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Last Name Onorato

What is the origin of the last name Onorato?

The surname Onorato is of Italian origin. It derives from the Latin word "honoratus," which means noble or worthy of honor. This surname was likely given to someone who was seen as having noble characteristics or high social status in medieval Italy. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have been adapted into various regional dialects in Italy, resulting in the modern forms of the name such as Onorato.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Onorato

The meaning and origin of the last name Onorato

The surname Onorato has its roots in Italy and is derived from the Latin word "honoratus," which means "noble" or "distinguished." Originally, it was likely given as a nickname to someone considered noble or respected within their community. Over time, this personal name became a hereditary surname. The Onorato family has been recorded in various parts of Italy for centuries, with notable branches in regions such as Calabria and Sicily. Today, the surname is widely dispersed throughout the Italian diaspora and can be found globally among communities of Italian descent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Onorato

The surname Onorato has its roots primarily in Southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Campania, Calabria, and Sicily, where it is most frequently found. Historically, this Italian-origin surname has been prevalent among communities with a strong connection to Naples and other cities in the Campania region. In recent times, the diaspora from these areas, especially to North America and Australia, has led to a widespread distribution of the name in those regions. However, it's important to note that like many Italian surnames, Onorato is not exclusive to any particular location, as Italians have migrated extensively throughout the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Onorato

The surname Onorato has several variations and spellings. These include: Onorato, O'Neorato, Onaratto, Onerato, Onerotto, Onarate, Onarad, Onarat, O'Nerato, and possibly others due to regional differences in pronunciation or spelling conventions. The name is of Italian origin and is derived from the word 'onore', meaning honor or reputation. It is most prevalent among people with Italian ancestry, particularly in regions such as Sicily, Campania, and Calabria. The variations may stem from phonetic changes over time, variations in regional dialects, or differences in the way the name was recorded by clergy or administrators in various historical periods.

Famous people with the last name Onorato

Notable individuals with the surname Onorato include Maria Elena Onorato, an Italian politician who served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies for the Lega Nord party and as the President of the Autonomous Province of Trento from 2013 to 2018. Another prominent figure is Salvatore Onorato, an Italian businessman and philanthropist, who made his fortune in real estate development and was known for his generous donations to various charities and cultural institutions. Lastly, Anthony J. Onorato, an American politician, served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1992 to 2013, representing the 40th district. He also held positions as Mayor and Councilmember in his hometown of Moon Township.

Genealogical research on the last name Onorato

The surname Onorato originates from Italy and is primarily found in the regions of Sicily and Calabria. Its etymology can be traced back to the Late Latin word "honoratus," meaning "noble" or "distinguished." This name was often given to those who held high social status or religious positions during the Middle Ages. The earliest known bearer of this surname is believed to be Raimondo Onorato, a Norman nobleman from Sicily, in the 12th century. Throughout history, notable figures with the surname Onorato include Giuseppe Onorato, a 19th-century Sicilian patriot and politician, and Salvatore Onorato, an Italian naval officer who served during World War I. In North America, the name appears in significant numbers among Italian immigrants to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the Onorato family can be found worldwide, with large populations still residing in Italy and the Americas.

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 : 11 June 2025

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