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Last Name Zanato

What is the origin of the last name Zanato?

The surname Zanato is of Italian origin. It derives from a medieval occupational name for a maker of small baskets or boxes, from the Old Italian "zana," meaning basket or box, and the diminutive suffix "-ato." In some cases, it may also be a regional nickname for someone who came from a region known for basket-making. Like many surnames, its exact origin can vary depending on specific family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zanato

The meaning and origin of the last name Zanato

The surname Zanato is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Zano or Zante, which was a diminutive form of the personal name Giovanni (John) in the Middle Ages. It is believed that the name Zanato emerged as a nickname for a young or lively person, reflecting the character traits associated with Saint John the Baptist. The surname's origins can be traced back to various regions in Italy, particularly in Tuscany and Veneto, where the name was common among craftsmen and artisans during the Middle Ages. Over time, the name spread throughout Italy and other Italian-speaking communities due to migration and population growth. Today, the surname Zanato is most prevalent in Italy but can also be found in various countries with significant Italian diaspora populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zanato

The last name Zanato is primarily concentrated in Italy, with significant prevalence in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Veneto, particularly in cities such as Bologna, Ravenna, and Padua. This surname is also found to some extent in other Italian regions like Lombardy, Tuscany, and Marche. The name Zanato is derived from a professional occupation, originating from the Middle Ages, and it means "shoemaker" or "cobbler." In addition to Italy, the surname Zanato has also been recorded in small numbers in other European countries such as Switzerland, France, and Germany, due to Italian immigration over the centuries. The diaspora of Italians led to the spread of the name in various parts of the world, particularly in South America, North America, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zanato

The last name Zanato has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common alternative spellings include Zanatto, Zanatou, Zanatu, Zanat, Zanatow, Zanata, Zanatah, Zanatowicz, and Zanetti (which is a separate Italian surname but can sometimes be mistaken for Zanato due to similarity). These variations may arise from regional dialects, errors in record-keeping, or individual preferences. It's essential to consider these variations when researching family history or genealogy to increase the likelihood of discovering connections.

Famous people with the last name Zanato

Notable individuals with the surname Zanato include:

1. Antonio Zanatto (born 1968), an Italian football defender who played for several clubs in Italy, including AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina. He also represented the Italian national team at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

2. Giulio Zanato (born 1975), an Italian footballer who played as a midfielder for teams like Cagliari, Lazio, and Udinese Calcio during his career spanning from 1993 to 2010.

3. Riccardo Zanato (born 1984), an Italian racing driver who participated in the GP2 Series and Formula Renault 3.5 Series. He is a nephew of former racing driver Emanuele Pirro.

4. Fabio Zanatto (born 1986), a Brazilian footballer who primarily plays as a left-back. He has represented several Brazilian clubs, including Palmeiras and Corinthians, and the Brazil national team.

5. Giorgio Zanotto (born 1934), an Italian politician who served as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry from 2008 to 2009. He is a member of the Democratic Party.

Genealogical research on the last name Zanato

The surname Zanato is of Italian origin, specifically from regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Veneto. It is derived from the occupational name "zanon," meaning "carpenter." The Zanato family can be traced back to medieval Italy, with early records dating as far back as the 13th century. Some notable figures with the surname Zanato include Giuseppe Zanato, an Italian architect, and Antonio Zanati, a composer in the Baroque period. The name's distribution is predominantly found in northern Italy, but migrants carrying the surname also settled in other European countries and the Americas during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the Zanato family continues to be a prominent Italian surname with numerous branches spread across various continents.

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 : 31 July 2025

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