Last Name Sinatra

The last name Sinatra has Italian origins. It comes from the region around Naples and is derived from the Italian word "sinatra," which means "little chin" or "chinless." This surname was often given as a nickname to individuals who were characterized by having a small chin, but it could also have been used as an occupational name for a barber or someone who shaved chins. The most famous bearer of the name Sinatra is Frank Sinatra, an American singer and actor.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sinatra

The meaning and origin of the last name Sinatra

The surname Sinatra is an Italian name, originating from the southern region of Apulia, specifically from the town of Sinigaglia (modern-day San Giorgio Jonico). The name derives from the Latin "Sinu Gallii" which means "bay of the Gaul", referring to the bay where the town was located. This surname was brought to the United States by Italian immigrants, most notably Frank Sinatra, a prominent figure in 20th-century American popular culture. The name became well-known worldwide due to his success as a singer and actor.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sinatra

The last name Sinatra is predominantly associated with Italian-American heritage, originating from the Southern Italian region of Sicily, specifically the city of Castanozacco. Over time, it has spread globally due to migration patterns, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when many Italians immigrated to the United States. In the U.S., Sinatra is notably concentrated in areas with high Italian-American populations, such as New York City, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Notably, Frank Sinatra, one of the most iconic figures in American popular culture, helped further disseminate the name nationally and internationally. Today, Sinatra can be found across various regions worldwide, reflecting the global dispersal of Italian immigrants and their descendants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sinatra

The last name Sinatra has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of the most common variants include:

1. Sinatra - An Italian variant that preserves the original phonetic pronunciation.
2. Syneatra - A potential misspelling or variant from an older English rendering.
3. Zinatra - A possible anglicized spelling, though less common than others.
4. Szynatra - A Polish variation resulting from immigration and assimilation.
5. Sinatru - A phonetic alternative that may arise when the name is pronounced with a slight twist or accent.
6. Sinattre - A French variant, perhaps influenced by the phonetics of Frank Sinatra's stage name in France.
7. Sineatra - An uncommon spelling variation, though still recognizable as a derivative of the original last name.

Famous people with the last name Sinatra

Frank Sinatra, born in 1915 and passed away in 1998, is arguably the most well-known individual with the surname Sinatra. Known as "The Chairman of the Board," he was an American singer, actor, and producer. Sinatra was a prominent figure in the post-war American culture scene, delivering iconic songs such as "My Way" and "Fly Me to the Moon." His distinctive vocal style and charisma made him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Nancy Barbato Sinatra, Frank's daughter, is also a renowned figure in the entertainment industry, having pursued a career in singing, acting, and film production. Tina Sinatra, another member of the Sinatra family, has followed in her father's footsteps by working as a producer and executive in the music and television industries. Despite being less known than Frank, they have contributed significantly to the entertainment world like their famous relative.

Genealogical research on the last name Sinatra

The Sinatra surname originates from Italy and is commonly associated with the region of Sicily. It is derived from the Latin term 'sinatra,' meaning chin or jaw, which may have been an occupational name for a barber. One of the most renowned individuals bearing this name is Frank Sinatra, an iconic American singer, actor, and producer who dominated popular culture during the mid-20th century. Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1915, Frank's success as a musician began in big band music before transitioning to pop and jazz genres. He is often credited with defining the "Rat Pack" image of cool masculinity along with other celebrities such as Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. The Sinatra family has also produced notable figures like Nancy Sinatra, Frank's daughter, who enjoyed a successful career in singing and acting, and Sal Sinatra, Frank's nephew, who was a prominent figure in the Las Vegas entertainment scene.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Sinatra"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends