125 Most Popular Italian Last Names Or Surnames With Meanings

Hearing Italian last names makes you daydream about visiting Rome, riding gondolas, and dining at bistros! Pasta, pizzas, and olive oil are among your favorite foods. You’re a big fan of binge-watching Italian romantic films. You’re probably interested in Italian names and surnames as well.

Because of their lyrical ring, Italian surnames are quickly becoming popular choices for first names among new generation parents, thanks to a plethora of literature, TV shows, and films.

Here is a compiled list of the most common Italian surnames and their meanings. Some of them would sound great, even as first names. So, if you’re feeling adventurous and want a little bit of Italy in your home, you can peruse the extensive catalog.

Most Popular Italian Last Names Or Surnames

1. Abate

The surname Abate seems to be derived from the term ‘abet,’ which means priest. This Jewish family name could be an occupational surname referring to a rabbi. Alternatively, this surname is also believed to be a patronymic name meaning ‘son of the abbe.’

2. Accardi

A typical Italian surname from Sicily, Accardi comes from Achard, which means ‘hardy’ or ‘brave’.

3. Agosti

This surname is sourced from a Latin term, Augustus, which means ‘favored with good omens’. The recorded variations include Agosta, Agostaro, Agostino, and Augusto among others.

4. Ajello

Ajello is an occupational surname that comes from the Latin word ‘ager’ or ‘field’ and was mostly given to farmers.

5. Albano

This family name is inspired by the first name Albano, which refers to someone ‘from Alba.’ Albani is its Italian variant while Albanus is its ancient Roman version.

6. Amato:

Amato is a beautiful name and is derived from the word amatus, which means ‘beloved’.

7. Agostini

The Italian family name Agostini means ‘son of Agostino.’ This surname is common on the island of Corsica, which once belonged to Italy. D’Agostino is its Italian variant, while Augustine and Austin are its English equivalents.

8. Angelini

Just like the surname suggests Angelini means ‘little angel.’ Angeli is its shortened American variant. Its other popular variants include Angeloni, Angeline, Angelino, Angelica, Angelis, and Angelico.

9. Antonelli

The patronymic surname Antonelli means ‘son of Antonello.’ Its popular variants include Antonello, Antonetto, Antonietti, Antoniutti, Antonioli, and Antonicelli.

10. Arena

The family name Arena is inspired by the Spanish surname Arenas meaning ‘sand.’ This is an old occupational surname, which involved collection of sand and its subsequent sale.

11. Armani

A surname popularized as the name of a luxury brand, Armani means ‘son of Ermanno.’ The family name is also believed to be an ancient Germanic name meaning ‘freeman.’ Armando is its Spanish and Portuguese variant, while Herrmann is its German equivalent.

12. Baggio

Baggio is a toponymic surname used by a person who hailed from the town of Baggio, Italy. Surnames such as Baggi, Baglio, Biggio, Boggio, Saggio, Raggio, and Bagge are considered similar to Baggio.

13. Ballerini

Derived from the term ballerino, the occupational surname Ballerini means ‘dancer’ and was used for someone who liked to dance. Ballarini, Ballarino, and Ballerino are popular variants of this surname.

14. Bandoni

The family name Bandoni is associated with power as it is derived from the word bandone, meaning ‘sheet of iron.’ Bandini, Bandi, Bandelli, Bandelloni, Bandino, and Banducci are some of its variant surnames.

15. Barbieri

No extra brownie points for guessing that this popular Italian surname originated from the Italian word Barbiere, which means ‘barber’. Other popular variations include Barbiera, Barberi, Barbieri, and Barberio.

16. Barone

The name is a variant of another surname, Baron, which has Latin and Frankish roots. It comes ultimately from the Frankish word ‘baro,’ meaning ‘servant,’ ‘warrior,’ or ‘man.’

17. Bellucci

Popularized by model Monica Bellucci, this surname is derived from the Italian word ‘bello,’ meaning beautiful. Alternatively, this last name was also used as a nickname for a handsome man.

