Last Name Del-prato

The surname Del Prato has its roots in Italy. Specifically, it is an Italian patronymic surname, meaning "of the meadow" or "meadow field". It derives from the personal name "Pratone", which was a diminutive of "Prato", meaning "field" or "meadow". The name is often found in various regions of Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Del-prato

The meaning and origin of the last name Del-prato

The surname Del Prato is of Italian origin, derived from a geographical location or a profession. "Del Prato" translates to "of the meadow" or "from the field of flowers" in Italian. Originally, it may have been used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a meadow or field, or an occupational name for someone who worked in a meadow or flower garden. The name can be found throughout Italy and has roots dating back to medieval times. It is one of the many Italian surnames that were adopted during the Middle Ages as a way to distinguish individuals within communities. Over time, variations in spelling have arisen due to changes in recording methods and migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Del-prato

The surname Del Prato is predominantly Italian and can be found primarily across Italy, particularly in regions such as Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Umbria. Its highest concentration is noted in the cities of Florence, Bologna, Milan, and Perugia. The name also has a significant presence in other Italian-speaking countries like Switzerland (Ticino) and San Marino. Beyond Italy, Del Prato can also be found amongst the Italian diaspora communities in various countries including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Uruguay, and the United States, where it is particularly prevalent in New York and California. Its origin comes from a location named Prato or de'Prati, meaning meadows in Italian.

Variants and spellings of the last name Del-prato

The surname Del Prato has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional dialects, transcription errors, and individual preferences over time. Some common variations include Del Prato, DePrato, Di Prato, Del Prat, and De Prat. These variations can be found across multiple countries, particularly among Italian diaspora communities. In some cases, the surname may also appear as De' Prati or Dei Prati due to the Italian convention of using an apostrophe to indicate a genitive case. Additionally, variations may arise when the name is anglicized or transcribed into non-Italian languages, leading to further alterations such as De Prato becoming de Prato or Del Prato becoming del Prato (with or without an accent). It's important to note that these variations are not errors but rather different representations of the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Del-prato

Del Prato is an Italian surname that has produced notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned figures with this last name is Andrea Del Prato (born 1946), an Italian musicologist and music critic who has made significant contributions to the study of medieval and Renaissance music. In the field of physics, Giuliano Del Prato (born 1932) is a distinguished figure, having worked on quantum theory and superconductivity. In the arts, Cristina del Prado (born 1954), a Mexican art historian, has published extensively on pre-Columbian art. Lastly, in the world of sports, Fabio Del Prato (born 1963) is an Italian marathon runner who won a gold medal at the European Athletics Championships in 1990. These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments that can stem from the Del Prato surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Del-prato

The del Prato surname originates from Italy and is typically associated with the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Historically, it is believed to be a topographic name derived from a place named Prato or Prata, meaning "meadow" in Italian. Notable bearers of the del Prato surname include the del Prato family of Florence, who played significant roles in the city's political and cultural life during the Renaissance.

The family's origins can be traced back to the 13th century with the branch of del Prato di Poggibonsi, which was later subdivided into several lines, including the del Prato di Fiesole, del Prato di Scandicci, and del Prato di San Miniato. The family's coat of arms features a golden prato (meadow) on a blue background, symbolizing their agricultural origins.

Throughout history, members of the del Prato family have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, art, and science. Notable figures include Filippo del Prato, who was an influential Florentine poet, and Giorgio del Prato, who served as a commander in the Papal Army during the 16th century.

Today, the del Prato surname is found in various parts of the world, with significant populations in Italy, the United States, and other European countries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "del-prato"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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