Last Name Colato

Learn more about the origin of the last name Colato

The meaning and origin of the last name Colato

The surname Colato is derived from Italian origins, specifically from the region of Tuscany. It's a variation of the original name Coletti, which means "small coal" or "lump of coal" in Italian, due to its derivation from the word "collo," meaning neck, and "tta," a diminutive suffix. Over time, the name evolved into Colato as it spread across different regions. The surname Colato is now predominantly found in Italy and other countries with significant Italian ancestry populations, such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Colato

The surname Colato has its origins from Portugal, where it is most prevalent and common. However, due to migration over centuries, the name can also be found among Portuguese communities in various parts of the world. In South America, particularly Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, Colato is a relatively common surname due to the historical colonial ties between Portugal and these regions. In North America, it can be traced in countries with significant Portuguese-American populations such as the United States and Canada. In Europe, aside from Portugal, it can also be found among migrant communities in Spain, France, and other countries. In Africa, Angola has a notable number of individuals bearing the surname Colato due to its colonial history and subsequent migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Colato

The surname Colato has several variations and spelling forms across different regions and languages. Some common variations include Colotto, Colombi, Colat, Colatto, Colloto, and Coulotto. These variations may result from regional dialects, transcription errors during immigration, or personal preference. Another possibility is that some of these variants originate from the same root but have been influenced by local linguistic traditions over time. For instance, "Colotto" in Italy may be a variant of "Colato," which is more common in Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico and Puerto Rico. Additionally, surnames can sometimes undergo phonetic changes when adopted by speakers of different languages, resulting in additional variations such as Collot or Coulot.

Famous people with the last name Colato

Notable individuals with the surname Colato include:

1. Eduardo C. Galeano (1940-2015), an Uruguayan journalist, writer, and historian, best known for his works "Open Veins of Latin America" and "Mirrors: Stories of Almost Everyone."

2. Carlos Colato Laurentino (born 1967), a Panamanian artist whose work encompasses painting, sculpture, installation, and performance art. He has exhibited globally and his works are featured in numerous private collections.

3. Héctor Colato (born 1978), a Spanish professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as Real Madrid Castilla, Deportivo La Coruña, and Rayo Vallecano.

4. Javier Colato (born 1956), a Mexican politician who served as Governor of Aguascalientes from 2003 to 2009. He is a member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).

Genealogical research on the last name Colato

The Colato surname is primarily of Italian origin, derived from localities named Colato in the provinces of Vicenza and Belluno. In Italy, the name is most prevalent in these regions, particularly in the vicinity of the town of Colato, Vicenza. Some early records show that the family originated from the village of Castelnuovo de Colato in the late 13th century. The Colatos migrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas over time. In the United States, Italian immigrants with the surname began arriving around the turn of the 20th century, predominantly settling in cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. In Brazil, the name became popular due to Portuguese colonization efforts, with many Italian immigrants choosing to change their names upon arrival. Genealogical research reveals a rich history for the Colato surname, spanning various regions across multiple continents over several centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Colato"
• 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 : 23 July 2025