Sicilian Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Origins and Meanings

Are you curious about the rich history and diverse meanings behind Sicilian last names? Sicily, a beautiful island with a fascinating past, has a unique linguistic heritage reflected in its surnames. This guide delves into the origins and meanings of common Sicilian last names, shedding light on the cultural and historical influences that shaped them. Discover the stories behind these names and unlock a deeper understanding of Sicilian identity.
1. **Aiello:** From the Italian word "aiello," meaning "threshing floor," a place where grain was separated from the chaff.
2. **Alaimo:** Meaning "elm tree," a symbol of strength and longevity.
3. **Albano:** Originating from the Latin word "albus," meaning "white," possibly referring to a white-haired person or a person from a town with white buildings.
4. **Alicata:** Derived from the name of a town in Sicily, "Licata," known for its harbor and fishing industry.
5. **Amato:** Meaning "beloved" or "dear," a name signifying affection and endearment.
6. **Andronico:** From the Greek name "Andreas," meaning "manly" or "courageous."
7. **Angileri:** Possibly derived from the Italian word "angelo," meaning "angel," signifying divine protection.
8. **Argento:** Meaning "silver," a name that may have been given to someone who worked with silver or owned silver objects.
9. **Barbera:** Derived from the name of a type of red grape, often used to make wine, a prominent agricultural product in Sicily.
10. **Barone:** Meaning "baron," a title of nobility in feudal times.
11. **Basile:** From the Greek name "Basil," meaning "king" or "royal."
12. **Bellomo:** Meaning "beautiful man" or "handsome."
13. **Benanti:** Possibly derived from the Italian word "bene," meaning "good" or "well," signifying positive qualities.
14. **Bongiorno:** Meaning "good day," a common greeting in Sicilian culture.
15. **Bonanno:** Meaning "good year" or "blessed year," expressing hope and prosperity.
16. **Bottaro:** Derived from the Italian word "botte," meaning "barrel," a name possibly given to someone who worked with barrels or owned a barrel-making workshop.
17. **Bruno:** Meaning "brown" or "dark-haired," a common descriptive name in Italy.
18. **Calabrese:** Derived from the Italian word "Calabria," a region in southern Italy, indicating a person of Calabrian origin.
19. **Cammarata:** From the Arabic word "kammarat," meaning "vault" or "arched roof."
20. **Cannova:** Possibly derived from the Italian word "canna," meaning "reed," a name associated with the coastal regions of Sicily.
21. **Capone:** From the Italian word "capon," meaning "capon," a castrated rooster, possibly a nickname given to a person with plump features.
22. **Caruso:** Meaning "little boy" or "young man," a common diminutive name in Italy.
23. **Cascio:** From the Italian word "cacio," meaning "cheese," a prominent dairy product in Sicilian cuisine.
24. **Catalano:** Originating from the Catalan language and culture, indicating a person of Catalan origin.
25. **Cavallaro:** Meaning "horseman" or "knight," a name associated with equestrian skills and chivalry.
26. **Celano:** Possibly derived from the Latin word "caelum," meaning "sky," a name associated with the heavenly realm.
27. **Cerami:** From the Italian word "ceramica," meaning "ceramic," a name that may have been given to a person who worked with ceramics.
28. **Chiaramonte:** Meaning "clear mountain," a descriptive name possibly referring to a town or location with a clear view of a mountain.
29. **Cimino:** From the Italian word "cimino," meaning "cumin," a spice commonly used in Sicilian cuisine.
30. **Ciraulo:** Derived from the Italian word "ciro," meaning "cypress," a tree often associated with longevity and immortality.
31. **Colonna:** Meaning "column," a name that may have been given to someone who lived near a column or had a column as a family crest.
32. **Corrao:** Possibly derived from the Italian word "coraggio," meaning "courage" or "bravery."
33. **Costa:** Meaning "coast" or "shoreline," a name associated with the coastal regions of Sicily.
34. **D'Anna:** Derived from the Italian name "Anna," meaning "grace" or "favor."
35. **De Luca:** Meaning "of the place," indicating a person from a specific place or family line.
36. **Di Lorenzo:** Derived from the Italian name "Lorenzo," meaning "laurel tree," a symbol of victory and honor.
37. **Fava:** From the Italian word "fava," meaning "broad bean," a common legume in Sicilian cuisine.
38. **Ferrante:** Derived from the German name "Ferdinand," meaning "brave peace" or "peaceful journey."
39. **Filippone:** From the Greek name "Philippos," meaning "lover of horses," a name associated with equestrian skills.
40. **Forte:** Meaning "strong" or "powerful," a name signifying strength and resilience.
41. **Frasca:** Derived from the Italian word "frasco," meaning "flask" or "bottle," possibly a name given to someone who worked with wine or other beverages.
42. **Gagliano:** Possibly derived from the Italian word "gagliardo," meaning "vigorous" or "lively."
