Last Name Orsatti

The surname Orsatti is of Italian origin. It is derived from a medieval naming convention that associated individuals with their place of origin or the occupations of their ancestors. In this case, Orsatti may have been originally used as a nickname for someone who lived near a vineyard (Italian: "vigna" or "orto di vino") or for someone who was a vine dresser. The name could also potentially be associated with the word "orso," meaning bear, indicating a person who lived near a place with bears or perhaps a person who had a distinctive feature resembling a bear. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins and meanings, and the exact origin of Orsatti may vary depending on specific family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Orsatti

The meaning and origin of the last name Orsatti

The surname Orsatti is an Italian derived surname, rooted in the country's patronymic naming system. Patronymics are names that were formed from various ways of referring to one's father, with 'Orsatti' specifically originating from a diminutive or nickname for the personal name 'Orso', which means 'bear' in Latin. This surname is believed to have been used as a term of endearment towards someone perceived as bear-like in appearance or character. The Italian naming custom of creating patronymics by adding diminutives to the father's name became widespread during the Middle Ages, and it is from this tradition that the Orsatti surname emerged.

Geographical distribution of the last name Orsatti

The surname Orsatti has its origins primarily in Italy, with a significant concentration in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Tuscany. Within Emilia-Romagna, the city of Parma is particularly notable for having a high density of individuals bearing this surname. There are also instances of Orsatti families in other Italian cities like Milan, Genoa, and Florence. Beyond Italy, the distribution of the Orsatti surname extends to other parts of Europe, such as France, Switzerland, and Germany, primarily due to migration during historical periods. In North America, communities with individuals named Orsatti can be found in countries like Canada and the United States, particularly in urban centers with large Italian-American populations, such as New York City, Chicago, and Toronto.

Variants and spellings of the last name Orsatti

The surname Orsatti has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and family traditions over time. Some common variants include: Orsato, Orsatelli, Orsatto, Orsatico, Orsat, Orsatich, Orzati, Orzatti, and Orzotto. These variations may arise from slight alterations in pronunciation or spelling errors during migration or record-keeping. Additionally, some families may have intentionally altered their surname slightly to avoid persecution or discrimination based on ethnicity or religion. The name Orsatti is of Italian origin and is derived from the given name Orso, meaning bear in Latin, indicating a possible nickname for someone resembling a bear or born under the zodiac sign Leo.

Famous people with the last name Orsatti

Notable individuals with the surname Orsatti include:

1. Luigi Orsatti (1876-1954), an Italian composer and conductor known for his work in opera and symphonic music. He was the director of several prestigious orchestras, including the Teatro Regio di Parma.

2. Giuseppe Orsatti (born 1960), an Italian entrepreneur and motor racing team owner. He is the founder and CEO of the Orsa Corse team, which competes in various international motorsport series.

3. Fabrizio Orsatti (born 1982), a Swiss professional ice hockey player who played as a forward for EHC Kloten in the National League A of Switzerland. He also represented the Swiss national team at several international tournaments.

4. Antonio Orsatti (1856-1930), an Italian jurist and politician who served as Minister of Justice in the Italian government from 1920 to 1921 during the Fascist period.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including music, entrepreneurship, sports, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Orsatti

The Orsatti surname is believed to have Italian origins and is derived from various locations in Italy bearing the same name, primarily in the regions of Liguria and Emilia-Romagna. The name may be a toponymic one, originating from places such as Orsago or Orsaneto, indicating that early bearers of this surname likely resided near these locales at some point in history. Some early recorded instances of the surname include Giovanni Battista Orsatti, who was born in Genoa, Italy around 1570, and Giovanni Orsatti, a soldier who fought for the Italian city-state of Modena in the mid-16th century.

The Orsatti family migrated to North America during the 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily settling in countries like the United States and Canada. In the U.S., notable individuals with this surname include Victor Orsatti, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and Frank Orsatti, who was a professional baseball player for teams such as the Brooklyn Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1940s and '50s.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "orsatti"
• 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 : 26 July 2025

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