Amato
A surname of Italian origin meaning “beloved” or “dear one,” first used as a personal name and later inherited as a family name.
The #2,837 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 24,286 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Amato comes from Italian amato, meaning “loved” or “beloved,” from Latin amatus, the past participle of amare, “to love.” It began as a given name or affectionate byname and later became hereditary as surnames stabilized in Italy. In that sense, the name originally pointed to someone regarded as especially cherished rather than to a trade or place.
History
The surname is most strongly associated with Italy and Italian diaspora communities. As with many Italian surnames, it could arise independently in more than one place from the same familiar personal name or nickname. In the United States it is found especially among families of Italian descent.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Amato is one of several Italian surnames built directly from a common word of affection, alongside names like Bello or Caro.