Last Name Lauretta

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lauretta

The meaning and origin of the last name Lauretta

The surname Lauretta is an Italian variant derived from the feminine diminutive form of "Laureo," which means "laurel" in Latin. Laurels are evergreen shrubs with aromatic leaves and were highly valued in ancient Rome due to their association with victory, fame, and immortality. The laurel wreath was a symbol of honor and triumph, often awarded to poets and scholars, thereby giving the name a connotation of intellect and wisdom. Lauretta can also be found as a given name, particularly in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, where it is a feminine variant of "Laureano" or "Laurentio," meaning "from Laurus," a place named for the laurel tree. The surname Lauretta first appeared in southern Italy during the Middle Ages and has since been carried across continents by Italian immigrants throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lauretta

The surname Lauretta is predominantly found in Italy, where it originates from regions such as Tuscany, Lazio, and Emilia-Romagna. It also has a significant presence in Latin America, particularly in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay due to Italian immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller clusters of families bearing the name can be found in the United States, Canada, and other countries that received substantial Italian immigration. In these countries, the distribution is often centered around urban areas with a historical tie to Italian communities or industries. There are also scattered instances of Lauretta families across Europe and Asia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lauretta

The surname Lauretta has several spelling variations due to differences in transcription, transliteration, and regional dialects over time. Some of these variants include: Laurette, Lauretta, Laurietta, Laoeretta, Loaretta, Lawritta, L'Aurietta, and Laorette. These variations may also appear with slight changes in spelling based on the country or region where the name originated. For instance, it might be found as Laurette in France, Lauretta in Italy, or Laoeretta in Spanish-speaking regions. Additionally, there could be variations due to assimilation and natural evolution of names during immigration. It is essential to note that these spellings do not necessarily reflect different meanings for the name, as Lauretta is typically a feminine given name of Italian origin, derived from laurel (Laurus nobilis), symbolizing victory and honor.

Famous people with the last name Lauretta

Notable individuals with the surname Lauretta include:

1. Laurette Taylor (1884-1946), an American actress known for her portrayal of Amanda Wingfield in the original Broadway production of "The Glass Menagerie."

2. Laurette Goldstein (born 1950), an American psychologist and author, recognized for her work on the psychology of women and gender.

3. Laurette Folk-Davies (1867-1940), a Welsh-American soprano opera singer who performed at Covent Garden in London and the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

4. Lauretta Ncobi (born 1952), a South African actress, singer, and television presenter, best known for her roles in "Generations" and "Isidingo."

5. Laurette Rondenet (1903-1976), a French film actress who appeared in over 100 films during the silent and early sound eras of French cinema.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving lasting impacts on art, psychology, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Lauretta

The surname Lauretta is primarily of Italian origin, derived from the given name "Laureto" or the feminine form "Lauretta," which has Latin roots, stemming from "Laurus" or laurel tree. This surname was often given to children born under the zodiac sign of Taurus, associated with the laurel tree in Roman mythology. Notable bearers of this name include Lauretta Vinciarelli, an Italian actress and singer, and Lauretta Fischer, a renowned art historian and curator. In genealogical records, variations such as Lauret, Laurietta, or Laurotta may also be found. The distribution of the Lauretta surname is primarily concentrated in Italy but can also be found in countries with significant Italian diaspora populations, such as Argentina, Brazil, the United States, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lauretta"
• 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