Last Name Gatta

The surname "Gatta" is of Italian origin. It derives from a diminutive form of the word "gatto," which means cat in Italian. As such, it was likely an occupational surname for someone who dealt with cats, possibly as a furrier or someone who trapped and sold them for their pelts. In some cases, it might have been used as a nickname for someone who had cat-like characteristics. However, like many surnames, its exact origin may vary depending on the specific family in question.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gatta

The meaning and origin of the last name Gatta

The surname Gatta has Italian origins, stemming primarily from the regions of Lombardy, Piedmont, and Veneto. Its etymology is rooted in the Latin word "gutta," meaning "drop" or "small quantity of liquid." In medieval times, a person who lived near a source of water, such as a well or spring, may have been referred to as Gatta, possibly indicating the location where they resided. Over time, this term was passed down through generations, eventually becoming a hereditary surname. The name is relatively common in Italy today, with variations including Gatti and de Gatta.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gatta

The surname Gatta is predominantly Italian, with a high concentration in regions such as Lombardy, Piedmont, and Emilia-Romagna. According to the Italian Statistical Institute (ISTAT), Gatta is among the top 10,000 most common surnames in Italy, with an estimated frequency of around 1 in 27,000 people. The name's distribution in Italy reflects a general trend of regional clustering, as many Italians tend to remain within their region or city of origin. Outside of Italy, the Gatta surname can be found among Italian diaspora communities, particularly in countries with significant Italian immigration, such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gatta

The surname Gatta has various spelling and pronunciation variations worldwide. The most common English spelling is "Gatta," which originates from Italy and means "little cat" in Italian. Other spellings include Gattha, Gahtta, Gattaa, and Gattah, among others, and are primarily found within Italian-speaking communities. In some cases, the name may be transliterated or anglicized to forms such as Gata or Gatta-Lee. Variations in pronunciation can also occur due to regional dialects or individual phonetic interpretation. Despite these variations, all versions of the surname Gatta are derived from the Italian word for "cat."

Famous people with the last name Gatta

The Gatta family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Enrico Gatta, an Italian-born American violinist who has performed as a soloist with major orchestras worldwide. In the realm of sports, Luca Gattinara, an Italian skier, represented his country at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. In the world of literature, Gaetano Gatta, an Italian writer and politician, is remembered for his works on the history of Sicily and was a Senator of Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lastly, Giuseppe Gatta, born in Argentina to Italian parents, was a prominent cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church who served as Apostolic Nuncio to several countries in Africa and Europe. These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments achieved by those bearing the surname Gatta.

Genealogical research on the last name Gatta

The surname Gatta has its origins in Italy, particularly in the region of Piedmont and Lombardy. Historically, the name is believed to be occupational, derived from the Italian word "gatto" meaning cat, suggesting an occupation related to cats such as a cat herder or trapper. One notable individual with the surname Gatta was Giulio Gatta (1876-1934), an Italian architect known for his eclectic designs that combined elements of various styles including Art Nouveau and Neoclassical architecture. In the United States, the surname is most commonly found in cities with a large Italian-American population such as New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, there were approximately 7,386 individuals with the surname Gatta living in the country. The name has also been recorded in other countries including Argentina, Australia, and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gatta"
• 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 June 2025

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