130 Italian Last Names or Surnames with Meanings

Italy, as a country, and its culture are quite popular. From pizza to soccer, vacation to films, literature to olive oil, it has been accepted and appreciated across the globe. Nowadays, common Italian last names are also gaining popularity as names for babies. These surnames carry the country’s rich history and vibrant culture, often telling fascinating stories from generations past. They can reveal a family’s ancestry, indicate a place of origin, reflect an ancestor’s occupation, or highlight distinctive traits passed down through time. If you’ve been looking for inspiration, this curated list of Italian last names is sure to be both interesting and helpful.

Popular Last Names or Surnames

There are a number of trendy and popular Italian last names that are really sought after. Let us look at a list of such names.

1. Abate

It is a word that originated from Late Latin. The name means ‘priest’ or ‘the high priest’. It is also a common Jewish name.

2. Abella

Abella is a common habitational name heard around many places including Catalonia, Santander and Galicia. The name means ‘a bee’, and describe a person who is small yet active.

3. Accardi

This name comes from the word Achard. The name means ‘brave’ or somebody who is quite ‘hardy’. It is a common Italian surname.

4. Amato

This Italian name is derived from the Latin word ‘amatus’, it means ‘beloved’.

5. Badaracco

Badaracco is a pop family name or surname in Argentina that means ‘hero’.

6. Barberio

This is another occupational Italian surname sourced from the Italian word ‘Barbiere’. It means ‘the barber’.

7. Barone

Remember ‘Bloody Baron’ from the Harry Potter series everyone was afraid of? This Italian name is also related to ‘bravery’ or ‘courage’.

8. Bella

Be it ‘Twilight’ or ‘Money Heist’, the name Bella is iconic, considering popular culture. The name means ‘beautiful’ or ‘gift of god’s favour’.

9. Bianchi

Bianchi means “white” in Italian, often referring to fair hair, pale complexion, or symbolising purity and clarity.

10. Bruno

This name is popularised by films like ‘Bicycle Thieves’ and is adapted by races worldwide. The name means ‘people having brown hair’.

11. Cacciatore

This is a popular Italian occupational name that means ‘huntsman or hunter’.

12. Cacciola

Cacciola is of Italian origin and means ‘to chase or hunt.’

13. Conte

This popular Italian surname is one of the rich names given to those who used to work for the count. The name means ‘companion’.

14. Coppola

Coppola is another famous Italian last name that means ‘beret maker’. It implies the makers of little round hats called berets.

15. Costa

Costa or Di Costa is a very famous Italian surname (at least for soccer lovers). The meaning of the name is ‘a slope’ or ‘a coast’.

16. Di Caprio

This name doesn’t need introduction, thanks to its world-famous bearer. It is derived from the Latin word ‘Capra’, meaning ‘goat’. The name defines the residents of the island ‘Capri’.

17. De Niro

You would be surprised that this world-famous Italian name does not mean ‘taxi driver’. It rather means ‘someone with black/dark hair’.

18. Esposito

‘Castle’ fans might recognise this Italian surname instantly. This popular name originates from the Italian word ‘esposto,’ meaning ‘to expose.’

19. Ferrari

This Italian occupational last name is an equivalent to the English surname ‘Smith’, meaning ‘blacksmith.’ The famous race car brand has popularised the surname.

20. Gallo

The popular Italian surname originates from the Latin word ‘gallus’, which means ‘rooster’.

21. Gatti

Gatti is an Italian surname from the word ‘Gatto’, which means ‘tomcat’.

22. Gentile

Gentile is a very popular Italian surname that originates from the word ‘Gentilis’. The word means ‘from the same stock’.

23. Giudice

This is one of the popular Italian surnames, which means the ‘judge’ or ‘justice’.

24. Guiluliani

This is a very popular surname in Italy. It originates from the Latin word ‘Lullius’, which means ‘somebody who is youthful’.

25. Jacobucci

Jacobucci is an Italian surname derived from the given name Giacobbe, symbolising joy, happiness, and a cheerful personality.

26. Leone

Leone means “lion” in Italian, representing courage, strength, and a bold, lion-hearted spirit passed through generations.

27. Lombardi

Lombardi indicates origin from the Lombardy region of Italy, often signifying a family’s strong regional roots and heritage.

