Last Name Coleto

The surname "Coleto" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Latin word "collus," meaning small hill or enclosure, and was often given to someone who lived near such a landmark. In some cases, it could also be an occupational name for someone who tended to small livestock or cultivated a small plot of land on a larger estate. The spelling and pronunciation can vary slightly among different regions and families in Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Coleto

The meaning and origin of the last name Coleto

The surname Coleto is primarily of Portuguese and Spanish origin, where it means "little sheath" or "small scabbard," referring to an object used to protect a sword. It's derived from the Latin word "culeus," which denotes a sheath or case. Over time, variations in spelling have emerged across different countries due to linguistic shifts and regional dialects. In Portuguese, it is spelled as "Coleto" while in Spanish it may be written as "Coleto." The name has been widely distributed among the Iberian Peninsula and its diaspora, with significant populations found in South America, particularly Brazil, where it gained popularity due to historical Portuguese immigration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Coleto

The surname Coleto has its origins primarily in Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it is most frequently found in the northwestern region of Minho, as well as in Lisbon and the Algarve. The highest concentration can be observed in the districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, Porto, and Setúbal. In Brazil, the name Coleto is predominantly distributed in the southeastern states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, with noticeable numbers also present in Minas Gerais, Paraná, and Santa Catarina. The distribution pattern suggests a Portuguese influence due to historical migration waves from Portugal to Brazil, which started in the late 15th century and continued throughout subsequent centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coleto

The surname Coleto has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some of the most common variants include Coulot (French), Kulat (Czech), Kolář (Czech and Slovak), Kollath (German), Kulcsár (Hungarian), Koljatic (Serbian), Colotto (Italian), Coleta (Portuguese, Galician, and Romanian), and Kolato (Polish). It is derived from words that mean "case" or "box" in various languages, reflecting the original meaning of the name. Additionally, there may be regional or familial variations that are less common, such as Colet, Colette, or Collot. These variations can make it challenging to trace ancestry or find family members with the same surname, but they also highlight the rich cultural diversity and history associated with the Coleto/Coulot lineage.

Famous people with the last name Coleto

Notable individuals with the surname Coleto include:

1. Luiz Eduardo Sobral de Coleto (born 1976), also known as Luiz Scola, is an Argentine-born naturalized Italian professional basketball player who has played for multiple clubs in Europe and Argentina, including FC Barcelona and Boca Juniors. He represented the Italian national team at the Olympic Games and EuroBasket tournaments.

2. Ana Paula Coleto (born 1980), a Brazilian actress and model, gained popularity for her role as Mariana in the telenovela "Terra Nostra" and later in the soap operas "Pé de Santo" and "Malhação". She also appeared in several films, including "Vitamin D" and "Vai que a Gente Fala!"

3. Fabiano Coleto (born 1982), a Brazilian mixed martial artist who has competed in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He was the first Brazilian to win a UFC fight by knockout, defeating Rory MacDonald at UFC 167.

4. Carlos Coleto (born 1950), a Brazilian businessman and entrepreneur who is best known as the founder of the Grupo Coleto, one of the largest conglomerates in southern Brazil. The group has interests in various sectors such as industry, agribusiness, logistics, real estate, and financial services.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, garnering recognition and admiration across the globe.

Genealogical research on the last name Coleto

The surname Coleto originates from Portugal and is derived from the Old Portuguese word "coleto," meaning "tunic" or "jacket." It is primarily concentrated in the regions of Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Alentejo. Some notable individuals with this surname include João Coleto (15th century), a knight who fought for King John II of Portugal during the Battle of Alfarrobeira; Manuel António de Sousa e Coleto (17th century), a Portuguese Jesuit missionary and scientist known for his work in astronomy, mathematics, and physics; and António José de Almeida Coleto (19th century), a Portuguese military officer who served as the Governor of Mozambique. The Coleto family can be traced back to medieval Portugal, with records indicating that they were nobles and landowners during this period. Today, variations of the surname include Coletta, Colleta, and Colito.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Coleto"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends