Gaetano (surname)

The surname Gaetano is an Italian surname, derived from the personal name Gaetano. The personal name itself originates from the Latin Caietanus, meaning "from Caieta". Caieta was an ancient Roman port city, now known as Gaeta, located in the province of Latina, Italy.

The surname Gaetano is most common in Southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Campania (where Gaeta is located), Calabria, and Sicily. The distribution reflects the historical spread of the personal name and subsequent adoption as a hereditary surname.

Variations of the surname include Gaetani, Gaetan, Cajetan, and Cayetano (the latter being more common in Spanish-speaking countries). These variations reflect regional linguistic differences and historical migrations. The name, in its various forms, can also be found among Italian diaspora communities worldwide.

The surname, like many surnames originating from personal names or place names, offers insight into the geographical origins and ancestral connections of families bearing the name. Further research into specific family lineages and regional records is often necessary to determine the precise origin and history of a particular Gaetano family.