28. Magnani

Magnani is a popular Italian occupational surname derived from the word locksmith.

29. Marchetti

Marcus is the Roman God of war. This surname is derived from the words Marcus and refers to him.

30. Mariano

This is another popular Italian surname derived from the Roman God of war Ares.

31. Monti

This is one of the most famous Italian surnames. It originated from the Italian word ‘Monte’ this word means ‘the mountain’.

32. Pacione

Paciaone is a popular Italian name that means ‘calm or peaceful’.

33. Ricci

Be it an American TV show or an Italian film, this Italian surname is always a popular name. Ricci means ‘the one with curly hair’.

34. Sala

Sala is an Italian surname meaning “room” or “hall,” often referring to someone who lived near a large hall or gathering place.

35. Uccello

Uccello is a popular Italian name used for someone with bird-like characteristics.

36. Villa

This surname is famous among soccer lovers. The name means ‘someone from the village’.

37. Vanni

A popular Italian name, Vanni means ‘God’s grace’.

Common Italian Last Names or Surnames

Some Italian last names are very common and instantly recognisable. They often come from a family’s history, job, or hometown. Let’s have a look at some of the most common last names that are Italian.

1. Abato

Abato is an Italian surname meaning “servant of a priest,” often reflecting families with religious devotion or clerical connections.

2. Abbruzzese

Abbruzzese is an Italian surname meaning “from Abruzzo,” indicating ancestral roots in the Abruzzo region of Italy.

3. Agosti

Here is another Italian name that originated from a Latin word (Augustus). The name means someone who is ‘blessed with good omens’.

4. Badolato

This is a habitational name from Badolato in the Catanzaro province of Calabria.

5. Baio

This is an interesting name for a family where everyone has reddish or light brown hair (or beard). It also means ‘horse.’

6. Ballerini

This is one of the most graceful and cool names popular among Italian people. The name is apt for the one who dances. It is an occupational name for a dancer.

7. Carbone

This typical Italian surname is another occupational name borne by the ‘coal miners’. The name means ‘coal’ or ‘charcoal’.

8. Cattaneo

This Italian surname means ‘captain’. This family name is derived from a family that captained a group of ships in the Medieval ages.

9. Danella

Danella is a Hebrew name Meaning ‘God is my Judge’.

10. Di Maggio

This uncommon Italian surname means ‘the eldest son’.

11.  Donato

The origin of this name is the Latin word ‘Donare’ which implies ‘to give’.

12. Evola

Evola is a topographic name derived from ebbio ‘danewort’, having Latin roots.

13. Fabbri

The Italian surname Fabbri is derived from the Latin word ‘faber’ which means ‘craftsman’.

14. Fabbro

Fabbro is an occupational name for an ironworker or smith derived from the Latin word.

15. Farina

Farina is another occupational last name in Italy. The name meaning ‘flour’ is mostly given to millers or flour merchants. It is also a perfect name for girls with a pale complexion.

16. Giordano

This is a surname which is derived from the Italian version of ‘Jordan’, the holy river. The name means ‘flow down’ or ‘descend’.

17. Grasso

The Italian surname Grasso refers to somebody who is stout.

18. Guerra

Guerra is another very strong name for a courageous baby. It is a common Italian surname that means war. Usually, this last name refers to soldiers.

19. Lacovelli

This is an interesting surname derived from the ancient Hebrew name “Yaakov” which means “following-after.

20. Lagorio

This is an Italian and Argentinian nickname from the Ligurian dialect that means ‘green lizard’.

21. Laguardia

Laguardia is an Italian and Spanish nickname that means ‘guardian’.

22. Longo

Longo is an Italian surname meaning “long” or “tall,” often used to describe ancestors’ height or prominent physical features.

23. Mancini

This is another common surname in Italy. The word means ‘ambidextrous’ or ‘someone who’s right and left-hand work with equal dexterity’.

24. Manzo

This is another mythological Italian last name which means ‘a person resembling an ox’.

25. Marino

This last name is habitational, and is derived from the Latin word ‘Marinus’. It means ‘of the sea’.

26. Martini

Rome is known for its rich heritage and mythology. So, most Italian last names are derived from mythological connotations. Martini is derived from Mars, the Roman God of War.