18. Bendetti

The surname Bendetti is derived from the Late Roman given name Benedictus, which means ‘blessed.’ The given name was made popular by St. Benedict, known as the “father of Western monasticism.”

19. Berlusconi

Berlusconi is believed to be inspired by the Milanese word berlusch, which means ‘cross-eyed’ or ‘crooked.’ Italian politician, Silvio Berlusconi can be credited for popularizing this surname.

20. Bernardi

This last name comes from Bernhard or Beornheard, in which bern means ‘bear’ and ‘hard’ means strong or hardy. Therefore, the name means ‘strong as a bear’.

21. Bianco

Bianco is a typical Italian surname which means ‘white’. It is in the category of nickname surnames and was initially given to people with white hair or those who were very pale. Bianchi is the plural variation of Bianco. Celebs like Beto Bianchi, Daniela Bianchi, and Emilio Bianchi have added to the name’s popularity.

22. Borghese

Borghese is derived from the word ‘burgeis,’ which refers to an inhabitant and freeman of a town where one can apply municipal rates, taxes, and duties. Bourgeois, Bourgois, and Bourgeoys are some variants of this last name.

23. Brambilla

Brambilla is a toponymic name derived from the Italian town of Brembilla situated in Bergamo province in Lombardy, North Italy. This town itself gets its name from the Brembo river.

24. Bruni

A variation of Bruno, it means the color ‘brown’. It would be an excellent choice as a name for your daughter, who could be warm and earthy, just like the color brown.

25. Bruno

Popularized by Mars Bruno, the famous singer, and musician, Bruno is one of the most famous Italian surnames. Derived from the Italian word for brown, Bruno came under the category of surnames derived from nicknames and was given to people with brown hair. Bruno is also a trendy first name in many countries including the US.

26. Caivano

This toponymic surname is inspired by the city of Caivano situated near Naples, Italy. This surname can make an interesting given name for your child as it is unique and also has the typical Italian ring to it.

27. Calasso

Calasso could be derived from the pre-latin term cala, meaning ‘cove’ or ‘creek,’ or ‘the steep side of a mountain.’ This surname could also be inspired by the given name Galasso.

28. Caputo

Caputo has its origin in the Italian word ‘capo’, meaning headstrong and was given to people who were very determined and unwavering.

29. Carbone

A typical Italian surname, which means ‘coal’ or ‘charcoal’. Carbone was a regular last name for coal miners, coal merchants or charcoal burners.

30. Caruso

This popular surname means ‘boy’ or ‘a young apprentice’ in Italian. Enrico Caruso, the Italian opera singer made this surname famous in the rest of the world.

31. Catalán

A toponymic name, Catalán was used to identify a person from the Catalonia region in Spain. Catalano, Catalani, Catalàn, Catelani, and Catalanotto are some of its popular variants.

32. Cattaneo

This means ‘captain’ in Italian. It was probably given to someone who acted as a captain of a group or a ship. Versions include Capitani, Capitanio, Cattanei, Cattano, and Cattani.

33. Colombo

One of the standard occupational surnames, Colombo is derived from the Latin name columbe, which means ‘dove’. Intensely popular during the middle ages, the most famous bearer of the name was Christoforo Colombo or Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of America. Colombo would be a great name for your little explorer.

34. Conte

A popular Italian surname meaning ‘companion’, it was usually given to those who worked for a count. Another version of the name is Conti.

35. Coppola

If you love trying different hats, you could try this popular surname as a nickname, which means ‘a little round hat’.

36. Costa

This surname is a popular variation of another Italian last name, Di Costa. Costa is Italian for rib, which means a ‘slope’ or ‘coast’. It can be used as a cute nickname for your baby girl.

37. Cremona

This surname is derived from the Italian city of Cremona, situated in the south of Milan, Lombardy. The name means ‘big cream’ in Italian. This surname can make a good given name for a beautiful girl.

38. D’Angelo

This surname means ‘angelic’. Other variations include Di Angelo, Angelo, Angela, Angioli, Angiolo, Angiola, Agnoli, Agnolo, Agnola, D’Angeli, D’Angelo, D’Angiolo and many more.

