Top 100 Most Common Last Names in the Italy

Italian last names are a fascinating aspect of Italian culture and heritage, reflecting the country’s rich history, geography, and linguistic diversity. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Italian last names, exploring their origins, meanings, and cultural significance.

A Brief History of Italian Last Names

Italian last names, also known as cognomi, have a long and complex history. During the Middle Ages, Italians used a single name, often based on their occupation, location, or personal characteristic. The use of surnames became more widespread in the 11th century, as the population grew and identification became more necessary.

Many Italian last names are derived from:

• Occupations: Rossi (blacksmith), Ferrari (blacksmith), Bianchi (weaver)
• Places: Lombardi (from Lombardy), Toscano (from Tuscany), Romano (from Rome)
• Personal characteristics: Bruno (brown-haired), Bianco (white-haired), Russo (red-haired)

Italian Last Names

Popular Italian Last Names

Here are some of the most common Italian last names, along with their meanings and origins:

• Rossi: Derived from the Italian word for “red,” likely referring to red hair or a ruddy complexion.
• Bianchi: Means “white” in Italian, possibly indicating fair hair or skin.
• Esposito: Originates from the Latin “expositus,” meaning “exposed” or “abandoned,” likely referring to a foundling.
• Romano: Indicates someone from Rome or the surrounding region.
• Colombo: Means “dove” in Italian, symbolizing peace and hope.

Regional Variations and Cultural Significance

Italian last names often reflect regional and cultural differences. For example:

• Northern Italy: Last names like Ferrari and Rossi are more common in the north, reflecting the region’s industrial and commercial heritage.
• Southern Italy: Names like Esposito and Bruno are more prevalent in the south, where the legacy of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations is still evident.
• Sicily: Last names like Caruso and La Rosa reflect the island’s unique cultural blend of Italian, Greek, and Arabic influences.

Most Common Italy Surnames By Rank

Rank	Surname	Origin	Estimated Population
1	Rossi	Italian	85,500
2	Russo	Italian	82,000
3	Ferrari	Italian	78,500
4	Esposito	Italian	75,000
5	Bianchi	Italian	73,000
6	Romano	Italian	70,000
7	Colombo	Italian	68,000
8	Ricci	Italian	66,000
9	Marino	Italian	64,500
10	Greco	Italian	63,000
11	Bruno	Italian	61,000
12	Gallo	Italian	59,500
13	Conti	Italian	58,000
14	De Luca	Italian	57,000
15	Costa	Italian	55,500
16	Giordano	Italian	54,000
17	Rinaldi	Italian	52,500
18	Lombardi	Italian	51,000
19	Leone	Italian	50,000
20	Longo	Italian	48,500
21	Caruso	Italian	47,000
22	Moretti	Italian	45,500
23	Santoro	Italian	44,000
24	Bianco	Italian	43,000
25	Vitale	Italian	41,500
26	Lombardo	Italian	40,000
27	Serra	Italian	39,000
28	Ferraro	Italian	38,000
29	Silvestri	Italian	37,000
30	Bellucci	Italian	36,000
31	Bernardi	Italian	35,000
32	Ricciardi	Italian	34,000
33	Caputo	Italian	33,000
34	Barone	Italian	32,000
35	Sorrentino	Italian	31,000
36	Romano	Italian	30,000
37	Benedetti	Italian	29,500
38	Rizzo	Italian	29,000
39	Mazza	Italian	28,500
40	Gatti	Italian	28,000
41	Palumbo	Italian	27,500
42	Benedetto	Italian	27,000
43	De Santis	Italian	26,500
44	Amato	Italian	26,000
45	Basile	Italian	25,500
46	Coppola	Italian	25,000
47	Grassi	Italian	24,500
48	Leone	Italian	24,000
49	Monti	Italian	23,500
50	Marchesi	Italian	23,000
51	Mancini	Italian	22,500
52	Parisi	Italian	22,000
53	Vitali	Italian	21,500
54	De Angelis	Italian	21,000
55	Fabbri	Italian	20,500
56	Marchetti	Italian	20,000
57	Sartori	Italian	19,500
58	Valli	Italian	19,000
59	D’Angelo	Italian	18,500
60	Riva	Italian	18,000
61	Marino	Italian	17,500
62	Martinelli	Italian	17,000
63	Gianni	Italian	16,500
64	Martini	Italian	16,000
65	Neri	Italian	15,500
66	Basso	Italian	15,000
67	Ruggiero	Italian	14,500
68	Villa	Italian	14,000
69	Marini	Italian	13,500
70	De Luca	Italian	13,000
71	Battaglia	Italian	12,500
72	Serra	Italian	12,000
73	Fiore	Italian	11,500
74	Piras	Italian	11,000
75	De Rosa	Italian	10,500
76	Guerra	Italian	10,000
77	Benedetti	Italian	9,500
78	Bruno	Italian	9,000
79	Gallo	Italian	8,500
80	Lombardi	Italian	8,000
81	Costa	Italian	7,500
82	Conti	Italian	7,000
83	Rizzi	Italian	6,500
84	Ferrara	Italian	6,000
85	Martino	Italian	5,500
86	Gallo	Italian	5,000
87	Santoro	Italian	4,500
88	De Rosa	Italian	4,000
89	Vitale	Italian	3,500
90	Monti	Italian	3,000
91	Ricci	Italian	2,500
92	Amato	Italian	2,000
93	De Luca	Italian	1,500
94	Fiore	Italian	1,000
95	Romano	Italian	900
96	Bruno	Italian	850
97	Costa	Italian	800
98	Giordano	Italian	750
99	Russo	Italian	700
100	Ferrari	Italian	650

