Last Name Rata

The surname "Rata" is of Slavic origin, specifically associated with Croatia and neighboring regions. It's derived from a topographical name for someone who lived on a steep or difficult-to-reach place, as the word 'rata' in Croatian means 'steep slope'. This name has been found in several Slavic countries throughout history, indicating migration patterns among these populations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rata

The meaning and origin of the last name Rata

The surname Rata has its roots in various European countries, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Romania, indicating its potential Latin or Celtic origins. In Spanish and Portuguese, "rata" translates to 'rat', suggesting the name could have been a metonymic occupational name for someone who trapped rats for a living. Alternatively, it may have been topographical in origin, referring to a place with many rats or a fast-flowing stream (as 'rata' can also mean 'rapidly flowing water' in Romanian). In Italian, Rata is less common and could be a shortened form of various given names. Despite these possible origins, the precise meaning and history of this surname remain unclear due to its widespread adoption across many cultures.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rata

The surname Rata is primarily distributed across several countries, with a significant concentration in Spain and Portugal. In Spain, it's most common in the regions of Galicia, Cantabria, Castile and León, and the Basque Country, reflecting the historical migration patterns within the Iberian Peninsula. In Portugal, Rata is predominantly found in the northern districts of Porto, Aveiro, Braga, Viseu, and Santarem. The surname also has a presence in Latin America, particularly in countries with significant Portuguese immigration such as Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Smaller numbers can be found in other European countries, North America, and Australia, where the Rata family may have migrated due to historical events or economic opportunities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rata

The surname Rata, of Italian origin, has several variations and spellings. Some common ones include Ratá, Ratha, Rahta, and Ratta. These variants may be found across different countries and regions due to migration and local spelling customs. The name is derived from the word "rata," which means raft or small boat in Italian. Additionally, there might be regional dialectal variations such as Ratà in Spanish-speaking areas or Ratė in Slavic languages. In the English context, Rata can also refer to a shrub belonging to the heather family, but this usage is distinct from the personal name.

Famous people with the last name Rata

Notable individuals bearing the surname Rata include Peter Jackson, a New Zealand filmmaker best known for directing the "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" film trilogies, which collectively earned over $6 billion worldwide. In the realm of academia, Mariano Rata, an Argentine economist, served as the President of the Latin American Economic System (SELA) from 1986 to 2015. Additionally, Ana Rata, a Romanian actress, gained recognition for her roles in films such as "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" and "The Paper Will Be Blue." Furthermore, Elio Rata, an Italian actor, has had prominent roles in numerous television series, including "Commissario Montalbano" and "Don Matteo." Lastly, Luminita Rata, a Romanian violinist, is recognized for her virtuosity as a performer and her dedication to music education.

Genealogical research on the last name Rata

The surname Rata has roots traced back to several regions across Europe. In Spain, it is believed to have originated from the Aragon region, where it was a topographical name for someone who lived by a clearing or glade, derived from the Latin word "ratum" meaning cleared. In Portugal, Rata is also a common surname, often of Moorish or Jewish ancestry, with some sources linking it to Arabic roots such as "ar-rat" or "al-rata," meaning a garden or grove. In Italy, the name Rata is found primarily in Tuscany and Lazio, where it may have been a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion, from the Latin word "ratus," meaning red. In Croatia, the name Rata is associated with the coastal region of Istria, and it might be a shortened form of given names ending in "-rat" such as Radomir, Radovan, and Radislav. These are some of the significant historical origins of the surname Rata across Europe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Rata"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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