27. Mazza

This is an Italian surname that means ‘club’, ‘mace’ or ‘hammer’. This is an occupational surname popularly borne by toolmakers.

28. Netto

Netto is a descriptive surname of Portuguese origin, meaning “grandson,” often highlighting family lineage or generational connections.

29. Piazza

Piazza is an Italian surname meaning “town square,” usually referring to families who lived near or worked around central gathering places.

30. Porzio

Porzio is an Italian surname historically linked to “hogs” or swine, likely referring to ancestors involved in farming or livestock.

31. Racanelli

This is an occupational name derived from the Italian local dialect meaning ‘knitted or woven material’.

32. Romano

Quite as it suggests, the Italian surname means ‘someone from Rome’.

33. Sutera

This is derived from the Japanese word meaning ‘star’.

34. Tabacchi

Tabacchi is an Italian patronymic name that means the plural form of Tobacco.

35. Vannucci

Vannucci is derived from the biblical name ‘Yochanan’ which means ‘someone who is favoured with a son’.

36. Zaffino

Zaffino is derived from Jafina, an Arabic name that means ‘Paradise’.

37. Zanella

 Zanella means Italian wool or twill fabric used by natives.

Cool Italian Last Names or Surnames

Cool Italian last names have a fun, unique vibe that makes them stand out. They often sound stylish and carry interesting stories or meanings. Check out these cool and wealthy Italian surnames.

1. Accetta

This is one of the old names of Italy from the medieval period. It is derived from the Latin name ‘acceptus’, meaning ‘welcome’ or ‘well-liked’.

2. Ajello

This is an occupational Italian surname derived from the Latin word ‘ager’ (meaning field).   The name is borne mostly by the farmers.

3. Allegro

This is another Italian last name related to music and musical instruments. It means ‘cheerful’ or ‘brisk tempo’.

4. Armani

An Italian surname, effortlessly popularised by a luxury brand of the same name. The name means ‘man of force’.

5. D’Angelo

This is another beautiful Italian name; it means someone who is ‘angelic’.

6. Badami

It is a Sicilian name that is believed to have an Arabic etymology. It means ‘almond’.

7. Bernardi

This is another Italian name that means ‘strong’ or ‘hard’. It originated from the word ‘Bernhard’, a combination of the words ‘bear’ or ‘hard’.

8. Bianco

This one sounds quite close to the last name. It means ‘white’.

9. Capone

This name is perfect for headstrong people. It means someone who is ‘arrogant’ or ‘large-headed’.

10. Colombo

It is an Italian surname that shares its name with the Capital city of Sri Lanka. The name means ‘dove’.

11. Damone

In Greek, the name Damone is ‘Gentle or to tame’.

12. DeVille

It is another cool Italian name that means ‘a villa’ or ‘a village’. Some also say that the name means ‘the settlement of God’.

13. Evangelisti

Evangelisti is a derivative of the Greek word euangelos which means ‘bringer of good news’.

14. Floris

This beautiful Italian surname means ‘flower blossom’, to bloom’, or ‘to flourish.’

15. Fontana

This surname has a musical origin derived from the Latin word ‘Fon’. The name means ‘spring’ and is given to the people who live near a spring.

16. Gennari

Gennari is an Italian surname that means ‘goldsmith’.

17. Gennaro

Gennaro is a baby boy’s name having Italian origin and means ‘of Janus’.

18. Greco

The Italian name Greco is derived from the Latin word ‘Graecus’, which means ‘Greek’ or ‘someone who originated from Greece’.

19. Jacaruso

This name is a compound word rooted in the southern Italian language that means ‘lad boy’.

20. Lacobucci

The surname Iacobucci was first found in Florence and means ‘the follower’.

21. Lamagna

This is an Italian ethnic name for a member of the Alemanni which is an ancient Germanic town.

22. Lastra

This is a beautiful name for a baby girl derived from an Italian last name that means a ‘huge slab of rock’.

23. Leto

Leto is an Italian surname meaning “joyful” or “cheerful,” often reflecting a lively, happy, and positive ancestral personality.

24. Magliozzi

Magliozzi is an Italian patronymic or plural form of Maglio.

25. Messina

The name means ‘someone who is from the city of Messana’.

26. Morelli

Morelli is a name derived from the ‘moor’ community of Rome and refers to a person of brown or dark complexion.

