Last Name Labita

The surname Labita is of Italian origin. It is derived from various places in Italy, particularly Labro in the Lazio region and Labitta in the Abruzzo region. These places are named after the word "labitum" which means a ford or shallow place in a river in Latin. Over time, this place name evolved into surnames like Labita, Labbai, and others found among Italian-speaking populations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Labita

The meaning and origin of the last name Labita

The surname Labita is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Tuscany. It is believed to have derived from a number of possible sources. One theory suggests that it might be a variant of the name Lapo, a diminutive form of the personal name "Lapo," which was a pet form of the given names Ladislao (Hungarian), Lado (Slavic), or Lupo (wolf in Latin). Another theory proposes that it could be a topographical name from a place named Labbia, which is a small town near Arezzo, Tuscany. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved and variants such as Labita, Labbati, and Labbata can also be found.

Geographical distribution of the last name Labita

The surname Labita is predominantly found in various regions of Italy, particularly in the central and southern parts of the country. It is most concentrated in the Abruzzo, Lazio, Campania, Calabria, and Sicily regions. This name is also present in smaller numbers in other Italian-speaking areas such as Switzerland, France, and some parts of the United States, where Italian immigrants have settled historically. The Labita surname may have originated from different towns across Italy, making its geographical distribution quite diverse within the country. It's worth noting that surnames often provide valuable insights into a person's family history and regional origins in Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Labita

The surname Labita can be found with various spelling variants due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time and across regions. Some common variations of this name include Labbate, Labatte, Labitae, Labbe, Labbet, Labbey, Labbit, Labbitte, Labbitt, Labbite, Labitte, and Labbeyte. These variants may appear in different countries, reflecting the influence of language and regional dialects on surname pronunciation and spelling. It's important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a different origin or meaning for the name. The root form "Labita" is believed to have origins from Latin or Italian, with possible meanings such as "from the labyrinth" or "the weaver."

Famous people with the last name Labita

One notable individual with the surname Labita is Lothar Matthäus, a German former professional footballer who played as a midfielder and is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Born on March 21, 1961, Matthäus started his career at Bayern Munich before moving to Inter Milan and later returning to Bayern. He won numerous titles with these clubs, including multiple Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and Champions League titles. Matthäus also played for the West German national team during the 1980s and represented Germany after reunification. He is a World Cup winner, having won the tournament in 1990 as captain of the German team. Another prominent figure with the last name Labita is Alessandro Labita, an Italian professional footballer who currently plays for Serie B club Perugia Calcio. Born on February 25, 1983, Labita started his career at Genoa and has also played for clubs such as Palermo, Lecce, and Crotone. He is a versatile player who can play in several positions across the midfield.

Genealogical research on the last name Labita

The Labita surname is of Italian origin and is believed to have derived from the medieval given name Labino or Labidus, which means "wise" or "skilled" in Latin. The name may have originally been an occupational name for a scribe or notary, derived from the Latin "laborare," meaning "to work."

The Labita family is known to have origins in Southern Italy, particularly in Calabria and Sicily. One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname dates back to the 13th century in Calabria, where a Giacomo Labita is mentioned in historical records. The family migrated to other parts of Italy and Europe over subsequent centuries, with significant populations found in Tuscany, Lombardy, and Sardinia by the late Middle Ages.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, many Labitas emigrated from Italy to France, Spain, and North Africa, driven by economic and political factors. The surname later spread to other parts of Europe as a result of the Italian diaspora in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the Labita family can be found in various countries around the world, maintaining their rich cultural heritage and traditions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Labita"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends