liotta

Liotta is a surname of Italian origin. It is borne by individuals in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities, particularly in North America. As a surname, Liotta is more commonly encountered than as a given name.

The most widely known bearer is Ray Liotta (1954–2022), an American actor noted for his breakout performance as Henry Hill in Goodfellas (1990). He had a long film career with roles in Field of Dreams (1989) and Cop Land (1997), among others, as well as work in television and voice acting.

Other individuals with the surname Liotta have appeared in various professional fields, including the arts and sports, but none have achieved the same level of international recognition as Ray Liotta.

Etymology and distribution: Liotta is categorized as an Italian surname. The precise origin and regional roots vary by family, and the name may be linked to southern Italian dialects or to diminutive forms common in Italian naming patterns. The surname is carried by families in Italy and in communities abroad, particularly in the United States.

See also: Similar-sounding surnames such as Lio or Lotta exist, but Liotta is a distinct surname.