Last Name Licata

The surname Licata is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Latin term "Lictator," which referred to a Roman official who was responsible for overseeing military and judicial duties. Over time, this term evolved into various forms in different regions of Italy, including Licata, which comes from the Sicilian town of Licata, located on the southern coast of Sicily. The town itself was named after the Roman emperor Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, who was consul in 58 BC and had a villa in the area where the town now stands. People bearing the surname Licata originally lived in or were associated with this region of Sicily and later migrated to other parts of Italy and subsequently to various countries around the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Licata

The meaning and origin of the last name Licata

The surname Licata is an Italian name, originating from the region of Sicily. It is derived from the Latin term "lacus," which means "lake" or "pond." Historically, it was often given to people who lived near a body of water or whose occupation involved water in some capacity. Over time, it has been anglicized to variations such as Licatae, Lichata, or Lickata. Today, the surname Licata is common among Italians, particularly those from Sicily and other parts of southern Italy. It represents a rich heritage rooted in Italian history and culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Licata

The surname Licata is predominantly Italian in origin, with a significant concentration in Sicily and other Southern regions such as Calabria, Campania, and Puglia. The name is also found in small numbers across various parts of Italy. Beyond Italy, the Licata family can be traced to parts of America where there is a substantial Italian diaspora, including the United States, particularly New York and areas like Buffalo and Rochester due to high immigration rates during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name is also present in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, countries with historical ties to Italian immigration. In Canada, Licata families are largely concentrated in cities with significant Italian populations such as Toronto and Montreal. Other geographical distribution points of the Licata surname include Australia, France (specifically Corsica), and Malta, reflecting both migration patterns and historical connections.

Variants and spellings of the last name Licata

The surname Licata can be found with various spelling and pronunciation variations due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and personal preferences during migration periods. Some common variations of this Italian-originated last name include Licatae, Licatia, Licatti, Licatto, Licatao, Licato, and Licattu. It is also spelled as Licatah in some instances, particularly in regions where non-standard English spellings are more prevalent. The pronunciation typically follows the Italian phonetic rules: li-ka'-ta (with a soft "c" sound similar to the "k" in "kitchen"). However, due to assimilation into other languages and dialects, variations in pronunciation may also exist.

Famous people with the last name Licata

The Licata family has produced several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of entertainment, Salvatore Licata is a renowned actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "The Sopranos" and "Blue Bloods." In sports, Frank Licata was a professional baseball player for teams such as the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Boston Red Sox during the 1940s and 1950s. In academia, Joseph Licata is a professor of sociology at Michigan State University, known for his research on race, gender, and inequality. Lastly, in politics, James T. Licata served as the Mayor of Buffalo, New York from 1982 to 1986, leading significant economic development initiatives for the city. These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments and contributions made by those with the last name Licata.

Genealogical research on the last name Licata

The surname Licata has Italian origins, primarily from Sicily. It is derived from the Latin "licatum," meaning "a cloak" or "covering." This surname was typically given to someone who made such garments. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have resulted in several forms of this name, including Licata, Licata-Vitale, Licato, Licati, and Licatelli.

Notable individuals with the Licata surname include Antonino Licata, an Italian politician who served as the President of Sicily from 2008 to 2012; Salvatore Licata, a renowned mathematician known for his work on Fourier analysis and operator theory; and Anthony Licata, an American football player who played for various National Football League (NFL) teams.

The Licata family migrated from Sicily to the United States in large numbers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, settling primarily in New York City and other Northeastern cities like Boston and Philadelphia. As a result, many Licatas of American descent can be found predominantly in these regions today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Licata"
• 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

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