Last Name Cotta

The surname "Cotta" has origins in various cultures and countries. Here are a few possible origins: 1. Italian: In Italy, "Cotta" likely originated as a locational surname derived from the word "cotta," meaning a rural house or cottage. It may have been used to identify people living near or working in cottages or small houses in the countryside. 2. Spanish/Portuguese: In Spanish and Portuguese, "Cotta" could have derived from the word "cota," which means "quot" or "portion." The name might have been used to describe someone who had a specific portion of land or property. 3. German: In German, "Cotta" potentially comes from the word "Gott," meaning "God." It is sometimes used as a short form of more extended surnames like "Gotthard" or "Gottfried" denoting "God's peace" or "God's protection." 4. Hungarian: In Hungary, "Cotta" might be a variant of the Hungarian surname "Kotta," which means "sheet" or "score." It could have been used to denote someone involved in music or related professions. As surnames often have multiple origins and can evolve over time, it is important to delve into specific family histories and regions to determine the exact origin of the surname "Cotta" in each case.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cotta

The meaning and origin of the last name Cotta

The surname Cotta has its origins in Italy, specifically in the Tuscany region. It is derived from the Latin word "cota," meaning "a coat" or "a tunic." Historically, it referred to individuals who either made or wore coats and tunics, or possibly even had a coat of arms as part of their family identity. The name Cotta also has connections to the Catholic Church, particularly to St. Bonaventure, who was born Giovanni di Fidanza but took the name Bonaventure da Bagnoregio, including the surname Cotta. The surname Cotta gained prominence during the Middle Ages, where it gradually spread across different regions within Italy. Over time, bearers of the surname migrated to other countries, contributing to its presence in various parts of the world today. Today, individuals with the surname Cotta can be found in Italy, but also in other countries such as Brazil, the United States, and Germany, among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cotta

The last name Cotta is primarily found in Italy and Brazil, with a smaller presence in Germany and the United States. In Italy, the name is most common in the region of Tuscany, particularly in the province of Florence. It is believed to have originated from the Latin word "cottus," meaning "rock" or "stone," and may have reference to individuals or families that lived near rocky outcrops or worked in stone-related trades.

In Brazil, the name Cotta is often associated with Italian immigrants who arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Various cities and regions, such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, have significant populations of Cotta descendants. In Germany, the name is less common but can be found in different parts of the country. In the United States, the name is relatively rare, with scattered populations across various states, particularly in areas with a history of European immigration. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Cotta reflects its origin in Italy and subsequent spread to other countries through migration and diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cotta

Cotta is a last name with several variations and spellings. The most common forms include Cota, Cotte, Cottey, Kotta, and Quota. These variations are often a result of different pronunciations and regional accents across different countries. In Italy, the ancestral origin of the name, variations such as Cotti and Cottini can also be found. Similarly, in France, the name could be spelled as Cotteau or Cotteaux. Other less common variations include Kodda, Koda, Kotah, and Kottah, which may have emerged through spelling variations or anglicized versions of the name. These diverse spellings and variations highlight the fluidity and evolution of surnames as they travel across regions and cultures. Whether spelled as Cotta, Cota, or any of its variations, this last name preserves its unique identity and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Cotta

One of the famous individuals with the last name Cotta is Francesco Cotta, an Italian politician and statesman who was active during the late 16th century. Cotta served as a senator of the Republic of Siena and was renowned for his political skills and influence, particularly during the challenging period of foreign occupation and transition. Another prominent figure is Christina Cotta, a respected German actress known for her captivating performances on stage and screen during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Christina gained immense popularity for her versatile acting skills and remarkable portrayals of diverse characters, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Additionally, Carlo Cotta, an Italian art historian and critic of the early 20th century, made significant contributions to the understanding and valuation of Renaissance art, focusing particularly on the work of renowned Italian painter Raphael. Carlo's meticulous research and analyses are highly regarded and have become invaluable resources for art historians and enthusiasts.

Genealogical research on the last name Cotta

The surname Cotta is of Italian origin and has its roots in the Latin word "cota," meaning "coat" or "cloak." It is believed to have originated as a descriptive name for someone who wore a distinctive coat or garment. Genealogical research on the Cotta surname indicates that the name has spread across various countries and regions over time. It is found in different forms, such as Cota, Cotte, Coata, and Cottey, suggesting variations resulting from local dialects and accents. The Cotta family can be found in Italy, particularly in the regions of Tuscany, Piedmont, and Liguria. Some members of the Cotta family migrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas, including Brazil, where they established themselves and contributed to their respective communities. As with any genealogical study, further research, including examination of historical records, census data, and DNA analysis, can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Cotta family history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cotta"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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