Unique Italian Last Names

1. Amatucci

Meaning: “Loved one”
Origin: Southern Italy

2. Calvelli

Meaning: “Horn”
Origin: Northern Italy

3. D’Alessandro

Meaning: “Son of Alexander”
Origin: Southern Italy

4. Falcioni

Meaning: “Falcon”
Origin: Central Italy

5. Gagliardi

Meaning: “Brave”
Origin: Southern Italy

6. Marconcini

Meaning: “Hammer”
Origin: Northern Italy

7. Natale

Meaning: “Christmas”
Origin: Southern Italy

8. Orlandini

Meaning: “Famous throughout the land”
Origin: Central Italy

9. Pagliarello

Meaning: “Little leaf”
Origin: Southern Italy

10. Zucca

Meaning: “Pumpkin”
Origin: Northern Italy

Beautiful Italian Last Names

1. Belladonna

Meaning: “Beautiful woman”
Origin: Northern Italy

2. Calandra

Meaning: “Lark”
Origin: Southern Italy

3. D’Angelo

Meaning: “Of the angel”
Origin: Central Italy

4. Fiorentino

Meaning: “From Florence”
Origin: Tuscany

5. Gabrielli

Meaning: “God is my strength”
Origin: Northern Italy

6. Lombardi

Meaning: “From Lombardy”
Origin: Northern Italy

7. Mariani

Meaning: “Bitter”
Origin: Southern Italy

8. Moretti

Meaning: “Moors”
Origin: Northern Italy

9. Ravelli

Meaning: “Raven”
Origin: Northern Italy

10. Sartori

Meaning: “Tailor”
Origin: Northern Italy

Rare Italian Last Names

Here are some rare Italian last names:

• Abbate (from the Latin “abbas,” meaning “abbot”)
• Ammirati (from the Latin “admirari,” meaning “to admire”)
• Cappelli (meaning “hats” or “caps”)
• Caradonna (from the Latin “carus,” meaning “dear” and “donna,” meaning “woman”)
• Ficarra (from the Sicilian “ficari,” meaning “to fix” or “to repair”)
• Gagliardi (meaning “brave” or “strong”)
• Lavolta (from the Latin “la vota,” meaning “the vote”)
• Mazzetti (meaning “little tomcats”)
• Nobile (meaning “noble”)
• Pappalardo (from the Greek “pappas,” meaning “priest” and the Latin “lardum,” meaning “lard”)
• Riccitelli (meaning “little rich ones”)
• Santoro (meaning “saint” or “holy”)
• Tinnirello (from the Latin “tinnire,” meaning “to ring”)
• Vitali (meaning “life”)

Uncommon Italian Last Names

1. Amatucci
2. Cascioli
3. Cecchinelli
4. Ciaramella
5. Crescenzi
6. Falconieri
7. Gagliardo
8. Gismondi
9. Lattanzi
10. Marrone
11. Mastroianni
12. Mercuri
13. Michelini
14. Mignogna
15. Nobili
16. Pantaleo
17. Pellegrini
18. Quaranta
19. Raschetti

Long Italian Last Names

1. Antonucci
2. Bartolomeucci
3. Calandrelli
4. Cappelletti
5. Carrozzini
6. Cascioli
7. Cecchinelli
8. Ciaramellini
9. Cristofanilli
10. De Francesco
11. De Santis
12. Di Girolamo
13. Falconieri
14. Gagliardotti
15. Giannini
16. Mancinelli
17. Marinellii
18. Mastroianni
19. Michelangeli

