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Meaning & History
From the Roman nomen gentile Lutatius, which is also found spelled as Luctatius. Its etymology is a little bit uncertain, but it is probably derived from the Latin noun luctatio meaning "a wrestling" as well as "struggle, contest, fight", which itself is ultimately derived from the Latin verb luctor meaning "to wrestle, to struggle, to fight". Also compare the Latin noun luctus meaning "sorrow, mourning, grief", which is similar in appearance and might even be etymologically related.Alternatively, the name could be derived from (or be otherwise etymologically related to) the Latin verb luto meaning "to bedaub with mud", which itself is ultimately derived from the Latin noun lutum meaning "mud, mire".Known bearers of this name include the Roman statesman and naval commander Gaius Lutatius Catulus (3rd century BC) and the Roman consul Quintus Lutatius Catulus (1st century BC).