What is the origin of the last name Zavatta?

The surname Zavatta is believed to have Italian origins, specifically from the Veneto region in northeastern Italy. It is derived from various places named Zavattara or Zavatarella in Veneto. This name is a topographic surname and refers to someone who lived near a small hill or mound, as "zava" means mound or hillock in the local dialect of Veneto. Over time, the spelling variations have occurred due to differences in regional pronunciation and record-keeping methods.
Want to turn this name into a keepsake? Give a star certificate in their name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zavatta

The meaning and origin of the last name Zavatta

The surname Zavatta is an Italian name derived from a geographical location or a professional occupation. The roots of the name can be traced back to the Lombard region in Italy, where it was common for names to be associated with specific places or occupations. In this case, "Zavatta" might have originated from a place called "Zavata," which is a small village near Bergamo in Lombardy. Alternatively, it could be derived from the profession of a "zavatta," an Italian word for a weaver, referring to someone who worked with cloth production, given that many Italian surnames are occupational in origin. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have led to different forms of the name being found across Italy and other parts of the world where Italian immigrants have settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zavatta

The surname Zavatta is primarily distributed across Italy, particularly in the northern regions such as Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, where it originates from. Specifically, it has strong concentrations in cities like Milan, Bologna, and Modena. A significant number of individuals with this surname can also be found in other parts of Europe, particularly France and Switzerland, due to historical migrations. In the United States, there are notable Zavatta populations in states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, largely attributable to Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, smaller communities of Zavattas can be found in countries like Argentina and Brazil, due to further migrations from Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zavatta

The surname Zavatta has several variations and spelling formats, primarily due to transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variants include:

1. Zavattta
2. Zavata
3. Zavattah
4. Zavatta-
5. Di Zavatta (Italian possessive form)
6. De Zavatta (Italian surname prefix)
7. Da Zavatta (Another Italian surname prefix)
8. Lo Zavatta (Sicilian dialect)
9. L'Zavatta (Sardinian dialect)
10. Il Zavatta (Genoese dialect)

These variations can be found among people of Italian descent, particularly those from regions such as Genoa, Sardinia, and Sicily.

Famous people with the last name Zavatta

Notable individuals with the surname Zavatta include:

1. Giuseppe Zavatta (1872-1934), an Italian painter known for his impressionistic landscapes and figure studies.

2. Riccardo Zavatta (born 1965), a Swiss footballer who played as a defender, notable for his time with Grasshopper Club Zurich and the Swiss national team.

3. Laura Zavatta (born 1984), an Italian actress who has appeared in various films and television shows, including "Io e lei" and "Rex."

4. Marco Zavatta (born 1976), an Italian former footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs in Italy and Switzerland.

5. Stefano Zavatta (born 1986), an Italian-American composer, pianist, and conductor known for his work in contemporary music.

Genealogical research on the last name Zavatta

The Zavatta surname originates from Italy and is most commonly found in the regions of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. Historically, it is believed to be derived from various locations including Savatta (Treviso), Sava (Verona), or the Italian word "zavatteria," meaning a workshop for making saddles and leather goods. The earliest known records of the Zavatta family date back to the 15th century, with some prominent members serving as knights during the Italian Wars in the 16th century. Over time, the name has spread throughout Italy and beyond due to migration, with significant populations now found in countries such as Switzerland, Argentina, and Brazil. Today, the Zavatta surname remains a common Italian name worldwide, reflecting its rich history and long-lasting influence.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names