Most common surnames Italian Last Names

• Rossi: This surname originates from the Italian word for the color red, “rosso.” It is believed to be related to individuals with red hair or a reddish complexion.
• Russo: Possibly a variant of Rossi, signifies a reddish complexion or someone of Russian origin.
• Ferrari: This surname originated in Italy. It is the plural form of Ferraro, which means blacksmith in Italian.
• Esposito: This last name historically referred to foundlings, children who were abandoned at birth or at a young age by their biological parents.
• Bianchi: This is the plural form of the Italian word bianco, which means “white.”
• Colombo: Originating from the Late Latin name “Columba,” the name “Colombo” not only evokes the serene beauty and grace of the dove but also symbolizes hope and renewal across Italian culture.
• Romano: This surname has its roots in the Latin name Romanus, which was used to identify individuals from Rome or Roman citizens from the city of Rome.
• Bruno: This surname is of Italian origin, and it is derived from the word “bruno,” which means brown.
• Ricci: This surname offers a glimpse into the past, celebrating the natural beauty and unique characteristics that defined a person or family.
• Marino: The name Marino has both a personal and a habitational origin. It is derived from the Latin name Marinus, which is thought to have originated from the male name Marius or the female name Maria.
• Costa: This surname means “rib,” “side,” “flank,” or “coast.” It typically refers to someone who lived on a slope, river bank, or coast.
• Gallo: This surname is derived from the Latin word “gallus,” meaning “rooster.”
• Conti: This name originated from the Italian title of rank known as “conte,” which means “count.”
• Greco: This surname originated from the Latin word “Graecus,” meaning Greek.
• Giordano: This surname carries with it the essence of flowing waters, symbolizing a journey through time and history.
• Rizzo: This surname is derived from “Riccio,” meaning “curly,” traditionally given as a nickname to those with curly hair, reflecting the practice of naming based on physical characteristics in Italian culture.
• Mancini: This surname denotes left-handedness, celebrating this unique trait in a singularly Italian tradition.
• Villa: This name originated from the Latin word “villa,” which initially meant a country house estate.
• Lombardi: This surname is derived from Lombardo and is generally associated with individuals who come from Lombardy, a region in northern Italy.
• De Luca: This surname has Italian roots, being a patronymic name that comes from the personal name Luca, the Italian equivalent of Lucas.

Italian Last Names Starting With A

• Amato
• Esposito
• Albanese
• Aiello
• Ammirati
• Argento
• Esposito
• Abramo
• Altieri
• Affatato
• Ambrosino
• Avitabile

Some of the most common Italian surnames starting with A, according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), include:

• Amato (found in 2.6% of the population)
• Aiello (found in 1.4% of the population)
• Albanese (found in 1.3% of the population)
• Esposito (found in 1.2% of the population)
• Abramo (found in 1.1% of the population)

Italian Last Names Starting With B

Here are some common Italian last names starting with B:

• Bianchi
• Bruno
• Barbieri
• Bernardi
• Berti
• Baldassarre
• Bellini
• Bianco
• Bonfiglio
• Borriello
• Benedetti
• Bizzarri
• Battaglia
• Buzzelli

Some of the most common Italian surnames starting with B, according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), include:

• Bianchi (found in 3.3% of the population)
• Bruno (found in 2.1% of the population)
• Barbieri (found in 1.6% of the population)
• Bernardi (found in 1.4% of the population)
• Berti (found in 1.3% of the population)

Italian Last Names Starting With C

Here are some common Italian last names starting with C:

• Conti
• Caruso
• Costa
• Colombo
• Corsini
• Esposito
• Ciaramella
• Cappelli
• Cannavaro
• Cardinale
• Castelli
• Catalano
• Cerruti
• Chiaramonte
• Ciccone

Some of the most common Italian surnames starting with C, according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), include:

• Conti (found in 2.4% of the population)
• Caruso (found in 1.8% of the population)
• Costa (found in 1.7% of the population)
• Colombo (found in 1.5% of the population)
• Corsini (found in 1.3% of the population)

Italian Last Names Starting With D

Here are some common Italian last names starting with D:

• De Luca
• D’Alessandro
• Di Stefano
• Donati
• Durante
• D’Amico
• De Santis
• De Marco
• De Angelis
• D’Antonio
• Di Napoli
• Dragonetti
• De Felice
• De Francesco

Some of the most common Italian surnames starting with D, according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), include:

• De Luca (found in 1.9% of the population)
• D’Alessandro (found in 1.4% of the population)
• Di Stefano (found in 1.3% of the population)
• Donati (found in 1.2% of the population)
• Durante (found in 1.1% of the population)

Italian Last Names Starting With E

Here are some common Italian last names starting with E:

• Esposito
• Evangelista
• Errico
• Esposito
• Epiceno
• Evangelisti
• Ermini
• Egidi
• Esposito
• Errichiello
• Evangelisti
• Esposito
• Emilio
• Enrico

Some of the most common Italian surnames starting with E, according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), include:

• Esposito (found in 2.5% of the population)
• Evangelista (found in 0.8% of the population)
• Errico (found in 0.7% of the population)
• Esposito (found in 0.6% of the population)
• Epiceno (found in 0.5% of the population)

Note: Esposito is a very common surname in Italy, and it’s possible that it appears multiple times in the list due to variations in spelling or regional differences.

