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Last Name Lata

What is the origin of the last name Lata?

The surname Lata is of Italian origin and is derived from various places with that name found throughout Italy. Some possible sources include Lata in Piacenza, Lata in Reggio Emilia, and Lata in Udine. It's also a variant of the more common surname Latte, which may have been originally occupational for those who worked with or sold milk (from the Italian word "latte"). However, it is important to note that the exact origin can vary depending on specific family history and research.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lata

The meaning and origin of the last name Lata

The surname Lata originates from Italy, specifically the regions of Abruzzo, Molise, and Sicily. It is a topographic or locative name derived from the word "lato," meaning "wide" or "broad" in Italian, referring to a place with broad or spacious features. The surname Lata may have been originally used to denote an inhabitant of such a place or it could have been a nickname for a broad-shouldered individual. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name may have varied due to linguistic changes and migration patterns, leading to different variations of the surname in various parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lata

The last name Lata is primarily distributed across various regions in India, particularly in states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, due to historical migration patterns and regional settlements. It is also prevalent in parts of Pakistan, particularly Sindh province, which shares cultural and linguistic ties with the Indian state of Sindh. Additionally, small communities bearing the surname Lata can be found in other countries where significant numbers of Indians or Pakistani immigrants reside, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and various African and Gulf countries. The last name Lata may also have origins in Latin America, specifically Brazil, due to Portuguese colonization and cultural exchange with India.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lata

The surname Lata has various spelling variations across different regions and over time. Some common versions include Latte, Latta, LaTA, and Latha. These variations may result from factors such as phonetic changes, regional dialects, or simply typing errors. In some cases, the name may also be derived from other languages with similar-sounding surnames. For example, in Italian, "Latta" means can, and in Sanskrit, "Latha" means a flower bud. However, it is essential to note that the origins of the name Lata remain unclear without specific historical context, as it is a common name in various cultures and languages.

Famous people with the last name Lata

Notable individuals with the surname Lata include Lata Mangeshkar and Anoop Jalota, both prominent figures in the Indian music industry. Lata Mangeshkar, often referred to as the "Nightingale of India," is a renowned playback singer who has sung thousands of songs in various Indian languages, earning numerous awards throughout her illustrious career spanning over six decades. Anoop Jalota, known for his contribution to devotional and semi-classical music, is also an accomplished musician and television personality, having participated in the popular reality show Indian Idol. Both artists have significantly contributed to the richness of Indian music.

Genealogical research on the last name Lata

The surname Lata is primarily of Italian origin and is believed to have roots in the regions of Calabria and Sicily. It is derived from various place names in Italy, such as Lata, a town in the province of Reggio Calabria, and Lata di Sant'Angelo, a hamlet in the province of Catanzaro. The name may also be related to Latin terms like "latum" meaning wide or spacious.

The Lata family is known to have migrated from Italy to several other countries during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly to Argentina, Brazil, United States, and Canada. In Argentina, the surname is most common in the provinces of Buenos Aires and Santa Fe due to large-scale Italian immigration during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

In the United States, Lata is primarily found in states with significant Italian-American populations like New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. In Brazil, the name is concentrated in the states of São Paulo and Paraná. The Canadian population of Lata families can be traced back to immigrants who came through the ports of Halifax and Quebec City.

Researching the genealogy of the Lata family involves examining immigration records, census data, church records, and vital statistics from Italy as well as the countries where they have settled.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

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