Last Name Scotta

The surname "Scotta" is an Italian and Scottish name. In Italy, it derives from various places named Scotti, a location name for people who lived near a river called the Scottus (from the Latin 'scutum' meaning shield) or a locality inhabited by people of Scotch origin. In Scotland, "Scott" is the Anglicized version of the Gaelic surname Mac Shuaidh or Mac Shotaidh, both translating to "son of the steward." The name was originally a descriptive one for someone who worked as a steward in a castle. Over time, the name evolved into various spellings, including Scotta in Italy and Scotland.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Scotta

The surname Scotta is an Italian variant of the Scottish and English surname Scott. Its origins can be traced back to the Old Norse name Skothi or Skoti, which means "the Shirer," indicating someone who lived near a shire or district. In Scotland, it was originally a nickname for a person from Scotland or for someone who had red hair and freckles, resembling the northern Scots. The Italian form of the name, Scotta, may have been adopted by Italians of Scottish descent or simply as a modern variation of the surname. Like many surnames, it evolved over time due to factors such as geographical migration, spelling variations, and cultural influences.

Geographical distribution of the last name Scotta

The surname Scotta has a significant distribution across several countries, particularly in those with historical connections to Scotland, due to its Celtic origins. In England, it is one of the most common Scottish surnames and is found predominantly in regions such as Cumbria, Northumberland, and Durham, reflecting the historical influence of Scotland's Anglo-Norman kingdom. In Scotland itself, the name is particularly prevalent in the Lowlands, especially in the Central Belt, which was the heartland of the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde. Elsewhere, Scottish migrants and their descendants have carried the surname to various parts of the world, with large populations found in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, Scotta is most common in states like California, Texas, and New York.

Variants and spellings of the last name Scotta

The surname Scotta has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variations include Scott, Scot, Scatt, Schott, Schot, Skott, Schotta, and Schote. Additionally, the feminine version of this name is Scotta or Scotto. The Italian form of the name is Scotti, while Scottish Gaelic speakers might use Mac Shoti, which translates to 'son of Shoti'. In French-speaking regions, the name may be spelled as Scott or Scottas. These variations reflect the diverse history and migration patterns of people bearing this surname.

Famous people with the last name Scotta

Notable individuals sharing the surname Scotta include:

1. David R. Scott (born 1932), an American astronaut who served as the command module pilot for Apollo 15, the fourth manned mission to land on the Moon.

2. Anna Paquin (born 1982), a New Zealand-Canadian actress who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at age 11 for her role in "The Piano".

3. Steve Scott (born 1956), an American professional middle-distance runner and former world record holder in the men's 800 meters.

4. Walter Scott (1771-1832), a Scottish historical novelist, poet, playwright, and journalist who is best known for his Waverley novels, often considered the first examples of historical romance.

5. Run DMC (Jam Master Jay, Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels, and Christopher Martin), an influential hip hop group from Queens, New York, that emerged in the early 1980s. Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell, was a member of the group until his death in 2002.

6. Enzo Scotti (1930-2017), an Italian comedian and film actor, known for his collaborations with actor Toto and director Mario Monicelli.

Genealogical research on the last name Scotta

The surname Scotta is an Italian variant of the Scottish surname Scott, which originated from the Gaelic word "scot", meaning 'Irishman' or 'foreigner'. In Scotland, it was a name given to people of Irish descent. The Scotta family is believed to have originated in the Lowlands and later migrated to Italy during the Middle Ages. In Italy, the name became associated with the Tuscan city of Siena, where the Scotti family played a significant role in the civic government as influential bankers and politicians. The Scotta lineage can be traced back to the 13th century with prominent figures such as Simone Scotti di Sassonia, who served as the mayor of Siena in the 14th century. Over time, variations of the name, including Scotti and Scotto, emerged due to regional dialects. The Scotta surname is also found in other parts of Italy, reflecting its widespread adoption during the Middle Ages.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "scotta"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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