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.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The last name "Vigan Prasad" is of Indian origin. "Vigan" is a Hindi surname derived from the Sanskrit word "Vigana," which means knowledge or wisdom. "Prasad" also has Sanskrit ro...
The surname Viganoni is believed to have Italian origins and is derived from a place name, specifically from the town of Vigano, located in various provinces in Italy such as Berga...
The surname Vigara is a Spanish and Italian patronymic name derived from the male given name Viga or Vigario, meaning "helper" or "supporter". It may have originally been used to i...
The last name "Vigario" is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the word "vigário" which means vicar or parish priest in Portuguese. This surname likely originated as a occupa...
The surname Vigay Vegas is of Spanish origin. The surname "Vigay" is derived from the Spanish word "vigía" meaning "watchman" or "lookout," and the surname "Vegas" means "meadows"...
The origin of the last name Vigerie is likely French. It may be derived from the French word "viger," meaning "vigorous" or "strong." This surname may have originated as a nickname...
The last name "Vigi" is of Hungarian origin. It is derived from the Hungarian word "vég" which means "end" or "boundary". It is a relatively uncommon surname.
The surname "Vigier" is of French origin. It comes from a place-name or occupational name for someone who lived near a watchtower or fortification, derived from Old French "vieil" ...
The last name "Vigilato" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word "vigilante," meaning "watchful" or "vigilant." This surname likely originated as a nickname for s...
The last name Vigilia Torres is of Spanish origin. The surname Vigilia comes from the Spanish word "vigilia," which means "vigil" or "watch." Torres is a common Spanish surname tha...
The surname "Vigiola" is of Italian origin. It derives from a place-name or a topographical name for someone who lived near such a place. In some cases, it could also be an occupat...
The last name "Viglione" is of Italian origin. It is believed to have derived from the personal name "Vigilio," which itself has roots in Latin. The name "Viglione" may have origin...
The surname Vignali is of Italian origin. It is derived from the occupation or location associated with vineyards or vines in Latin (vinea, vinea). In Italy, this name could have b...
The surname Vignaroli is of Italian origin. It derives from a place-name, specifically a location named "Vignola" which can be found in various regions of Italy. The name "Vignola"...
The last name "Vignaud Labarussias" is of French origin. It is a combination of two surnames, "Vignaud" and "Labarussias." The name "Vignaud" is derived from the French word "vigne...
