Travolta is an Italian surname and given name that originates from the region of Southern Italy, particularly from the city of Tropea in Calabria. The name is believed to have been derived from the town's original Latin name "Tropaeum", which means "trophy" or "monument". This could be a reference to a monument or trophy that was located in the area.
The surname Travolta first appeared in historical records dating back to the 13th century. One of the earliest records of the name is that of Dominicus de Travolta, who was listed as living in the Kingdom of Naples during the year 1250. The family's coat of arms features a lion rampant on a red background, symbolizing strength and courage.
Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the Travolta surname or variant spellings such as Trotta or Trottola. One famous example is John Travolta (born 1954), an American actor who rose to prominence during the 1970s with his roles in popular films like "Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease". He has since become a Hollywood icon known for his versatile acting skills.
In addition to its use as a surname, Travolta is also used as a given name. It has gained some popularity in recent years, particularly after the birth of John Travolta's son, Benjamin Travolta, in 2010. While it may not be as common as many other names, Travolta is still considered quite unique and distinctive.
In summary, the name Travolta originates from Southern Italy, with its roots tracing back to the Latin word "Tropaeum". It has a long history dating back centuries and has been carried by numerous notable figures throughout time. Today, it continues to be used as both a surname and given name, though its popularity remains relatively low compared to other names.
"The name Travolta has an interesting history of usage in the United States. According to annual birth records, there was only one child named Travolta born each year from 1978 onwards, except for a notable increase in 2005 with two births recorded that year. This consistent low frequency indicates that Travolta is not a widely popular name choice among parents in the United States."