NomOrigine Background

Last Name Rigat

What is the origin of the last name Rigat?

The last name "Rigat" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the word "rigato," meaning "grooved," "ridged," or "furrowed." This surname was often given to someone who lived near a groove or furrow in the ground, or perhaps to someone with physical features that resembled a groove or ridge. As with many Italian surnames, it may have been a nickname or occupational name for a stone mason or builder, as grooves or ridges are often found in stonework. It was also used as a regional name for someone from the Lombardy region of Italy, where "Rigadin" is still a common place name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rigat

The meaning and origin of the last name Rigat

The surname Rigat is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Piedmont. It is derived from the Latin word "regio," which means "region" or "district." Originally, individuals who lived within these defined areas were likely to have been referred to as residents of that particular region. Over time, this term was passed down through generations, evolving into a lasting surname. In Italy, it is not uncommon for surnames to reflect geographical origins, making the Rigat name a testament to its bearer's Italian heritage and roots in Piedmont. The spelling variations of this surname include Rigate, Rigatti, and Rigato, each representing minor alterations that may have occurred due to migration or regional dialects.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rigat

The last name Rigat is predominantly found in regions that were historically under Italian influence, primarily Italy itself. A significant concentration of individuals with this surname can be traced to the Piedmont and Lombardy regions in northern Italy. However, the presence of Rigats can also be detected in smaller numbers throughout other parts of the country. Beyond Italy, diaspora communities of Italian descent have carried the name Rigat to various corners of the globe. In particular, countries such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, Australia, and France exhibit a noticeable number of individuals bearing this last name. The distribution pattern suggests a historical migration trend from Italy to other parts of the world, with some families maintaining their original surname over generations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rigat

The surname Rigat has several variants and spelling versions, reflecting its origins and historical contexts. Some common variations include Rigatti, Riggati, Regatto, Riagato, and Rigatto (Italian). Other spelling adaptations may appear in different languages or cultures, such as Reigate (English) or Rejat (Polish). Additionally, there might be regional dialects or phonetic modifications that lead to alternative spellings. These variations serve as testament to the surname's rich history and dispersal across various geographical locations. However, it is essential to note that each variation may have unique origins and connections, making genealogical research a complex yet intriguing endeavor for those tracing their family history under this name.

Famous people with the last name Rigat

The Rigat surname has produced several notable figures across various fields. In music, Andrea Rigat is a renowned Italian tenor known for his performances at major opera houses globally. In sports, Gabriele Rigat, an Italian footballer, has played for teams like Lecce and Spezia Calcio in Serie B, the second tier of Italian football. In academia, Alessandro Rigat is a Professor of Economics at the University of Messina, researching financial markets and risk management. Additionally, Simona Rigat, an American-Italian journalist and author, has contributed to The Wall Street Journal and authored several books on economics and finance. These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and achievements within the Rigat family name.

Genealogical research on the last name Rigat

The surname Rigat originates from Italy and is primarily found in regions such as Lombardy, Piedmont, and Liguria. Historically, it has been traced back to medieval times, with early records showing the existence of individuals bearing the name in the 13th century. Notable branches of the Rigat family include those from the cities of Turin, Genoa, and Milan, where they held significant political, social, and economic influence. Over time, members of the Rigat family migrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas, contributing to the global dispersal of this surname. Today, variations of the name include Rigatti, Rigate, and De Rigato, reflecting the influences of regional dialects and assimilation practices over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 13 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Riga (Last name)

surnames > riga

The surname Riga is of Latin origin and means "citizen of Riga" or "from Riga." Riga is a city located in Latvia, but it was originally founded by the German bishop Albert von Buxh...

Rigano (Last name)

surnames > rigano

The surname Rigano is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name Rigo, which itself is a shortened form of names such as Righino or Arrigo. The suffix "-ano" is a comm...

Rigaud (Last name)

surnames > rigaud

The last name "Rigaud" has French origins. It is derived from the Old Norse name "Ríkiwald," which combines the elements "ríki," meaning "power" or "kingdom," and "wald," meaning...

Rigazio (Last name)

surnames > rigazio

The surname "Rigazio" is an Italian-derived variant of the Latin name "Riccius" or "Richardus," which are forms of Richard. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name R...

Rigging forman (Last name)

surnames > rigging-forman

The surname "Rigging" is of English origin and is a topographic name for someone who lived by a raised path through wet ground or a field used for this purpose. The variant "Forman...

Righi (Last name)

surnames > righi

The last name Righi is of Italian origin. It is derived from the common Italian word "righi," which translates to "ridges" or "crests." This surname likely originated as a nickname...

Rightway (Last name)

surnames > rightway

The surname Rightway is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "rihtweg," which means "the right path" or "the correct direction." It was likely originally used...

Rignall (Last name)

surnames > rignall

The last name Rignall is of English origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name Ragnald, which is a combination of the elements "ragn" meaning "advice, counsel" and "val...

Rigo (Last name)

surnames > rigo

The origin of the last name Rigo can be traced back to several possible origins and meanings. 1) In Italian, Rigo is derived from the name Rigo or Rigoberto, which is an Italian ...

Rigobert talong (Last name)

surnames > rigobert-talong

The last name "Rigobert Talong" appears to have origins in France. "Rigobert" is likely a French given name, while "Talong" could potentially have roots in French or another Europe...

Rigodon (Last name)

surnames > rigodon

The last name Rigodon is of Spanish origin, derived from the word "rigodón" which means "folly" or "foolishness" in Spanish. It is a surname that is believed to have originated fr...

Rigolo (Last name)

surnames > rigolo

The last name "Rigolo" originates from French. It is a surname that is derived from the French word "rigolo," which means "funny" or "amusing."

Rigonan (Last name)

surnames > rigonan

The last name Rigonan originates from the Philippines. It is a combination of the Spanish surname "Rico" and the Filipino suffix "-nan," which is often used in surnames in the Phil...

Rigot (Last name)

surnames > rigot

The surname Rigot has its roots in several countries, including France and Spain. In France, it is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Richet (Richard), which was popu...

Rigotti (Last name)

surnames > rigotti

The surname "Rigotti" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name "Rigo," which is a short form of various names, such as "Rigoardo" or "Ulric." The suffix "-otti" i...