43. **Galiano:** From the Greek name "Galen," a famous physician, a name associated with health and well-being.
44. **Gambino:** Possibly derived from the Italian word "gambo," meaning "leg," a name that may have been a nickname for someone who was good at walking or running.
45. **Garofalo:** Meaning "clove," a spice used in Sicilian cooking, a name that may have been given to someone who grew cloves or sold them.
46. **Gentile:** Meaning "gentle" or "kind," a name signifying positive personality traits.
47. **Giarratana:** From the Italian word "giarra," meaning "jar" or "jug," possibly a name given to someone who made or sold jars.
48. **Giordano:** From the Italian name "Giordano," meaning "descendant of Jordan," a name associated with biblical history.
49. **Grasso:** Meaning "fat" or "plump," a name that may have been a nickname for someone with a robust build.
50. **Guadagnino:** From the Italian word "guadagnare," meaning "to earn" or "to gain," a name associated with financial success.
51. **Ingrassia:** Derived from the Italian word "ingrassare," meaning "to fatten" or "to grow fat," possibly a nickname for someone with a plump physique.
52. **La Porta:** Meaning "the door," possibly referring to someone who lived near a door or gate.
53. **Lanza:** From the Italian word "lancia," meaning "lance" or "spear," a name associated with weaponry and warfare.
54. **Lauricella:** Possibly derived from the Italian word "lauro," meaning "laurel tree," a symbol of victory and honor.
55. **Leonardi:** From the Italian name "Leonardo," meaning "lion-hearted," a name signifying courage and strength.
56. **Licata:** The name of a town in Sicily, known for its harbor and fishing industry.
57. **Lo Presti:** Meaning "the chosen one," a name signifying divine selection or special status.
58. **Macaluso:** From the Italian word "macchia," meaning "bush" or "woodland," possibly a name referring to someone who lived near a woodland area.
59. **Maggio:** Meaning "May," the month of spring and renewal, a name associated with new beginnings.
60. **Mancuso:** From the Italian word "manco," meaning "lacking" or "deficient," possibly a nickname for someone with a specific physical trait.
61. **Marchese:** Meaning "marquis," a title of nobility in feudal times.
62. **Marino:** Meaning "marine" or "of the sea," a name associated with the sea and maritime activities.
63. **Martorana:** Possibly derived from the Italian word "martire," meaning "martyr," a name associated with religious devotion.
64. **Massa:** From the Italian word "massa," meaning "mass" or "bulk," possibly a nickname for someone with a large physique.
65. **Mazzara:** The name of a town in Sicily, known for its fishing industry and coastal location.
66. **Melito:** From the Greek word "meli," meaning "honey," a name associated with sweetness and prosperity.
67. **Messina:** The name of a city in Sicily, known for its strategic harbor and historical significance.
68. **Migliore:** Meaning "better" or "superior," a name signifying positive qualities.
69. **Monaco:** From the Italian word "monaco," meaning "monk," a name associated with religious life and solitude.
70. **Monte:** Meaning "mountain," a name referring to a place or location with mountainous terrain.
71. **Morreale:** Possibly derived from the Italian word "morale," meaning "moral" or "ethical," a name associated with ethical conduct.
72. **Musumeci:** From the Italian word "muso," meaning "muzzle" or "snout," possibly a nickname for someone with a specific facial feature.
73. **Naro:** The name of a town in Sicily, known for its ancient history and archaeological sites.
74. **Navarra:** Originating from the Spanish region of Navarra, indicating a person of Navarrese origin.
75. **Nicosia:** The name of a city in Sicily, known for its historical architecture and cultural heritage.
76. **Noto:** The name of a town in Sicily, known for its Baroque architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
77. **Oliveri:** From the Italian name "Oliverio," meaning "olive tree," a symbol of peace and prosperity.
78. **Orlando:** From the Italian name "Orlando," meaning "famous land," a name associated with heroism and legend.
79. **Pagano:** Meaning "pagan," a name that may have been given to someone who was not a Christian.
80. **Palermo:** The name of the capital city of Sicily, known for its rich history, culture, and architecture.
81. **Panzica:** From the Italian word "panza," meaning "belly" or "tummy," possibly a nickname for someone with a large stomach.
82. **Parisi:** Derived from the Italian word "Parigi," meaning "Paris," indicating a person from Paris or of Parisian origin.
83. **Passalacqua:** From the Italian words "passo" (step) and "acqua" (water), possibly referring to someone who lived near a river or water source.
84. **Patti:** The name of a town in Sicily, known for its coastal location and historical significance.
85. **Pellegrino:** Meaning "pilgrim," a name associated with religious journeys and devotion.
86. **Perrera:** From the Italian word "perrera," meaning "kennel" or "dog pound," possibly a name given to someone who worked with dogs.
87. **Piazza:** Meaning "square" or "public space," a name referring to a location with a square or open area.
