Natale
An Italian surname meaning “Christmas” or, more literally, “birthday,” from Latin natalis.
The #6,188 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 55,841 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Natale comes from the Latin word natalis, meaning “of birth” or “birthday,” and in Christian usage it came to mean the Nativity or Christmas. As a surname, it was likely first used for someone born on Christmas Day, found on that feast day, or otherwise connected with the holiday. The same root also appears in related names such as Natalia and Natali.
History
This is a well-established Italian surname and given name, and the same word is used in Italian for Christmas. Historical sources also note related forms in French and Iberian usage, where the Christmas association remained strong. In the United States, Natale is present but not especially common, reflecting later immigration from Italy and Italian-speaking communities.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The Latin root natalis is the source of English words like “nativity” and “natal,” all ultimately tied to birth.
From the historical record
“Ou H voulu <iue Noël siguifiàt nouvel an. MaiH sa furuio latine est natalis ou natale (jour natal, fâto natale). Or, la fornio laliue, jilus aucicnni! que lu forme frnn(;ai»o, peut seule guider pour l'interpréta- tion do cette dcrniiire. Sans le latin Maxiintis, se douterait-on que saint”
— Dictionnaire des noms (French surnames)