Show ContentsCapitani History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Meaning "captain," this name began as a nickname in the Medieval Ages, probably for someone who actually was a ship's captain, or perhaps for someone who acted in some way like a captain. The variations which begin with "Catt-" appear mostly in Tuscany and Naples, and, as is the custom for all Italian names, those that end in "i" are from the north, while those that end in "o" are from the south.

Early Origins of the Capitani family

The surname Capitani was first found in the southern part of the province of Emilia for the most part, though the name also appears elsewhere in Italy.

Early History of the Capitani family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Capitani research. Another 93 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1466, 1522, 1531, 1544, 1595, 1602 and 1665 are included under the topic Early Capitani History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Capitani Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Capitani, Capitanio, Capitaneo, Cattaneo, Cattanei, Cattano, Cattani, Cattagni, Capitanelli, Capitanucci and many more.

Early Notables of the Capitani family

Prominent among members of the family was

  • Girolamo Capitani, Bishop of Nice and "Grande Elemosiniere" of Caterina de Medici, Queen of France in 1544

Migration of the Capitani family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Costandino Capitano, who was naturalized in Ashtabula Co, Ohio between 1875 and 1906; and other bearers of the $ family name, who settled along the east coast of North America near the end of the 19th century..


Contemporary Notables of the name Capitani (post 1700) +

  • Giorgio Capitani, Italian film director
  • Giorgio Capitani (b. 1927), Italian (French born) film director


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