@leananshae - the Spanish word for the Romani people of Spain (with populations in Portugal, France, and Morocco) is "gitano". To my knowledge, there is no connection between the term "gitano" and the name Gaetano. I admit they sound similar, and I once thought there was a connection. Further personal research (I was going to use this name to honor several family members) proved otherwise.
As we see demonstrated above, the first syllable is NOT pronounced "gay." It's a gorgeous, charming name, and although it would look far too strange on one of the little blond-haired blue-eyed boys I'm bound to have one day, I love it nonetheless.
Gaetano - pronounced GUY-TAH-NO - is stemmed from the Italian city of Gaeta, a city originally called Caieta. Caieta itself, according to the philosopher Strabos, was the ancient Ionian colony of the Samians. Caieta is from kaiétas, or "cave," in Greek. The cave reference refers to the caves and harbors of the area. This is my father-in-law's given name; it has been passed down for several generations. His family originally hails from this area in Italy. We call him "Guy."
I think this is a really awesome and unique name. Kids will find something to pick at, so if you name your kid something plain then they ARE going to be teased regardless. Give them a name that is unique and beautiful like this one. Perhaps we should all look to the meaning of names instead of what people will think.
― Anonymous User 2/10/2008
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Sorry, but any name with "gay" for a first syllable is bound to incite a ton of teasing in any American public school.
Domenico Gaetano Maria Donizetti (November 29, 1797, Bergamo, Lombardy, Italy – April 8, 1848, Bergamo) was an Italian opera composer. His most famous work is Lucia di Lammermoor (1835). Donizetti, along with Vincenzo Bellini and Gioacchino Rossini, was a leading composer of bel canto opera.
Originally my search was for the name "Cayetano" which was my great-grandfather's first name. I found from this site that "Cayetano" was linked to "Gaetano". In any event, the meaning as I understand it is "Protector of bread and work" which I interpret as one who protects those who are needy by providing a job so they can in turn supply food for themselves.
― Anonymous User 6/17/2006
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