Italy Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Italian Surnames

Italy is a country with a rich and diverse history, reflected in its vibrant culture and unique language. Italian last names, or cognomi, are often rooted in geography, occupation, or personal characteristics, offering a fascinating window into the country's past. This comprehensive list delves into the meanings behind some of the most common and intriguing Italian last names, providing insights into their origins and cultural significance.
1. **Abate:** Meaning "abbot" or "father," this surname likely originated from individuals associated with religious institutions.
2. **Aiello:** This surname, derived from the Italian word "aiello," signifies a "small tree" or "young tree," potentially referencing a place or a family's connection to nature.
3. **Alberti:** Meaning "bright" or "noble," this surname might have been given to individuals known for their intelligence or high social standing.
4. **Alessandrini:** A derivative of the name "Alessandro," meaning "defender of mankind," this surname suggests a protective or valiant ancestor.
5. **Amati:** Meaning "loved" or "beloved," this surname likely reflects the affectionate nature of the family or a cherished ancestor.
6. **Andreotti:** Derived from the name "Andrea," meaning "manly" or "courageous," this surname points to strength and valor.
7. **Angelini:** Meaning "angel" or "messenger," this surname possibly relates to individuals perceived as angelic or carrying important messages.
8. **Antonelli:** A derivative of the name "Antonio," meaning "priceless" or "valuable," this surname signifies a family's appreciation for worth and dignity.
9. **Armani:** Meaning "armed" or "equipped," this surname might have been bestowed upon individuals known for their strength or preparedness.
10. **Aversa:** This surname originates from the city of Aversa in southern Italy, likely indicating a family's roots in this region.
11. **Baggio:** Meaning "little bay" or "small bay," this surname might refer to a location near a body of water.
12. **Barbieri:** Meaning "barber," this surname points to a family's historical connection to this profession.
13. **Bassi:** Meaning "low" or "humble," this surname could indicate a family's association with a lower social class or a location in a valley.
14. **Bellini:** Meaning "beautiful" or "handsome," this surname might reflect a family's aesthetic appreciation or a family member's good looks.
15. **Benelli:** Derived from the name "Benedetto," meaning "blessed" or "fortunate," this surname suggests a family's belief in good fortune and divine favor.
16. **Berardi:** Meaning "brave" or "courageous," this surname likely reflects a family's history of bravery and valor.
17. **Bernardi:** A derivative of the name "Bernardo," meaning "bold" or "strong," this surname suggests strength and resilience.
18. **Bianchi:** Meaning "white" or "fair," this surname might refer to the family's light hair color or a connection to a particular location.
19. **Bocelli:** Meaning "mouth" or "speaker," this surname could relate to an ancestor's eloquence or profession.
20. **Bonetti:** Meaning "good" or "kind," this surname likely signifies a family's honorable reputation or a family member's virtuous character.
21. **Borghese:** This surname originates from the city of Borghese, likely indicating a family's ties to this region.
22. **Boschi:** Meaning "woods" or "forest," this surname could indicate a family's residence near a wooded area.
23. **Botticelli:** Meaning "little barrel," this surname might refer to a family's connection to the winemaking industry.
24. **Bucci:** Meaning "ox" or "bull," this surname likely points to an ancestor's strength or connection to agriculture.
25. **Calabrese:** This surname originates from the region of Calabria in southern Italy, signifying a family's roots in this area.
26. **Caldarelli:** Meaning "little kettle," this surname might refer to a family's profession or a local characteristic.
27. **Camilli:** A derivative of the name "Camillo," meaning "youthful" or "noble," this surname suggests a family's appreciation for youthfulness or high social standing.
28. **Capriotti:** Meaning "goat," this surname could indicate a family's connection to animal husbandry or a location associated with goats.
29. **Caruso:** Meaning "dear" or "loved," this surname likely reflects the affection held for a family member or a cherished ancestor.
30. **Casanova:** This surname originates from the city of Casanova, possibly indicating a family's connection to this place.
31. **Castelli:** Meaning "castle" or "fortress," this surname might refer to a family's residence near a castle or a family's connection to military service.
32. **Catalano:** This surname originates from the region of Catalonia in Spain, likely indicating an ancestor's migration from this area.
33. **Cavazza:** Meaning "hollow" or "cave," this surname might refer to a family's residence near a cave or a geological feature.
34. **Celentano:** Meaning "heavenly" or "divine," this surname possibly suggests a family's belief in divine guidance or a family member's perceived holiness.
