Last Name Rota

The last name "Rota" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word "rota" which means "wheel." This surname may have originally been a nickname for someone who worked as a wheelwright or had some connection to wheels. Alternatively, it could have been a surname given to someone who lived near a round or circular feature in the landscape. The name is relatively common in Italy and is also found in other parts of the world where Italian immigrants have settled.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rota

The meaning and origin of the last name Rota

The surname Rota is of Italian origin, specifically from the northern regions of Lombardy and Veneto. It is derived from the Latin word "rota," meaning a wheel or circle, and was likely used as a nickname for someone who was a wheelwright or carriage maker. The name may also have been given to someone who lived near a round shaped landmark or structure. The Rota family name has a long history in Italy, with records dating back to the Middle Ages. Over time, the name has spread to other countries around the world through immigration and migration, and can now be found in various regions outside of Italy. Today, individuals with the surname Rota can be found in countries such as the United States, Argentina, and Brazil.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rota

The last name Rota is of Italian origin and is most commonly found in Italy and the surrounding regions. Within Italy, the distribution of the surname Rota is highest in the northern regions such as Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto. It is also prevalent in the central regions of Tuscany and Lazio. Outside of Italy, the surname Rota can also be found in other European countries with historical ties to Italy such as Switzerland, France, and Spain. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with the last name Rota in various countries around the world due to immigration and migration patterns. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Rota reflects its Italian origins and the historical movement of people within Europe and beyond.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rota

Variations and spellings of the last name Rota include Rotta, Rote, Rotha, Rotea, Rohta, Rotte, Rotta, Roate, Rotah, Roti, Roto, Rotee, Roter, Roete, Rotah, and Rohta. These variations may differ based on the country of origin and the language spoken in that region. For example, in Italy, the name may be commonly spelled as Rotta, whereas in Germany it may be spelled as Rohte. The name Rota likely derives from the Latin word "rota," meaning wheel or circle, suggesting that individuals with this surname may have had ancestors who were wheelwrights or worked with wheels in some capacity. Regardless of the spelling variation, each form of the name Rota maintains a unique and distinct history for those who bear it.

Famous people with the last name Rota

One famous person with the last name Rota is Nino Rota, an Italian composer and pianist known for his work in film scoring. He collaborated with renowned filmmaker Federico Fellini on many of his most iconic films, including "La Dolce Vita" and "8 ½". Rota's music is characterized by its emotive melodies and masterful orchestration, earning him widespread acclaim and multiple awards throughout his career. Another famous figure with the last name Rota is Franco Rota, an Italian professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several top clubs in Serie A, including Cagliari and Sampdoria. Known for his agility and shot-stopping abilities, Rota was considered one of the best goalkeepers of his generation and represented Italy at the international level.

Genealogical research on the last name Rota

The surname Rota is of Italian origin and is derived from the word "rota," meaning wheel or circle. It is believed to have originated as an occupational name for someone who worked as a wheelwright or a wheel maker. The name may have also been used to describe someone who lived near a round feature in the landscape, such as a round hill or a circular field. The Rota family has a long history in Italy, with records dating back to the medieval period. Over time, branches of the family may have migrated to different regions of Italy and other countries, leading to variations in spelling and pronunciations of the surname. Today, individuals with the surname Rota can be found in various parts of the world, each with their own unique family history and genealogical roots.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Rota"
• 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 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends