History and Significance of the Surname Monteforte

Introduction

The surname Monteforte is of Italian origin and is derived from the Italian words "monte" meaning mountain and "forte" meaning strong. This surname likely originated as a descriptive name for someone who lived near a strong or fortified mountain.

Origin and Distribution

The surname Monteforte has a long history in Italy, with the highest incidence of the name being in Italy itself. In fact, the majority of individuals with the surname Monteforte can be found in Italy, with a total of 1940 incidences. The surname has also spread to other countries such as the United States (885 incidences), Brazil (217 incidences), Argentina (73 incidences), Belgium (70 incidences), Canada (62 incidences), France (36 incidences), Germany (24 incidences), England (23 incidences), Scotland (15 incidences), Mexico (11 incidences), Australia (9 incidences), Switzerland (9 incidences), Spain (7 incidences), Czech Republic (2 incidences), China (1 incidence), Ecuador (1 incidence), Guatemala (1 incidence), South Korea (1 incidence), Malta (1 incidence), Mozambique (1 incidence), Philippines (1 incidence), and Qatar (1 incidence).

Italy

The surname Monteforte is most common in Italy, where it originated. With a total of 1940 incidences, it is clear that the name has deep roots in Italian history and culture.

United States

In the United States, the surname Monteforte is also fairly common, with a total of 885 incidences. Italian immigrants likely brought the name with them when they came to the US, contributing to its prevalence in the country.

Brazil

Brazil also has a significant number of individuals with the surname Monteforte, with 217 incidences. The name likely arrived in Brazil through Italian immigrants who settled in the country.

Argentina

In Argentina, there are 73 incidences of the surname Monteforte. Italian immigration to Argentina played a role in the spread of the name to this South American country.

Other Countries

The surname Monteforte can also be found in several other countries, including Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, England, Scotland, Mexico, Australia, Switzerland, Spain, Czech Republic, China, Ecuador, Guatemala, South Korea, Malta, Mozambique, Philippines, and Qatar. While the incidences of the name may be lower in these countries, it is still present and contributes to the global distribution of the surname.

Variant Spellings

Like many surnames, Monteforte may have variant spellings that have developed over time. Some possible variations of the surname include Monteforti, Monteforto, and Montefort. These variations may be the result of regional dialects, language changes, or simply individual choices in spelling.

Famous Individuals

There have been several notable individuals throughout history with the surname Monteforte. One such individual is Giacinto Achilli di Monteforte, an Italian physician and naturalist who lived in the 18th century. His contributions to science and medicine have left a lasting impact on these fields.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Monteforte has a rich history and is primarily associated with Italy, where it originated. However, the name has spread to various countries around the world due to Italian immigration and other factors. With its strong and descriptive meaning, the surname Monteforte continues to be a prominent and recognizable name in many places.