35. **Chiaramonte:** Meaning "bright mountain," this surname could refer to a family's residence near a mountain or a family's connection to a location known for its beauty.
36. **Cinelli:** Meaning "little ash tree," this surname might refer to a family's connection to a particular type of tree or a location near an ash tree.
37. **Colombo:** Meaning "dove" or "pigeon," this surname could relate to a family's connection to birdkeeping or a family's association with a location known for its doves.
38. **Conti:** Meaning "counts" or "earls," this surname likely points to a family's noble lineage or a family member's historical association with nobility.
39. **Corti:** Meaning "courts" or "yards," this surname might refer to a family's residence near a courtyard or a family's connection to a particular type of architecture.
40. **Cucinotta:** Meaning "little kitchen," this surname could relate to a family's profession or a family member's skill in cooking.
41. **D'Agostino:** Meaning "of Augustine," this surname likely signifies a family's connection to Saint Augustine or a family member named Augustine.
42. **De Angelis:** Meaning "of the angels," this surname suggests a family's belief in angels or a family member's perceived angelic nature.
43. **Della Porta:** Meaning "of the gate," this surname could indicate a family's residence near a gate or a family's connection to a location known for its gate.
44. **Di Lorenzo:** Meaning "of Lawrence," this surname likely signifies a family's connection to Saint Lawrence or a family member named Lawrence.
45. **Di Marco:** Meaning "of Mark," this surname likely signifies a family's connection to Saint Mark or a family member named Mark.
46. **Donatello:** Meaning "given by God," this surname possibly suggests a family's belief in divine providence or a family member's perceived divine gift.
47. **Fabbri:** Meaning "blacksmiths," this surname points to a family's historical connection to this profession.
48. **Falcone:** Meaning "falcon," this surname could refer to a family's connection to falconry or a family's association with a location known for its falcons.
49. **Ferri:** Meaning "iron," this surname likely points to a family's connection to the ironworking industry or a family member's profession related to iron.
50. **Ferrari:** Meaning "blacksmith," this surname points to a family's historical connection to this profession.
51. **Ferrero:** Meaning "blacksmith," this surname points to a family's historical connection to this profession.
52. **Figueroa:** This surname originates from the fig tree, possibly indicating a family's connection to fig cultivation or a family's residence near fig trees.
53. **Filippi:** Meaning "son of Philip," this surname likely signifies a family's connection to the name Philip.
54. **Fiorentino:** This surname originates from the city of Florence, signifying a family's roots in this region.
55. **Fontana:** Meaning "fountain," this surname could refer to a family's residence near a fountain or a family's connection to a location known for its fountain.
56. **Forte:** Meaning "strong" or "powerful," this surname likely reflects a family's history of strength and resilience.
57. **Franchi:** Meaning "French," this surname possibly indicates an ancestor's migration from France.
58. **Gallo:** Meaning "rooster" or "cock," this surname could refer to a family's connection to animal husbandry or a family's association with a location known for its roosters.
59. **Gentili:** Meaning "gentle" or "noble," this surname likely signifies a family's honorable reputation or a family member's virtuous character.
60. **Giordano:** A derivative of the name "Giordana," meaning "flowing down," this surname might refer to a family's connection to a river or a location near a flowing body of water.
61. **Giorgi:** A derivative of the name "Giorgio," meaning "farmer" or "earth worker," this surname suggests a family's connection to agriculture.
62. **Giovanni:** Meaning "God is gracious," this surname likely signifies a family's belief in divine favor or a family member's pious nature.
63. **Grasso:** Meaning "fat" or "thick," this surname might refer to a family's physical appearance or a family's connection to a particular trade.
64. **Guadagnini:** Meaning "earner" or "gainer," this surname likely reflects a family's history of financial success or a family member's entrepreneurial spirit.
65. **Iannucci:** A derivative of the name "Giovanni," meaning "God is gracious," this surname likely signifies a family's belief in divine favor or a family member's pious nature.
66. **Innocenzi:** Meaning "innocent" or "pure," this surname possibly suggests a family's belief in purity or a family member's perceived innocence.
67. **Lombardo:** This surname originates from the region of Lombardy in northern Italy, signifying a family's roots in this area.
68. **Lorenzi:** A derivative of the name "Lorenzo," meaning "laurel" or "bay tree," this surname might refer to a family's connection to a particular type of tree or a location near a laurel tree.
