Last Name Gotti

The surname Gotti has Italian origins and is derived from the city of Cottone, located in the province of Chieti in Abruzzo, Italy. The name is a toponymic one, meaning it is derived from the place where the original bearer lived or hailed from. Historically, many Italian families emigrated from Southern Italy to other countries like the United States, often bringing their surnames with them. The Gotti family in particular gained significant notoriety in the U.S. through the activities of the American mobster John Gotti, who led the Gambino crime family in New York City during the late 20th century.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gotti

The meaning and origin of the last name Gotti

The surname Gotti originates from Italy, specifically the region of Sicily, where it was initially spelled as "Dei Conti" or "Daieti". It is believed to have evolved over time into the more recognizable form, Gotti. The name translates to 'little count' in Italian, reflecting a possible noble lineage during medieval times. Notable individuals bearing this surname are most famously associated with the American mafia figure John Gotti, who served as the head of the Gambino crime family in New York City during the late 20th century. While the Gotti name has negative connotations for some due to its association with organized crime, it is important to note that the name is borne by many individuals unrelated to the criminal underworld.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gotti

The surname Gotti is primarily distributed within Italy, predominantly in Sicily and Tuscany. According to genealogical databases, Gotti has been documented as a family name in several provinces of these regions since the 16th century. In modern times, significant populations bearing the Gotti surname can be found in major cities such as Palermo, Florence, and Rome. A notable diaspora exists in the United States, particularly in New York City, where the Gotti family is well-known through figures like John Gotti, a former head of the Gambino crime family during the mid-20th century. The presence of the Gotti surname can also be found in other countries with Italian immigrant populations, such as Argentina, Brazil, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gotti

The surname Gotti has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription from Italian to English and over time. Some common variants include:

1. Gotti - This is the most traditional spelling, originating from Italy.
2. Gothi - A less common variant that may represent an early attempt at transliteration.
3. Gotta - A shortened version often used as a nickname or in informal contexts.
4. Gozzi - Another variation that may arise due to regional dialects in Italy, where the 't' sound can be pronounced more like 'tz'.
5. Jotti, Joati, Zotti - These are Italian surnames that share a similar root with Gotti but have slight variations due to different family lineages or dialects.
6. Gaetti, Gaetani, Gaetano - While not directly related to Gotti, these names may be associated as they share the same roots found in the Italian language.

Famous people with the last name Gotti

The Gotti family is primarily known for its association with organized crime in New York City during the late 20th century. John Gotti, also known as "The Teflon Don" or "The Dapper Don," served as the head of the Gambino crime family from 1980 to 1992 and was convicted of various federal charges, including racketeering and murder. His son, John A. (Junior) Gotti, attempted to succeed his father in the leadership of the Gambino family but was ultimately unsuccessful and served prison time for racketeering and obstruction of justice. Another notable member is Victoria Gotti, an author and daughter of John Gotti, who has written about her upbringing within the Mafia family. Peter Gotti, a brother of John Gotti, served as acting boss following his brother's imprisonment but was later convicted of various crimes related to the Gambino family.

Genealogical research on the last name Gotti

The Gotti family is an influential Sicilian-American Mafia clan with roots traced back to Corleone, Sicily, Italy. The most notable member, John Gotti, also known as "The Teflon Don" or "Dapper Don," served as the head of the Gambino crime family in New York City from 1980 until 1992 when he was imprisoned for various crimes, including racketeering and murder. He died in prison in 2002. His son, John A. Gotti, has been involved in multiple legal disputes related to his father's estate and business ventures. Other notable members include Peter Gotti, who succeeded John as the acting boss of the Gambino family after John's incarceration, and Vincent "Vinny Green" Gotti, another son of John, who served prison time for racketeering. The Gotti name continues to be associated with organized crime in New York City.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gotti"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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