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Last Name Vigata

What is the origin of the last name Vigata?

The surname Vigata is believed to have Italian origins and is derived from a place name. Specifically, it is thought to originate from Vigata, a town in the province of Cosenza in Calabria, Italy. However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary and may be traced back to other locations with similar names across Italy. As with many surnames, the adoption and spread of the name Vigata may have occurred due to various historical events such as migrations, marriages, or name changes over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vigata

The meaning and origin of the last name Vigata

The surname Vigata is an Italian name derived from various locations named Vigato or Vigatello, which can be found in several regions throughout Italy. The name originates from the Latin term "vicus", meaning settlement, and "vaticus" or "vatis", meaning wise, thus implying a settlement inhabited by wise individuals. In some cases, it could also stem from personal names such as Guidovico (Walter) or Vitalico (Vitale), with the suffix "-ata" being added over time to indicate place of origin or occupation. As with many Italian surnames, the exact origin may vary depending on the specific family's history and migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vigata

The surname Vigata is predominantly found in southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Sicily and Calabria. This name has roots dating back to the Norman conquest of Sicily in the 11th century when the Normans brought many French names to Italy, including variations of Vigato or Vigata. The name is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of Italy, but its concentration in Sicily and Calabria suggests a significant historical connection to these regions. Additionally, there are limited occurrences of the surname Vigata outside of Italy, primarily in countries with large Italian diaspora populations such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vigata

The surname Vigata has various spelling variations due to historical and regional differences in transcribing names. Some common variants include: Vigatta, Vigatah, Viggata, Vighata, Vighetah, Vigat, Vigato, Vigad, Vigado, Vigatai, and Vigatola. These variations may have originated from misspellings, phonetic transliterations in different languages, or simply regional dialects over time. The root of the name likely derives from Italian, where it could potentially mean "vigilant" or "watchful." It is important to note that while these variations exist, they all share a common origin and can often be traced back to the same ancestor or family line.

Famous people with the last name Vigata

The most notable individuals with the surname Vigata are predominantly Italian, given Italy's connection to the name. One of the best-known figures is Andrea Camilleri, an acclaimed Italian author and playwright who gained international recognition for his Inspector Montalbano detective series set in Sicily. Another significant figure is Salvatore Vigata, an Italian writer also known for writing crime novels, although he is primarily recognized for his collaborations with Leonardo Sciascia on screenplays. While not as famous, there is also Elvira Vigata, an Italian journalist and television presenter who has worked for Rai Television, one of Italy's public broadcasting networks. Lastly, Giovanni Vigata, a renowned lawyer and politician, served as the Mayor of Palermo from 1985 to 2006.

Genealogical research on the last name Vigata

The surname Vigata originates from Italy and is commonly found in regions such as Calabria and Sicily. The name can be traced back to medieval times, with the earliest recorded instance dating back to the 14th century in the city of Messina, Sicily. Variations of the name include Vigati, Vighiata, and Vegata. The name is thought to derive from a place name, possibly referring to a location marked by a watchtower or fortification (vigata in Italian). During the mass migrations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many people with the surname Vigata emigrated from Italy to the Americas, particularly to the United States. Today, there are significant communities of people bearing this name in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 28 July 2025

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