and Calabria. It is derived from the personal name Cola, which was a diminutive form of Nicola (Nicholas) or Colombo (dove), both popular names in medieval Italy. The suffix "sante" indicates that the original bearer was either a devout Christian or associated with a religious institution, as it derives from the Italian word "santa," meaning holy or saintly. The surname Colasante thus signifies an individual who held a reverence for saints, likely one named Nicholas or associated with doves, and originated in Italy during the Middle Ages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Colasante

The surname Colasante is primarily concentrated in Italy, where it originates from the region of Calabria, specifically the provinces of Catanzaro and Cosenza. It's also found in smaller numbers in other regions such as Campania, Sicily, and Sardinia. Outside of Italy, significant populations with the Colasante surname can be found primarily in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Quebec, due to Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller groups reside in the United States, specifically in states like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, again mainly due to Italian migration. The surname is also present in Argentina, Australia, and Brazil, reflecting further waves of immigration from Italy during the 20th century. Overall, while Colasante is most prevalent in Southern Italy, it has a significant diaspora in various parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Colasante

The surname Colasante has multiple variations and spellings. Some common spelling variations include Colasantino, Coulasanti, Collasanto, Colassante, and Calasante. These variations occur due to differences in pronunciation and regional dialects, as well as errors in transcribing names during migration periods. The name is of Italian origin and derives from the word "colasante," which means "consoling" or "comforting." It is often associated with the regions of Sicily and Calabria, where it is a relatively common name. Despite these variations, all forms of Colasante share a common etymology and can be traced back to the same Italian roots.

Famous people with the last name Colasante

Notable individuals with the surname Colasante include:

1. **Frank John Colasante** - An American journalist and television host who is best known as the creator and host of the television show "Finding Bigfoot." He has worked in various roles within the media industry, including at NBC and ABC News.

2. **Joseph Colasanto** - A Canadian politician who served as a Member of Parliament for the riding of York—Scarborough from 1988 to 1993. He was a member of the Liberal Party of Canada.

3. **Paolo Colasante** - An Italian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for FC Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga and the Italy national team. Known for his versatility, he can play both defensively and offensively.

4. **Tony Colasante** - An American businessman known for founding Pizza Innovations, a chain of pizzerias that was later acquired by Domino's Pizza in 1987. He was also a contestant on the reality television show "The Apprentice."

5. **Victor Colasante** - A Canadian actor who has appeared in various films and television shows, including "The Handmaid's Tale," "Being Erica," and "Rookie Blue." He has also worked as a director and producer.

Genealogical research on the last name Colasante

The surname Colasante originates from Italy and is particularly prevalent in the regions of Calabria and Sicily. The name is believed to be derived from "Colosanto," meaning "Saint Colonna" or "Holy Column," likely given to an individual who lived near a sacred site with such a feature.

Over time, the Colasante family migrated across Europe and to various parts of the world, including North and South America. Some notable figures bearing this name include Gaspare Colosanto, a prominent Italian poet from Sicily in the 19th century, and Salvatore Colosanto, an architect who worked extensively in Australia during the early 20th century.

In contemporary times, the Colasante family can be found across multiple continents with diverse professions, maintaining their unique heritage while adapting to various cultures. Genealogical research remains ongoing for the global Colasante community, aiming to uncover more about this dynamic and storied surname's history and its descendants worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Colasante"
• 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