Italian Last Names Starting With F

Here are some common Italian last names starting with F:

• Ferrari
• Russo
• Franzese
• Falcone
• Farina
• Fazio
• Fiorentino
• Fontana
• Frattini
• Fusco
• Fabrizi
• Ferrara
• Ferro
• Florio

Some of the most common Italian surnames starting with F, according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), include:

• Ferrari (found in 2.3% of the population)
• Franzese (found in 1.1% of the population)
• Falcone (found in 1% of the population)
• Farina (found in 0.9% of the population)
• Fazio (found in 0.8% of the population)

Note: Some of these surnames may have variations in spelling or regional differences, which can affect their frequency and distribution.

Italian Last Names Starting With G

Here are some common Italian last names starting with G:

• Giordano
• Gambino
• Gallo
• Gentile
• Giannini
• Grasso
• Greco
• Guerra
• Guidi
• Gatti
• Gazzara
• Gelato
• Gigli

Some of the most common Italian surnames starting with G, according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), include:

• Giordano (found in 1.6% of the population)
• Gambino (found in 1.2% of the population)
• Gallo (found in 1.1% of the population)
• Gentile (found in 1% of the population)
• Giannini (found in 0.9% of the population)

Note: Some of these surnames may have variations in spelling or regional differences, which can affect their frequency and distribution.

Italian Last Names Starting With H

Here are some common Italian last names starting with H:

• Bruno (note: H is sometimes used instead of B in some Italian surnames)
• Hoffer
• Huber (common in Northern Italy, particularly in the region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol)
• Hlavac (common in Northern Italy, particularly in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia)
• Hren (common in Northern Italy, particularly in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia)
• Hrovatin (common in Northern Italy, particularly in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia)
• Hutter (common in Northern Italy, particularly in the region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol)

Note: Italian surnames starting with H are relatively rare, as the letter H is not native to the Italian alphabet. Many of these surnames have been introduced by foreign influences, particularly from German-speaking countries.

Italian Last Names Starting With I

Here are some common Italian last names starting with I:

• Esposito (note: I is sometimes used instead of E in some Italian surnames)
• Ianni
• Iannucci
• Iaquinta
• Iavarone
• Ibba
• Imperatore
• Inzaghi
• Iorio
• Iossa
• Iovine
• Izzo

Some of the most common Italian surnames starting with I, according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), include:

• Ianni (found in 1.4% of the population)
• Iannucci (found in 0.8% of the population)
• Iaquinta (found in 0.6% of the population)
• Imperatore (found in 0.5% of the population)

Note: Some of these surnames may have variations in spelling or regional differences, which can affect their frequency and distribution.

Italian Last Names Starting With J

Here are some common Italian last names starting with J:

• Jannuzzi
• Jaeger (common in Northern Italy, particularly in the region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol)
• Jelmini (common in Northern Italy, particularly in the region of Lombardy)
• Jorio
• Jossa
• Jurman (common in Northern Italy, particularly in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia)

Note: Italian surnames starting with J are relatively rare, as the letter J is not native to the Italian alphabet. Many of these surnames have been introduced by foreign influences, particularly from German-speaking countries.

Some of the most common Italian surnames starting with J, according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), include:

• Jannuzzi (found in 0.4% of the population)
• Jorio (found in 0.3% of the population)
• Jossa (found in 0.2% of the population)

Italian Last Names Starting With K

Here are some common Italian last names starting with K:

• Kanazza (common in Northern Italy, particularly in the region of Lombardy)
• Kuhn (common in Northern Italy, particularly in the region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol)
• Kuster (common in Northern Italy, particularly in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia)
• Kofler (common in Northern Italy, particularly in the region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol)
• Kramer (common in Northern Italy, particularly in the region of Lombardy)
• Kress (common in Northern Italy, particularly in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia)
• Krieg (common in Northern Italy, particularly in the region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol)

Note: Italian surnames starting with K are relatively rare, as the letter K is not native to the Italian alphabet. Many of these surnames have been introduced by foreign influences, particularly from German-speaking countries.

