Gaetano is a masculine given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the Latin word "caesus," which means "beaten" or "struck down." The name Gaetano was originally used as a surname, but it has since evolved into a popular given name in Italy and other parts of Europe.
The name Gaetano is associated with several notable historical figures. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Gaetano Donizetti, an Italian composer of the Romantic era who was known for his operas. Another well-known Gaetano was Saint Gaetano Errico, an Italian lay brother of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin who is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.
The name Gaetano has also been used by several members of the Italian nobility, including the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. The name's popularity in Italy can be attributed to its association with these influential figures throughout history.
Overall, Gaetano is a strong and distinctive name with a rich historical heritage. Its origins and associations make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their son.
The name Gaetano has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century, with the first recorded birth in 1904. Throughout the years, there have been fluctuations in its popularity, as reflected in the annual birth statistics provided.
From 1904 to 1923, the name Gaetano experienced varying degrees of popularity, with a peak of 87 births in 1921 and a low of just 47 births in 1925. This period can be considered the era of Gaetano's highest prevalence in the U.S.
The next decades, from 1924 to 1963, showed a general decline in the use of the name Gaetano. The number of babies named Gaetano during this time ranged between a high of 65 births in 1928 and a low of just 14 births in 1950. This period can be seen as one of steady decrease in popularity for the name.
From 1963 onwards, there was some resurgence in the use of the name Gaetano. Between 1963 and 2023, there were a total of 3811 births with the name Gaetano recorded in the U.S., with an average of around 25 births per year over this period.
The most recent data from 2022 shows that there were 15 babies named Gaetano born in the United States, while in 2023, there have been 16 recorded births with this name so far. These figures suggest a consistent level of popularity for the name Gaetano in recent years.
Overall, despite some fluctuations and periods of decline, the name Gaetano has remained relatively stable in its usage throughout the decades, with a total of 3811 births recorded since 1904.