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 experienced a peak in popularity between the years 1912 to 1927 with numbers ranging from 43 to 87 births per year. However, it's notable that there are gaps in these statistics (e.g., no data for 1906, 1909-1911) which might imply a lack of records or a shift in naming trends during those periods. Post-WWII, Gaetano saw a significant decrease in popularity, with fewer than 30 births per year recorded from 1947 onwards until the early 2000s when it picked up slightly but remained relatively low compared to its peak years. Overall, there have been a total of 3811 births with this name since 1904 up until 2023.