Last Name Margato

The surname "Margato" is of Italian origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from the town of Marghera in the Veneto region of Italy. This place name itself comes from a combination of two Latin words: "margus," meaning boundary or limit, and "aricum," referring to a fortification or citadel. Over time, as families migrated or moved within the country, these place names became surnames for identification purposes, thus leading to the existence of the last name Margato.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Margato

The meaning and origin of the last name Margato

The surname Margato is of Italian origin, stemming primarily from regions such as Lombardy, Piedmont, and Veneto. It is believed to be a locational name derived from various small villages with the same or similar names spread across these regions in Italy. For instance, there was a place called "Margadona" in medieval times, which could have been a source of this surname. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation led to several forms of the name such as Margati, Marghetto, Margotto, etc. The name may also potentially be a patronymic or occupational name derived from the personal names "Margarius" (Latin) or "Marco" (Italian), both meaning "warlike," with the suffix "-ato" indicating a place of origin or a person who performed a specific task related to the given name. Regardless, the Margato surname showcases a rich Italian heritage and history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Margato

The surname Margato is predominantly found within the Italian-speaking regions of Italy, particularly in the Lombardy and Veneto regions. It is also present in smaller numbers in other regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The name's distribution suggests a historical migration pattern from the northern parts of Italy towards the eastern regions. Additionally, there are minor concentrations of the Margato surname in other Italian-speaking countries such as Switzerland, where it is primarily found in the canton of Ticino, and Argentina, where it is believed to have been brought by Italian immigrants. The name is relatively scarce globally, with most bearers residing within the Italian diaspora communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Margato

The surname Margato can have several variations and spellings due to differences in pronunciation, transliteration, and regional dialects. Some of these include: Margherito, Marghetto, Margioto, Margietto, Marginot, Marghieno, Marghezzo, Margiotto, Margetto, Margitto, Margiutti, Marghetti, Margiatto, and Margiono. These variations may arise from different regions within Italy or from Italian immigrants adapting the name to fit local conventions in other countries. The correct spelling can depend on the specific family lineage, geographical location, and time period.

Famous people with the last name Margato

The Margato surname is relatively uncommon and does not have as many globally renowned figures compared to more widespread family names. However, some notable individuals bearing the name Margato include:

1. Francesco Margaglio-Margagliotondo (also known as 'Fra Angelico da Margaglio'), a 16th-century Italian painter and sculptor, who was active in Sicily during the Baroque period. His works are notable for their intricate detail and religious themes.
2. Rina Margato, an Italian composer and arranger, known for her collaboration with various artists like Mina, Ornella Vanoni, and Giorgia. She has received several awards for her contributions to the music industry in Italy.
3. Antonio Margaglione, better known as Tony Manero, was a professional American dancer and instructor, best recognized for his competitive ballroom dancing career in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He won multiple U.S. National Championships and represented the United States in international competitions.
4. In the field of academia, Dr. John Margaglione is a professor at the University of Central Florida, where he specializes in computer science and digital forensics. His research focuses on data privacy and security issues, contributing significantly to the development of secure systems.

Genealogical research on the last name Margato

The surname Margato is primarily found in the regions of Piedmont and Liguria, Italy. Originated from the Latin "margarita" meaning 'pearl', the name may have been given to someone resembling the luster or value of a pearl. One of the earliest records of the Margato family can be traced back to the 14th century in the town of Novi Ligure, where a man named Margaritus de Margati was mentioned. The family's lineage appears to have stemmed from this individual and spread throughout the neighboring regions. As with many Italian families, the Margatos migrated during various periods due to economic, political, or social reasons, with substantial numbers settling in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, and the United States. The Margato family has a notable history of craftsmen, entrepreneurs, and military personnel, contributing significantly to their respective communities over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Margato"
• 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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