Origin and Meaning of Gaetan

A person from Caitanya; an inhabitant of Gaeta

Origin: Italian - Derived from the Latin 'Caitania', referring to Gaeta, a historical town in Italy. The name is associated with Saint Gaetan of Thiene, a 16th-century priest.

• Gaetan is primarily recognized in Italian-speaking regions, and it has historical significance tied to the town of Gaeta.
• The name has variations in different cultures, such as Gaétan in French, which retains a similar pronunciation.
• Notable bearers of the name include Saint Gaetan (San Gaetano), who is celebrated in the Catholic Church as a founder of the Theatines.
• In Italy, Gaetan has remained relatively stable in popularity, still being used in modern times, although not as commonly as in past centuries.
• Variations of the name include the French 'Gaétan', and diminutives such as 'Gae' or 'Cat' may also be used among friends and family.