Some of the most common Italian surnames starting with K, according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), include:

• Kanazza (found in 0.2% of the population)
• Kuhn (found in 0.1% of the population)

Italian Last Names Starting With L

Here are some common Italian last names starting with L:

• La Rosa
• Lombardi
• Luca
• La Barbera
• Lupo
• Longo
• Leonardi
• Lazzari
• Liberti
• Lombardo
• La Torre
• Lo Cascio
• La Vecchia

Some of the most common Italian surnames starting with L, according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), include:

• Lombardi (found in 2.1% of the population)
• Luca (found in 1.8% of the population)
• La Rosa (found in 1.5% of the population)
• Longo (found in 1.4% of the population)
• Leonardi (found in 1.3% of the population)

Note: Some of these surnames may have variations in spelling or regional differences, which can affect their frequency and distribution.

Italian Last Names Starting With M

Here are some common Italian last names starting with M:

• Marino
• Martino
• Mazzarella
• Messina
• Milano
• Moretti
• Mariani
• Marchetti
• Mancini
• Mannucci
• Mastroianni
• Mazzuca
• Medici
• Miceli
• Monaco

Some of the most common Italian surnames starting with M, according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), include:

• Marino (found in 2.5% of the population)
• Martino (found in 2.1% of the population)
• Mazzarella (found in 1.8% of the population)
• Messina (found in 1.6% of the population)
• Milano (found in 1.5% of the population)

Note: Some of these surnames may have variations in spelling or regional differences, which can affect their frequency and distribution.

Italian Last Names Starting With N

Here are some common Italian last names starting with N:

• Napoli
• Neri
• Nicoletti
• Nigro
• Nitti
• Nobile
• Novelli
• Nardini
• Natali
• Negrini
• Nunziante
• Natale
• Nardi

Some of the most common Italian surnames starting with N, according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), include:

• Napoli (found in 1.4% of the population)
• Neri (found in 1.2% of the population)
• Nicoletti (found in 1.1% of the population)
• Nigro (found in 1% of the population)
• Nitti (found in 0.9% of the population)

Note: Some of these surnames may have variations in spelling or regional differences, which can affect their frequency and distribution.

Italian Last Names Starting With O

Here are some common Italian last names starting with O:

• Olivieri
• Orlando
• Ottaviani
• Oteri
• Oddo
• Onofri
• Orlandi
• Osvaldo
• Omodeo
• Olivetto
• Oliva
• Orazi
• Ottolini

Some of the most common Italian surnames starting with O, according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), include:

• Olivieri (found in 1.3% of the population)
• Orlando (found in 1.2% of the population)
• Ottaviani (found in 1.1% of the population)
• Oteri (found in 1% of the population)
• Oddo (found in 0.9% of the population)

Italian Last Names Starting With P

Here are some common Italian last names starting with P:

• Rossi (note: P and R are often interchangeable in Italian surnames)
• Patrizi
• Pellegrini
• Pancaldi
• Paolini
• Papaleo
• Parise
• Pasquali
• Pecorari
• Pedone
• Pellizzari
• Peretti
• Petri
• Piccini
• Pierri
• Pignati
• Pinelli
• Piro

Some of the most common Italian surnames starting with P, according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), include:

• Patrizi (found in 1.4% of the population)
• Pellegrini (found in 1.3% of the population)
• Pancaldi (found in 1.2% of the population)
• Paolini (found in 1.1% of the population)
• Pasquali (found in 1% of the population)

Italian Last Names Starting With Q

Here are some Italian last names starting with Q:

• Quattrociocchi: Derived from the regional word “rabotino, rabbottino,” which means plane
• Quali: Unique surname that has a one-of-a-kind quality that sets it apart from more common surnames
• Quaglia: Unique surname that has a one-of-a-kind quality that sets it apart from more common surnames
• Quaglioni: Unique surname that has a one-of-a-kind quality that sets it apart from more common surnames
• Quadri: Unique surname that has a one-of-a-kind quality that sets it apart from more common surnames
• Quagliata: Unique surname that has a one-of-a-kind quality that sets it apart from more common surnames
• Quercetti: Unique surname that has a one-of-a-kind quality that sets it apart from more common surnames
• Quercia: Unique surname that has a one-of-a-kind quality that sets it apart from more common surnames
• Querin: Unique surname that has a one-of-a-kind quality that sets it apart from more common surnames
• Querini: Unique surname that has a one-of-a-kind quality that sets it apart from more common surnames

Some of the most common Italian surnames starting with Q , according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), include:

• Quattrociocchi (found in 0.6% of the population)

Italian Last Names Starting With R

Here are some Italian last names starting with R:

• Rabottini: derived from the regional word “rabotino, rabbottino,” which means plane
• Raimondo: derived from the German first name Raimondo, which consists of “ragin,” meaning decision inspired by the Gods, and “munda,” meaning protection
• Ranieri: derived from the medieval first name Raneri
• Rapino: derived from the town of Rapino, indicating origin
• Reale: derived from the word “re,” meaning king
• Ricci: derived from the adjective “riccio,” meaning curly (hair)
• Rinaldi: derived from the first name Rinaldo of German origin
• Romano: derived from the adjective “romano,” meaning citizen of Rome
• Rossi: derived from the nickname “rosso,” meaning red, to indicate someone with red hair
• Rovera: derived from “rovere,” to indicate a place with oaks
• Ruffini: derived from the first name Ruffino or Rufino, which was used in the 5th century
• Ruggeri: derived from the first name Ruggiero, which was introduced in Southern Italy after the Norman domination

Some of the most common Italian surnames starting with R, according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), include:

• Rossi (found in 4.4% of the population)
• Ricci (found in 3.3% of the population)
• Rizzo (found in 2.4% of the population)
• Romano (found in 2.2% of the population)

Italian Last Names Starting With S

• Santoro: Saint
• Savelli: From the name of the italic population of Sabellians
• Sacchetti: From the word “sacco” = sack, bag, to indicate someone that makes, transports or loads sacks
• Salvatore: From the first name Salvatore meaning Saviour
• Santini: From the first name Santo, possibly connected to someone acting as a saint, or who has connection with religious things
• Saracino: From the word “Saracino” = Saracen, used in the Middle Age to indicate Arabs and Muslims
• Sasso: From the name of a place that includes the word “sasso” = stone, rock
• Saverio: From the first name Saverio, derived from the Spanish family name “Xavier”
• Silvestri: From the first name “Silvestro”, derived from the Latin “silvester” = who lives in the wood, not educated, wild
• Simone: From the first name Simone, derived from the Hebrew name “Sim’on”, from the verb “sama” = to listen
• Spadaccini: From the word “spada” = sword, to indicate someone that works or makes swords, also someone that works in the army or is able to use that.

Italian Last Names Starting With T

• Taccone : From the word “taccone” meaning patch, derived from a job; also from the Germanic first name Takko, derived from thaka = roof, protection.
• Taddei : From the first name Taddeo.
• Tagliacozzi : From the name of the town of Tagliacozzo, province of L’Aquila.
• Taglieri : From the word “tagliere” meaning a wood kitchen tool where food is cut or homemade pasta is prepared; to indicate a person who used those tools for the job.
• Tamburro : From the word “tamburo” meaning drums; to indicate someone who plays that musical instrument.
• Tancredi : From the first name Tancredo of German origin, consisting of “thanka” = thinking and “rhada” = advise.
• Tanzi : From the first name Lattanzio, derived from the Latin “Lactantius” from an ancient vegetation goddess “Lactans”.
• Taraborrelli : From the name of the town of Borrello, province of Chieti, derived from “Burrello”, name of a branch of the Great Counts of Marsi.
• Taraschi : From the Latin scientific name of a plant “taraxacum officinalis”, in dialect “tarasseche” = a kind of Flower (Dente di leone).
• Taricani : Probably from the Arab root “tariq” meaning “who arrives during the night”.
• Tarquini : From the first name Tarquinio, derived from the Latin “tarquinius” = someone from Tarquinia.
• Tartaglia : From the word tartaglia meaning stutterer, used as a nickname.
• Tassoni : From the word “tasso” with its different meanings = badger and also a kind of tree.
• Taviani : From the first name Ottavio, derived from the noble family name “Octavia”. Name given by the Romans to the 8th child born in a family.
• Teodori : From the first name Teodoro, derived from the Greek name “Theodoros” = gift of God.
• Tedeschi : From the word “tedesco” = someone from Germany.
• Tenaglia : From the word “tenaglia” = pincers, to indicate someone who works with that.
• Testa : From the word “testa” = head, derived from the Latin “testam” = shell, used as a nickname for physic or intellectual characteristics.
• Teti : Probably from Albania, derived from the name of the town of Theti or from the Greek word “thetes” = laborers.
• Tiberi : From the first name Tiberio, derived from the “tiberius” = someone born or that lives near the Tiber river.
• Tieri : From the German first name Gualtiero, derived from “Waldhari”, consisting of “waldaz” = boss, powerful and “harja” = army