69. **Luciani:** A derivative of the name "Luciano," meaning "light" or "bright," this surname suggests a family's appreciation for light or a family member's radiant personality.
70. **Macaluso:** Meaning "big nose," this surname might refer to a family member's physical characteristic or a family's connection to a particular trade.
71. **Maggio:** Meaning "May," this surname could indicate a family's connection to the month of May or a family member's birth in May.
72. **Mancini:** Meaning "from the manor," this surname could refer to a family's residence near a manor or a family's connection to a location known for its manor.
73. **Marchetti:** Meaning "small hammer," this surname might refer to a family's profession or a family member's skill in using a hammer.
74. **Marini:** Meaning "sailor" or "seaman," this surname likely points to a family's historical connection to maritime activities.
75. **Martini:** A derivative of the name "Martino," meaning "warlike" or "martial," this surname suggests strength and courage.
76. **Masini:** Meaning "mason," this surname points to a family's historical connection to this profession.
77. **Matteucci:** A derivative of the name "Matteo," meaning "gift of God," this surname suggests a family's belief in divine providence or a family member's perceived divine gift.
78. **Mazza:** Meaning "club" or "mace," this surname could refer to a family's connection to a weapon or a family's association with a location known for its mace.
79. **Mazzocchi:** Meaning "small mace," this surname might refer to a family's connection to a weapon or a family's association with a location known for its mace.
80. **Meloni:** Meaning "melon," this surname could indicate a family's connection to melon cultivation or a family's residence near melon fields.
81. **Merlo:** Meaning "blackbird," this surname could refer to a family's connection to birdkeeping or a family's association with a location known for its blackbirds.
82. **Micheli:** A derivative of the name "Michele," meaning "who is like God," this surname suggests a family's belief in divine likeness or a family member's perceived holiness.
83. **Minetti:** Meaning "small mine," this surname might refer to a family's connection to mining or a family's residence near a mine.
84. **Moretti:** Meaning "dark-haired," this surname might refer to a family's hair color or a family's connection to a particular region or town.
85. **Morricone:** Meaning "black mountain," this surname could refer to a family's residence near a mountain or a family's connection to a location known for its dark mountains.
86. **Neri:** Meaning "black," this surname might refer to a family's hair color or a family's connection to a particular region or town.
87. **Nobile:** Meaning "noble," this surname likely points to a family's noble lineage or a family member's historical association with nobility.
88. **Orlando:** Meaning "famous in battle," this surname suggests strength and courage.
89. **Orsini:** Meaning "bear," this surname could refer to a family's connection to bear hunting or a family's association with a location known for its bears.
90. **Pagano:** Meaning "pagan," this surname might refer to a family's religious beliefs or a family's connection to a particular region or town.
91. **Palumbo:** Meaning "dove," this surname could relate to a family's connection to birdkeeping or a family's association with a location known for its doves.
92. **Panzini:** Meaning "little bread," this surname might refer to a family's profession or a family member's skill in baking.
93. **Parente:** Meaning "relative" or "kinsman," this surname likely signifies a family's close kinship or a family member's role as a relative.
94. **Pasquale:** Meaning "Easter," this surname could indicate a family's connection to the Easter holiday or a family member's birth during Easter.
95. **Pecoraro:** Meaning "shepherd," this surname likely points to a family's historical connection to animal husbandry.
96. **Pellegrini:** Meaning "pilgrim," this surname likely signifies a family's history of religious travel or a family member's role as a pilgrim.
97. **Perotti:** Meaning "small pear," this surname might refer to a family's connection to pear cultivation or a family's residence near pear trees.
98. **Petrucci:** A derivative of the name "Pietro," meaning "rock" or "stone," this surname suggests strength and stability.
99. **Piccini:** Meaning "small," this surname might refer to a family's physical stature or a family's connection to a particular region or town.
100. **Pierini:** A derivative of the name "Pier," meaning "rock" or "stone," this surname suggests strength and stability.
101. **Pirozzi:** Meaning "fire," this surname could refer to a family's connection to fire or a family's association with a location known for its fires.
102. **Pizzuti:** Meaning "little pie," this surname might refer to a family's profession or a family member's skill in baking.
103. **Polito:** Meaning "polite" or "courteous," this surname likely signifies a family's honorable reputation or a family member's virtuous character.
104. **Ponte:** Meaning "bridge," this surname could refer to a family's residence near a bridge or a family's connection to a location known for its bridge.
