Last Name Morabito

Learn more about the origin of the last name Morabito

The meaning and origin of the last name Morabito

The surname Morabito is an Italian patronymic surname derived from the personal name More, which was a diminutive form of Maurice, itself deriving from the Latin "Maurus," meaning "dark-skinned." Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have evolved to Morabito. The addition of "-bito" is a common Italian suffix used to create surnames based on personal names, meaning "son of" in this case, indicating that the original bearer was the son of More or Maurice. The name can be found predominantly among people of Italian descent, particularly those from the regions of Sicily and Calabria, where it is believed to have originated. Throughout history, many notable individuals bearing the surname Morabito have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, arts, and sciences, reflecting the rich heritage and diverse accomplishments of people sharing this name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Morabito

The last name Morabito is predominantly distributed within Italy, specifically in the southern regions such as Calabria, Campania, and Sicily. It also has a significant presence in other Italian-speaking areas like Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Outside of Italy, Morabito is found in various countries with substantial Italian immigrant populations, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and Uruguay. In the US, concentrations can be found in states like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, reflecting historical patterns of Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Morabito is also present in other European countries like France and Switzerland due to Italian migrants. These geographical distributions are a testament to the history and global dissemination of the Italian diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Morabito

The surname Morabito exhibits several variants and spellings due to regional dialects, transcription errors over time, and personal preferences. Some common variations include: Morebito, MoraBito, Morabete, Morabetto, Morabito-Tosto, Morabito-Torres, Morabita, Morapito, and Morabiti. It is of Italian origin, derived from the Italian word "mora" which means blackberry or mulberry, and "bito," a diminutive suffix. The name may have been given to a person who lived near a blackberry or mulberry bush, or it could be a nickname for someone with dark complexion. Despite these variations, the core meaning and origin of the surname Morabito remain consistent.

Famous people with the last name Morabito

The Morabito surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is Carmelo Anthony Morabito, an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known as "Melo", he was a member of the United States men's national basketball team, which won the gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Another notable Morabito is Angela Morabito, an Australian actress who appeared in popular television series such as Home and Away, All Saints, and Blue Heelers. She has also starred in various films, including The Matrix Reloaded, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. In the world of business, Peter Morabito serves as the President and CEO of Hologic, Inc., a global medical technology company that develops diagnostic products and surgical tools for women's health, diagnostics, and oncology.

Genealogical research on the last name Morabito

The Morabito surname, of Italian origin, is predominantly found in Southern Italy, particularly in Sicily and Calabria. It is derived from the Latin word "mores," meaning customs or habits, implying that the original bearer was known for his distinctive mannerisms or behavior.

The earliest known Morabito ancestor was Giacomo Morabito, born around 1530 in Sicily. He had several children, including Francesco Morabito, who emigrated to America in the late 19th century and established a family in Pennsylvania. This branch of the Morabito family expanded significantly in the United States, with descendants settling in various states such as New York, California, and Florida.

Throughout history, notable individuals with the Morabito surname have made contributions in various fields. In music, for example, there is Frank Morabito, an accomplished jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. Additionally, several Morabitos have served in public office, including Nicholas Morabito, who was a member of the New York State Senate from 1947 to 1952.

Today, the Morabito surname continues to be prevalent in both Italy and the United States, with numerous genealogical resources available for research online, including family trees, census records, and immigration documents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Morabito"
• 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