Italian Last Names Starting With U

Here are some Italian last names starting with U:

• Uberti: From the Germanic name “Humbert”
• Uccelli: Birds
• Ugolini: From the Latin “Ugo,” meaning “mind, intellect”
• Umberto: From the Germanic name “Humbert”
• Urbani: From the Latin “urbanus,” meaning “city dweller”
• Usai: From the Sardinian word “usai,” meaning “water”
• Ussi: From the Sardinian word “ussi,” meaning “nose”
• Uccello: Bird
• Ughi: From the Germanic name “Ugo”
• Uliano: From the Latin “Julianus,” meaning “descended from Jupiter”
• Umbro: From the Latin “umbra,” meaning “shadow”
• Urbano: From the Latin “urbanus,” meaning “city dweller”
• Ursino: From the Latin “ursus,” meaning “bear”
• Ughi: From the Germanic name “Ugo”
• Unteri: From the Germanic name “Huntheri”

Note: Some of these surnames may have variations in spelling or regional differences, which can affect their frequency and distribution.

According to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), the most common Italian surnames starting with U include:

• Urbani (found in 0.6% of the population)
• Umberto (found in 0.5% of the population)
• Uccelli (found in 0.4% of the population)
• Ugolini (found in 0.3% of the population)
• Uberti (found in 0.2% of the population)

Italian Last Names Starting With V

• Vaccarelli: The Italian plural variant of Vacarello, from “vaccaro,” meaning “cowherd.”
• Vaccaro: The Italian occupational name for a cowherd, originating from the Latin “vacca,” meaning “cow.”
• Valerio: Originated from the Latin Valerius, based on “valere,” meaning “to be strong.”
• Valente: A Galician and Portuguese nickname that means “brave” and “valiant.”
• Valentine: From the Roman family Valentinus and the Latin “valens,” meaning “strong and healthy.”

Italian Last Names Starting With W

1. Wagner – Though of German origin, this surname can be found in Northern Italy, particularly in regions with historical Germanic influence, like South Tyrol.
2. Weiss – Another surname of German origin that can be found in Italian regions with a history of German-speaking populations.
3. Wolff – Also of Germanic origin, sometimes found in Northern Italy.
4. Walter – A surname of Germanic origin that is occasionally found in Italy.

Italian Last Names Starting With X

Here are some Italian last names starting with X:

• Xalla: A rare surname of Sicilian origin, possibly derived from the Greek “xallos,” meaning “beauty.”
• Xanthakis: An Italianized form of the Greek surname “Xanthakis,” meaning “blonde” or “fair-haired.”
• Xausa: A rare surname of Sicilian origin, possibly derived from the Arabic “xawsha,” meaning “brave” or “strong.”
• Xerri: A surname of Sicilian origin, possibly derived from the Greek “xeros,” meaning “dry” or “arid.”
• Xiarchioni: A rare surname of Calabrian origin, possibly derived from the Greek “xiarchos,” meaning “leader” or “commander.”
• Xibilia: A rare surname of Sardinian origin, possibly derived from the Latin “exibilis,” meaning “excellent” or “exceptional.”
• Ximenes: An Italianized form of the Spanish surname “Jiménez,” meaning “son of Jimeno.”
• Xiri: A rare surname of Sicilian origin, possibly derived from the Greek “xiros,” meaning “dry” or “arid.”

Italian Last Names Starting With Y

1. Yacovelli – This surname is an Italianized version of a name with Hebrew origins, often linked to the name “Jacob.”
2. Yanni – A surname that could be derived from “Gianni,” the Italian form of “John,” with the “Y” possibly introduced through transliteration or regional dialects.
3. Yori – An Italian surname that might have variations such as “Iori” or “Jori,” influenced by regional dialects or foreign spellings.
4. Yorio – Similar to “Iorio,” this surname may have a variation that starts with “Y” due to regional influences or transliteration.

Italian Last Names Starting With Z

1. Zaccaro – Derived from the given name “Zaccaria,” which is the Italian form of “Zechariah.”
2. Zanetti – A common surname in Northern Italy, particularly in the Veneto and Lombardy regions, derived from the given name “Giovanni” (John).
3. Zanotto – A diminutive form of “Zanetti,” often found in the Veneto region.
4. Zappa – Meaning “hoe” or “mattock,” this surname likely originated from an occupational or descriptive nickname.
5. Zappala – A surname from Sicily, possibly related to the word “zappa” or indicating a family of agricultural workers.
6. Zaragoza – Although more commonly associated with Spain, some families in Italy might bear this name, particularly those with Spanish ancestry.
7. Zaccagnini – A surname from Central Italy, related to the given name “Zaccagnino,” a diminutive form of “Zaccaria.”
8. Zangari – Common in Southern Italy, particularly Calabria, and derived from a regional or occupational nickname.
9. Zaniboni – A surname from Northern Italy, particularly in the Emilia-Romagna region, derived from “Zanibono,” a diminutive form of “Giovanni.”
10. Zucchi – Derived from “zucchina” (zucchini), it may have originally referred to someone who grew or sold squashes.

