The authors agree that this is a surname of Jewish origin, derived from the French place name Lattes, a locality situated near Montpellier which served as that city's port. Both note that its introduction into Italy took place in the 16th century as a consequence of religious persecution.

E. De Felice specifies that it was Sephardic Jews who brought it to Italy, especially to Piedmont, when they were forced to flee southern France. E. Rossoni adds that the surname is very rare and that its arrival occurred specifically in the Turin area, coming from Languedoc and Provence.