Cattanei: Last Name Origin and Family Crest

Many Cattanei families will find their roots under Cattaneo, the form most records use.

What does the surname Cattanei mean?

Name scholars give the meaning as “Captain, feudal vassal”.

How is Cattanei related to Cattaneo?

The change of ending between Cattaneo and Cattanei reflects the Italian habit of naming a family in the plural or the singular. Related forms: Cattani and Capitani.

Does every Cattanei family have a crest?

Arms linked to Cattaneo and its spellings were granted to individual families; our heraldry team traces which line they belonged to.

Research your Cattanei family history with a full surname report and painted coat of arms.