88. **Piccione:** Meaning "pigeon," a name that may have been a nickname for someone who was gentle or peaceful like a pigeon.
89. **Pilo:** From the Italian word "pila," meaning "basin" or "pond," possibly a name referring to someone who lived near a water source.
90. **Pintauro:** Possibly derived from the Italian word "pinta," meaning "mark" or "spot," a name that may have been given to someone with a distinctive feature.
91. **Polizzi:** The name of a town in Sicily, known for its medieval castle and scenic location.
92. **Portelli:** Derived from the Italian word "porta," meaning "door," possibly referring to someone who lived near a door or gate.
93. **Pucci:** From the Italian word "puccia," meaning "bun" or "roll," possibly a name given to someone who baked or sold bread.
94. **Ragusa:** The name of a city in Sicily, known for its Baroque architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
95. **Ramella:** From the Italian word "ramo," meaning "branch," possibly a name referring to someone who lived near a tree or had a distinctive branch on their family crest.
96. **Renda:** Possibly derived from the Italian word "renda," meaning "income" or "revenue," a name associated with financial prosperity.
97. **Ricciardo:** From the Italian name "Riccardo," meaning "powerful ruler" or "brave warrior."
98. **Riela:** Possibly derived from the Italian word "riello," meaning "small river" or "stream," a name associated with water sources.
99. **Rizzotto:** From the Italian word "riso," meaning "rice," a staple grain in Sicilian cuisine.
100. **Romano:** Meaning "Roman," a name indicating a person of Roman origin or descent.
101. **Russo:** From the Italian word "rosso," meaning "red," possibly referring to someone with red hair or a red complexion.
102. **Salemi:** The name of a town in Sicily, known for its medieval castle and historical significance.
103. **Sammartino:** From the Italian name "Samuele," meaning "heard by God," a name associated with biblical history.
104. **Santino:** From the Italian name "Antonio," meaning "priceless" or "worthy of praise."
105. **Scimè:** Possibly derived from the Italian word "scimmia," meaning "monkey," a name that may have been a nickname for someone who was agile or quick.
106. **Sciacca:** The name of a town in Sicily, known for its hot springs and spa facilities.
107. **Segreto:** Meaning "secret," a name that may have been given to someone who was secretive or held a secret.
108. **Serra:** Meaning "saw" or "mountain range," a name referring to a place or location with mountainous terrain.
109. **Servadio:** From the Italian word "servire," meaning "to serve," possibly a name given to someone who served in a royal court or had a position of service.
110. **Sgroi:** From the Italian word "sgroio," meaning "rubble" or "debris," possibly a name referring to someone who lived near a quarry or had a specific physical trait.
111. **Siracusa:** The name of a city in Sicily, known for its ancient Greek history and archaeological sites.
112. **Spadaro:** From the Italian word "spada," meaning "sword," a name associated with weaponry and warfare.
113. **Spina:** From the Italian word "spina," meaning "thorn," a name that may have been given to someone who was prickly or had a specific physical trait.
114. **Tagliavia:** From the Italian word "tagliare," meaning "to cut," possibly a name referring to someone who worked as a tailor or had a specific physical trait.
115. **Testa:** Meaning "head," a name that may have been given to someone with a specific head shape or hairstyle.
116. **Torregrossa:** Meaning "big tower," possibly referring to someone who lived near a large tower or had a tower as a family crest.
117. **Traina:** The name of a town in Sicily, known for its fishing industry and coastal location.
118. **Turi:** From the Italian name "Turi," meaning "incense burner," a name associated with religious rituals.
119. **Vaccaro:** Meaning "cowherd" or "cattleman," a name associated with animal husbandry and agriculture.
120. **Vadalà:** From the Italian word "valle," meaning "valley," possibly a name referring to someone who lived in a valley.
121. **Valsecchi:** Derived from the Italian word "valsecco," meaning "dry valley," possibly a name referring to a location with dry terrain.
122. **Vassallo:** Meaning "vassal," a person who holds land from a lord in return for service.
123. **Ventura:** Meaning "fortune" or "good luck," a name signifying positive fortune and prosperity.
124. **Verdi:** Meaning "green," a name that may have been given to someone with green eyes or a green complexion.
125. **Vespertino:** From the Italian word "vespero," meaning "evening," a name associated with the sunset or the end of the day.
126. **Viglione:** From the Italian word "vigna," meaning "vineyard," possibly a name given to someone who worked in a vineyard or owned one.
127. **Villari:** From the Italian word "villa," meaning "villa" or "country house," a name referring to a person who lived in a rural area or owned a villa.
128. **Virgilio:** From the Roman poet Virgil, a name associated with literature and art.
129. **Vitale:** Meaning "full of life" or "vigorous," a name signifying energy and vitality.
130. **Zappalà:** From the Italian word "zappa," meaning "hoe" or "shovel," a name possibly referring to someone who worked in agriculture.