105. **Porcaro:** Meaning "pig," this surname could indicate a family's connection to animal husbandry or a family's association with a location known for its pigs.
106. **Provenzano:** This surname originates from the city of Provenzano, possibly indicating a family's connection to this place.
107. **Puglisi:** Meaning "little fist," this surname might refer to a family member's physical characteristic or a family's connection to a particular trade.
108. **Quattrone:** Meaning "four eyes," this surname might refer to a family member's physical characteristic or a family's connection to a particular trade.
109. **Ragozzino:** Meaning "little king," this surname might refer to a family member's perceived leadership qualities or a family's connection to a particular trade.
110. **Ricci:** Meaning "curly," this surname might refer to a family member's hair texture or a family's connection to a particular region or town.
111. **Rinaldi:** A derivative of the name "Rinaldo," meaning "counsel" or "advice," this surname suggests wisdom and guidance.
112. **Rizzo:** Meaning "curly," this surname might refer to a family member's hair texture or a family's connection to a particular region or town.
113. **Romano:** This surname originates from the city of Rome, signifying a family's roots in this region.
114. **Rossi:** Meaning "red," this surname might refer to a family's hair color or a family's connection to a particular region or town.
115. **Russo:** Meaning "red," this surname might refer to a family's hair color or a family's connection to a particular region or town.
116. **Salvatore:** Meaning "savior," this surname likely signifies a family's belief in salvation or a family member's perceived role as a savior.
117. **Sandro:** Meaning "defender of mankind," this surname suggests a protective or valiant ancestor.
118. **Santangelo:** Meaning "holy angel," this surname possibly relates to individuals perceived as angelic or carrying important messages.
119. **Sasso:** Meaning "stone," this surname could refer to a family's residence near a stone formation or a family's connection to a location known for its stones.
120. **Scarpella:** Meaning "little shoe," this surname might refer to a family's profession or a family member's skill in shoemaking.
121. **Scifo:** Meaning "shield," this surname could refer to a family's connection to military service or a family's association with a location known for its shields.
122. **Scialla:** Meaning "to forget," this surname might refer to a family member's personality or a family's connection to a particular region or town.
123. **Sechi:** Meaning "dry," this surname might refer to a family's connection to a particular region or town known for its dry climate.
124. **Segre:** Meaning "secret," this surname could refer to a family's history of secrecy or a family's association with a location known for its secrets.
125. **Serra:** Meaning "saw," this surname might refer to a family's profession or a family member's skill in woodworking.
126. **Silvestri:** Meaning "from the forest," this surname could indicate a family's residence near a forest or a family's connection to a location known for its forests.
127. **Simone:** Meaning "hearing," this surname likely signifies a family's appreciation for communication or a family member's keen sense of hearing.
128. **Spinelli:** Meaning "thorn," this surname could refer to a family's connection to a particular plant or a family's association with a location known for its thorns.
129. **Stella:** Meaning "star," this surname possibly suggests a family's belief in guidance from the stars or a family member's perceived brilliance.
130. **Strazzeri:** Meaning "torn," this surname might refer to a family member's physical characteristic or a family's connection to a particular trade.
131. **Tedeschi:** Meaning "German," this surname possibly indicates an ancestor's migration from Germany.
132. **Testa:** Meaning "head," this surname could refer to a family member's physical characteristic or a family's connection to a particular trade.
133. **Torelli:** Meaning "bull," this surname likely points to an ancestor's strength or connection to agriculture.
134. **Valentino:** Meaning "strong and healthy," this surname suggests a family's appreciation for vitality or a family member's robust health.
135. **Vannucci:** A derivative of the name "Giovanni," meaning "God is gracious," this surname likely signifies a family's belief in divine favor or a family member's pious nature.
136. **Ventura:** Meaning "fortune" or "good luck," this surname suggests a family's belief in good fortune and divine favor.
137. **Verdi:** Meaning "green," this surname might refer to a family's connection to a particular region or town known for its greenery.
138. **Vito:** Meaning "life," this surname likely signifies a family's appreciation for life or a family member's vibrant spirit.
139. **Zito:** Meaning "citizen," this surname could refer to a family's residence in a particular city or town or a family's connection to a particular region.
140. **Zucchetti:** Meaning "little pumpkin," this surname might refer to a family's connection to pumpkin cultivation or a family's residence near pumpkin fields.