Catello is a rare and distinctive Italian given name for males. Its origin can be traced back to the city of Naples in southern Italy, where it was traditionally used as a patronymic surname before being adopted as a first name.
The name Catello is derived from the Latin word "catellus," which means "little cat." This might seem unusual, but in medieval times, cats were often kept as pets by noble families and were symbols of wealth and status. Therefore, the name Catello was likely chosen to convey a sense of elegance and sophistication.
The earliest recorded use of the name Catello as a given name is in the 16th century, although it continued to be used primarily as a surname until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Since then, its usage has become more widespread throughout Italy and among Italian communities around the world.
One famous bearer of the name Catello was Catello Maresca, an Italian nobleman and politician who served as a senator in the Italian parliament during the early 20th century. Today, Catello remains a rare but beloved name among Italian families, carrying with it a unique history and elegant pedigree.
In the United States, the name Catello experienced a brief period of popularity during the early 20th century. According to records, there were five babies named Catello born in 1917 and six babies given this name in 1920. This means that over these two years, a total of eleven boys were named Catello across the country.