27. Moriotto

One of the stylish Italian surnames, Moriotto is derived from the Italian word ‘Moretto’. It means ‘dark hair’.

28. Neve

Neve is a feminine name of Latin origin that means ‘snow’.

29. Pacitti

The surname Pacitti is derived from the Latin word ‘pax’ that means peace.

30. Pesci

This Italian name means ‘fisherman’. It is an occupational surname.

31. Rabito

Rabito is a short form of the arabic ethnic name that means ‘follower’.

32. Susi

Susi as a girl’s name is of Hebrew origin, and the meaning of Susi is ‘lilly’.

33. Taddeo

This is another Italian name derived from the local Latin term Thaddeus.

34. Testa

Testa is an Italian surname meaning “the head,” often used to describe a leader, chief, or prominent family figure.

35. Uberti

Uberti is the plural form of Uberto that is a short form of the ancient Germanic word meaning ‘famous by birth’.

36. Zanca

This Italian surname means ‘bow-legged’ is derived from local Mexican dialect.

Rare Italian Last Names or Surnames

Rare Italian last names are unique and full of history. They often come from specific regions or special family traditions. Let’s look at some of the rarest and most fascinating Italian surnames.

1. Agostini

Agostini is derived from the Latin name “Augustinus,” meaning “venerable” or “majestic,” often linked to respected ancestors.

2. Baggio

Baggio is a surname associated with a region or town, often used to indicate someone from a small Italian community.

3. Caivano

Caivano likely originates from a place name in Italy, representing families historically tied to the Campania region.

4. De Luca

De Luca means “son of Luca,” highlighting lineage and connecting the family to a forefather named Luca.

5. Evangelista

Evangelista translates to “evangelist” or “messenger of good news,” often reflecting religious devotion in the family’s history.

6. Ferrara

Ferrara indicates origin from the Italian city of Ferrara, often representing families with deep regional roots.

7. Grillo

Grillo means “cricket” in Italian and was likely used as a nickname for someone lively or talkative.

8. Leoni

Leoni translates to “lions” and symbolises bravery, strength, and courage passed down through generations.

9. Marmo

Marmo means “marble” in Italian, often given to families involved in stonework or marble craftsmanship.

10. Napoli

Napoli refers to the city of Naples, denoting ancestry or strong connections to this iconic Italian region.

11. Orsini

Orsini derives from “orso,” meaning “bear,” symbolising strength, courage, and a noble lineage.

12. Pera

Pera translates to “pear” in Italian, often used as a nickname or to indicate association with pear orchards.

13. Quattro

Quattro means “four” and was likely used to distinguish families by number, such as the fourth child or generation.

14. Riva

Riva means “shore” or “riverbank,” commonly denoting families living near a waterfront or riverside area.

15. Sica

Sica originates from the Italian word for “dagger,” hinting at ancestral ties to warriors or protection.

16. Serra

Serra means “greenhouse” or “mountain ridge,” often referencing a family’s location or agricultural background.

17. Vinci

Vinci refers to the town of Vinci and is famously associated with genius and creativity, like Leonardo da Vinci.

18. Vespa

Vespa means “wasp” in Italian and might have originated as a nickname for someone energetic or quick.

19. Zappa

Zappa translates to “hoe,” likely indicating ancestors who were farmers or worked the land.

20. Zucca

Zucca means “pumpkin” in Italian and could have been used as a playful nickname or occupational reference.

FAQs

1. What is the origin of Italian surnames?

Italian surnames originated during the Middle Ages to help identify individuals as populations grew. They often came from a person’s occupation, physical traits, place of origin, or the name of an ancestor. These surnames carry rich cultural and historical significance, reflecting Italy’s diverse regions and traditions.

2. What is the most common last name in Italy?

The most common last name in Italy is Rossi, which means “red-haired” or “the one with red hair.” It’s widespread across the country and has been a popular family name for centuries.

Popular Italian surnames can also make really good first names. Some of these names are trendy and unique; their popularity is increasing with time. If you want to embrace the trend, you can pick any of these last names to make your kid’s name sound smart!

Also Read:

Powerful & Strong Last Names or Surnames
Popular Southern Last Names or Surnames
Greek Last Names or Surnames with Meanings
British (English) Last Names or Surnames

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