Last Name Spiotta

The surname Spiotta has Italian origins. It is a variant of the more common Italian surnames "Spieta" and "Spietati," which are derived from the Latin word "spietatus," meaning "pitied." Over time, this surname has been adopted by people in various regions of Italy, particularly in Tuscany. The name may have also spread to other countries as a result of Italian immigration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Spiotta

The meaning and origin of the last name Spiotta

The surname Spiotta (also spelled as Ziotto, Sziotto, Sciotto, Schiatta, etc.) is of Italian origin, primarily found in regions such as Piedmont, Lombardy, and Veneto. It is a cognomen derived from the Latin word "sciare" or "sciatum," meaning "shadow." The name may have been given to someone who was dark-complexioned, thus appearing shadowy, or to a person who lived in a shady area. Over time, it evolved into various regional spellings, reflecting the local dialects and phonetic changes. As with many Italian surnames, Spiotta is thought to have originated as a nickname, describing a physical characteristic or occupation of the original bearer, offering a glimpse into their lives during the Middle Ages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Spiotta

The surname Spiotta is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions, where it originated from the town of Spilamberto. Historically, the family has been associated with these areas due to their significant presence and influence during the Middle Ages. Over time, emigration from Italy, primarily to the United States, led to the dispersal of individuals bearing the surname Spiotta. Today, the name can be found in various parts of North America, particularly in states such as New York, Illinois, California, and Michigan, reflecting historical migration patterns of Italians to these regions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, small communities with members bearing the Spiotta surname can be found across Europe and South America, demonstrating continued global dispersal of this Italian family name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Spiotta

The surname Spiotta has several variants and spellings due to regional pronunciation differences and transcription errors over time. Some common variations include: Spiota, Spiotto, Spiotti, and Spietta. These variations are primarily found among individuals of Italian descent, as the name originates from Italy. Another variant is Spytha, which may be found in Anglicized forms due to migration and assimilation. It's important to note that there can be additional variations or spellings depending on specific regions or families within Italy, as well as errors in transcription over time. These variations serve as a reminder of the diverse nature of family names and the historical factors that contribute to their evolutions.

Famous people with the last name Spiotta

Notable individuals with the surname Spiotta include:

1. Jennifer Egan - An American novelist and short-story writer, best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "A Visit from the Goon Squad" (2010). Her other works include "The Keep" (2007) and "Look at Me" (2001).

2. George Spiotta - An American lawyer, jurist, and politician who served as a Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York from 2006 to 2014. Prior to his judicial service, he was a partner at the law firm Debevoise & Plimpton LLP.

3. Nick Spiotta - A former American football placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, and Oakland Raiders between 2008 and 2015.

4. Anthony Spiotta - An Italian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club AC Milan and the Italy national team. He has represented Italy at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2019.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, ranging from literature, law, sports, to entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Spiotta

The surname Spiotta originates from Italy and is predominantly found in regions such as Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. The name is believed to be derived from various places with the same name, mainly in Lombardy. One of the earliest records of the family dates back to the 14th century in Milan. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved, with variations such as Spiotti, Spiotto, and Spiata also being found. Notable figures bearing this surname include Giulio Spiotti, an Italian physicist known for his work on thermodynamics, and Carlo Spiotti, a prominent Italian painter of the 19th century. Genealogical research suggests that the Spiotta family has had a significant presence in Italy for several centuries, with many branches emigrating to other parts of Europe and the Americas during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Spiotta"
• 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 June 2025

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