Gaetano

Gaetano is a masculine given name of Italian origin. It derives from Gaeta, a coastal town in Lazio, and from the Latin Caietanus, a toponym indicating someone from Gaeta. In Italian, Gaetano is common; related forms include Cajetan in Latin, Gaëtan in French, and Caetano in Portuguese.

Saint Cajetan, born Gaetano di Thiene (1480–1547), is the best-known bearer of the name in Catholic tradition. As a priest, he co-founded the Theatine order to renew clerical life and charitable works. He is venerated as Saint Cajetan in the Catholic Church, and his feast day is August 7.

In modern use, Gaetano remains popular in Italy and among Italian communities abroad, with particular prevalence in southern regions and in the Italian diaspora in the Americas. The name appears across various fields in Italian culture and history, including the arts, academia, and sports.

Notable individuals named Gaetano include Gaetano Donizetti, the Romantic opera composer; Gaetano Mosca, a political scientist and sociologist; Gaetano Salvemini, a historian and anti-fascist; Gaetano Scirea, a renowned footballer; and Gaetano Pesce, an architect and designer. The name continues to be used in contemporary Italy and among Italian-speaking communities worldwide.