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Last Name Culotta

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What is the origin of the last name Culotta?

The surname "Culotta" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Latin word "culotta," which means "small trousers." In the context of Italian surnames, it was often used as a nickname for someone who wore short pants or for someone with short legs. As with many Italian surnames, it was traditionally passed down from father to son.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Culotta

The surname Culotta is of Italian origin, deriving from the Latin "cula" which means "ass" or "rump," and "otto" which means "eighth." It was likely originally used to identify someone who lived on an eighth lot, or perhaps a person with distinct physical features associated with those terms. Over time, it has become a relatively uncommon surname in Italy and elsewhere, particularly among Italian immigrants in the United States and other countries. Notable individuals bearing this name include sports journalist Bob Culotta and American football coach Joe Culotta.

Geographical distribution of the last name Culotta

The surname Culotta is predominantly distributed across the Italian-speaking regions of Italy, with significant concentrations in the Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Piedmont, and Tuscany regions. Beyond Italy, notable populations can be found in Argentina, as a result of Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the United States, the name is mainly concentrated on the East Coast, particularly in states with high Italian-American populations such as New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Smaller numbers are also found in other countries where Italians have immigrated, including Canada, Australia, and Uruguay. The distribution of the surname Culotta thus reflects historical patterns of Italian migration and settlement around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Culotta

The surname Culotta has several variants and spellings, primarily due to regional differences and individual preferences in transcription. Some common variations include Culotta, Cullota, Culattha, Coulotta, Colotta, Cuolotta, and Calotta. These variations can be found among people of Italian descent, as the name is derived from Italy, although it may also appear in other cultures due to immigration or adoption. The root word "culo" is Italian for "bottom" or "rump", suggesting that the name may have been given as a nickname based on physical appearance. However, it's essential to note that the exact origin and meaning can vary depending on specific families and regions.

Famous people with the last name Culotta

The Culotta family has produced several notable figures across various fields. In entertainment, John Culotta is an American actor and writer who worked on the popular sitcoms "Cheers" and "Frasier." Musician Derek Culotta, better known by his stage name DJ Rashad, was a Chicago-based footwork producer and performer who gained recognition in the 2010s. In journalism, Susan Condon Culotta served as the Director of Photography for The New York Times from 2005 to 2017. She has won multiple Pulitzer Prizes for her work. Lastly, in sports, Joe Culotta was a professional baseball player who played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox in the 1940s and 1950s. His career was cut short due to military service during World War II.

Genealogical research on the last name Culotta

The surname Culotta originates from Italy and is most prevalent in regions such as Calabria and Sicily. It is derived from the Latin "cula" meaning "ass," due to a person's physical characteristics or their occupation related to animals, particularly donkeys. Over time, the name underwent several variations including Culotta, Colotta, and Colotto.

Immigrants bearing the surname Culotta began arriving in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mainly settling in cities with large Italian-American populations like New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. Notable individuals with this surname include Anthony Culotta, a decorated war hero and recipient of the Medal of Honor during World War II, and Frank Culotta, a notable figure in organized crime in Philadelphia during the mid-20th century.

Research continues to uncover more details about the Culotta family tree, with ongoing efforts to trace their origins in Italy, as well as documenting their experiences and contributions in the United States.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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