Last Name Gotti

The last name "Gotti" has Italian origins. It is derived from the personal name "Gotto," which itself comes from the Germanic name "Gott" meaning "God." The name "Gotti" is primarily found in Italy and is associated with the region of Lombardy. It gained more prominence through the notorious Italian-American crime family known as the Gambino crime family, led by John Gotti, who became widely known as "The Dapper Don."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gotti

The meaning and origin of the last name Gotti

The surname "Gotti" is of Italian origin and is believed to have derived from the Latin word "Gothus" or "Gothius," meaning "Goth" or "Gothic." The Goths were a Germanic tribe that played a significant role in the fall of the Western Roman Empire during the 5th century. Over time, as the Goths assimilated into different regions, their name evolved and eventually became surnames like "Gotti." The Gotti surname gained more prominence in Italy where it can be found across various regions. It is particularly associated with the southern part of the country, especially the region of Calabria. During the medieval period, southern Italy experienced invasions and migrations from different peoples, including the Goths. These historical events likely contributed to the presence of the surname in the region. Today, the surname Gotti is widely recognized due to its association with the infamous American crime family led by John Gotti. However, it is essential to note that not all individuals bearing this surname have connections to the criminal organization. Like any other surname, Gotti has diverse branches and lineages, each with its own unique history and characteristics.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gotti

The last name "Gotti" is predominantly of Italian origin, and its geographical distribution reflects this. The name is most commonly associated with the country of Italy itself, particularly in the regions of Lombardy, Campania, and Sicily. In Lombardy, it is often found in the provinces of Milan and Como. In Campania, the name is prominent in Naples and the surrounding areas. However, it is in Sicily where the greatest concentration of Gotti surname can be found. Sicily is home to several towns and cities where the name is prevalent including Palermo, Catania, and Messina. Additionally, the surname has also spread beyond Italy, albeit to a lesser extent. Descendants of Italian immigrants can be found with the Gotti surname in countries such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil, particularly in Italian immigrant communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gotti

The last name Gotti has a few variations and spellings, reflecting its Italian origin. One variation is Gatt, which is often used in southern Italy, particularly in the region of Sicily. This variation is believed to have originated from the Norman-French name "Garde". Another common spelling is Gatto, which can be found in various regions of Italy. The name Gatto is derived from the Italian word for "cat," and it is theorized that the name might have been given to someone who had a particular association with cats. Additionally, the name Gotti itself can be spelled as Goti or Gotto, while maintaining the same pronunciation. These variations and spellings of Gotti reflect the rich history and regional influences of Italy, showcasing the diverse linguistics and cultural heritage of the country.

Famous people with the last name Gotti

The Gotti name is primarily associated with the notorious Italian-American crime family based in New York City. One of the most prominent figures is John Gotti, also known as "The Teflon Don," who was the boss of the Gambino crime family during the late 1980s and early 1990s. His flamboyant lifestyle, charismatic personality, and high-profile criminal activities made him a household name. John's son, John Gotti Jr., also became a well-known figure in the crime world, although he later distanced himself from the family business. In recent years, the Gotti name has spread further through popular culture with the release of movies and TV shows chronicling the notorious family's history. Despite their criminal reputation, the Gotti name has become synonymous with power, intrigue, and a captivating narrative surrounding organized crime in America.

Genealogical research on the last name Gotti

The Gotti surname has Italian origins and is believed to have originated from the region of Campania in Italy. The name Gotti is a variant of the more common Italian surname "Gotto" or "Gotti," both of which have similar etymological roots. It is often associated with the well-known Italian-American family, the Gotti family, prominent in organized crime during the late 20th century. However, it is essential to note that not all individuals with the Gotti surname are related to this family. Genealogical research on the Gotti name would involve tracing back the origins of individual Gotti families, particularly those who immigrated from Italy to different parts of the world. This process typically includes gathering birth records, marriage certificates, census data, immigration records, and other historical documents to establish family connections and trace the ancestral lineage of Gotti individuals.

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 : 11 April 2025

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