Italian Occupational Surnames

Occupational surnames are last names derived from the profession or trade of an individual. In Italy, many surnames originate from occupations, reflecting the work people did in historical times. Here are some common Italian occupational surnames along with their meanings:

1. Ferrari – Derived from “ferraro,” meaning “blacksmith.” This is one of the most common Italian surnames.
2. Fabbri – Another term for “blacksmith.”
3. Bianchi – Meaning “white,” often associated with a person who worked with white materials, like a baker (flour).
4. Marino – Derived from “marinaio,” meaning “sailor” or “seafarer.”
5. Conti – Derived from “conte,” meaning “count,” but could also denote someone who worked for a count.
6. Russo – Means “red,” which might have been used for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion, often linked to certain professions.
7. Sarto – Meaning “tailor.”
8. Molinari – Derived from “mugnaio,” meaning “miller.”
9. Medici – Meaning “doctors” or “physicians.”
10. Giardiniere – Derived from “giardiniere,” meaning “gardener.”
11. Fabbro – Another term for “smith” or “metal worker.”
12. Pescatore – Meaning “fisherman.”
13. Cavaliere – Meaning “knight” or “horseman.”
14. Bianchi – Although it means “white,” it could be linked to various professions, like bakers or millers, dealing with white substances.
15. Barbiere – Meaning “barber.”

Italian Patronymic Surnames

Patronymic surnames are derived from the given name of a male ancestor. In Italy, these surnames often indicate “son of” and are a significant part of Italian nomenclature. Here are some common Italian patronymic surnames along with their origins:

1. Di Giovanni – Meaning “son of Giovanni” (John).
2. De Luca – Meaning “son of Luca” (Luke).
3. D’Angelo – Meaning “son of Angelo” (Angel).
4. Di Stefano – Meaning “son of Stefano” (Stephen).
5. De Santis – Meaning “son of Santo” or “Santis” (Saint).
6. Di Francesco – Meaning “son of Francesco” (Francis).
7. Di Marco – Meaning “son of Marco” (Mark).
8. De Simone – Meaning “son of Simone” (Simon).
9. Di Paolo – Meaning “son of Paolo” (Paul).
10. De Carlo – Meaning “son of Carlo” (Charles).
11. Di Matteo – Meaning “son of Matteo” (Matthew).
12. Di Giuseppe – Meaning “son of Giuseppe” (Joseph).
13. De Rosa – Meaning “son of Rosa” (Rose, often used as a given name).
14. Di Roberto – Meaning “son of Roberto” (Robert).
15. De Vito – Meaning “son of Vito” (a common given name in Italy).

These surnames reflect the traditional Italian practice of using the father’s given name as the basis for the family name, thereby preserving the lineage and heritage through generations.

Italian Toponymic Surnames

Toponymic surnames are derived from the names of places or geographic locations, indicating where a family originated or where an ancestor lived. In Italy, these surnames are quite common and can provide clues about a family’s geographic roots. Here are some common Italian toponymic surnames along with their meanings:

1. Romano – Derived from “Rome,” indicating someone from Rome.
2. Napolitano – Meaning “from Naples.”
3. Fiorentino – Meaning “from Florence.”
4. Genovese – Meaning “from Genoa.”
5. Milanese – Meaning “from Milan.”
6. Siciliano – Meaning “from Sicily.”
7. Veneto – Meaning “from the Veneto region.”
8. Calabrese – Meaning “from Calabria.”
9. Marchese – Derived from “Marche,” indicating someone from the Marche region.
10. Pugliese – Meaning “from Puglia” (Apulia).
11. Torinese – Meaning “from Turin.”
12. Modenese – Meaning “from Modena.”
13. Salerno – Derived from “Salerno,” indicating someone from the city of Salerno.
14. Bolognese – Meaning “from Bologna.”
15. Pisano – Meaning “from Pisa.”

These surnames are often tied to the migration and settlement patterns of Italian families, reflecting their origins and the regions they were associated with.

Conclusion

Italian last names are a rich and fascinating aspect of Italian culture and heritage. By understanding their origins, meanings, and cultural significance, we can appreciate the diversity and complexity of Italian identity.