Summary

Italian origin surname that can be traced back to medieval times. It is derived from the Italian word "fonte", meaning "fountain" or "water source". The name may have originally indicated someone who lived near a fountain or who worked as a water carrier.
There are
7685
Fontanas in the USA
Fontana is the
4615th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Fontana

DomenicoFontana

Italian architect and engineer who worked primarily in Rome. He is famous for his contributions to the construction of St. Peter's Basilica and other major buildings in the city.

LaviniaFontana

Italian painter of the late Renaissance. She was one of the first women to establish a reputation in the male-dominated world of art. Her works often depicted mythological and religious subjects.

GiovanniFontana

Italian engineer and inventor known for his designs of early mechanical devices. He is particularly renowned for his contributions to the development of siege weapons and warfare technology.

FerdinandFontana

Austrian physician and scientist who made significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology. He conducted groundbreaking research on the structure and function of the human eye.

FeliceFontana

Italian physicist and naturalist recognized for his experiments and investigations in various scientific fields. His research included studies on chemistry, electricity, and the properties of gases.

Fontana Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Fontana' has origins in Italy.
Geographic DistributionThe surname is commonly found in regions such as Lombardy, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna in Italy.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Fontana' include 'Fontanella' and 'Fontano'.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration of individuals with the surname 'Fontana' occurred during different periods and in various places. Some notable migrations took place during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with individuals often leaving Italy for countries like the United States, Canada, and Argentina in search of better economic opportunities and a chance for a new life.