39. Di Caprio

Popularized by the Oscar-winning actor, Leonardo Di Caprio, this surname could be derived from the Italian term capra referring to ‘goat.’ The surname could also be inspired by the Greek word kapros that means ‘wild boar.’

40. De Felice

This Italian family name means ‘son of Felice.’ It is derived from the Latin word Felix, which means ‘happy’ or ‘lucky.’ The surname Félix is its French, Portuguese, and Spanish variant. De Felice, De Felici, Del Felice, and Di Felice are some of its other known variants.

41. De Luca

A common Italian family name with strong genealogy, wherein it means “son of Lucas”. Another popular variant is Di Luca. There are many other variations for this surname like Lucarelli, Lucas, Lucchi, Lucco, Luchi, and Lucca.

42. De Palma

As the surname suggests, De Palma means ‘from the palm tree.’ Alternatively, this family could also be inspired by the given name Palma referring to the palm, which is considered a symbol of peace in Christianity.

43. De Santis

De Santis comes from the word Sanctus, which means ‘holy’ or ‘devout’.

44. DeVille

The hip Italian last name means ‘villa’ or ‘village’.

45. Donato

A surname that would serve as an excellent name for your baby boy inspiring him to be loving and giving, for Donato originates from the Latin word Donare, which means ‘to give’. Donati, Dona, and Donatelli are other prevalent versions of Donato.

46. Esposito

Esposito comes from the old Italian word esposto, which means ‘to expose’. This name has been made famous by a lot of celebs like Argentine actress and singer Mariana Esposito, American actress Jennifer Esposito and fictional character on the hit criminal TV show Castle season 3 Javier Esposito.

47. Evangelista

This surname has varied roots. In Italian, this occupational family name means ‘evangelist.’ According to the New Testament, Evangelista referred to the four people who wrote the Gospel.

48. Fabbri

An occupational surname, Fabbri comes from the word Faber or ‘craftsman’ or ‘smith’. It will undoubtedly be a unique nickname for your inquisitive baby girl.

49. Farina

An occupational surname, Farina means ‘flour’. Other common variations include Farini, Farinella, Farinela, Farinelli and many more.

50. Ferrara

Want your daughter to be as strong as iron in today’s harsh world? Name her Ferrara. The popular Italian surname probably originated from the Latin word Ferro, which means ‘iron’ and was an occupational surname for blacksmiths. There are other popular variations of this surname: Ferrero, Ferrai, Ferrari, Ferraro, Ferrario, Ferrerio, Ferrarini and many more.

51. Fiore

A beautiful surname that can be a lovely first name for your little girl, Fiore means ‘flower blossom’. You can also go for variations like Fiorelli, Fiorone, Fiorani, and Floris.

52. Fontana

The musical surname is derived from the Latin word Fons, which means ‘spring’. It belongs to the lineage of topographical surnames given to people living near a spring.

53. Fusco

Fusco is derived from the Latin term fuscus, meaning ‘dark.’ Fusco was a surname given to someone with dark complexion or hair. Fuschino, Fusconi, Fuschoni, and Fuscino are some of the variant spellings of this surname.

54. Gallo

Gallo originates from the word Gallus, which means ‘rooster’. It was a trendy name during the middle ages and continues to be well-known. This popular surname has many other variations like Gall, Gallelli, Galletti, Gallini, Gallucci, Galluzzi, Gallion, Gallozzi and Gallarini.

55. Gatti

Coming from the Italian word Gatto, which means a ‘tomcat’, this common patronymic surname was probably given to people with cat-like qualities.

56. Gentile

Gentile is a popular Italian surname that comes from the word Gentilis, which means ‘of the same stock’.

57. Giordano

Giordano originated from the word Jordan referring to the holy river, and means ‘the one who descends’. This surname has been made famous by watchmaker Giordano.

58. Giunta

This family name is inspired by the given name Bonagiunta, which itself is a combination of two terms bono meaning ‘good,’ and aggiunto, which means ‘assistant.’ This surname is mostly common in the Southern Italian regions of Calabria and Sicily.

59. Grasso

The surname Grasso refers to a ‘stout or overweight person’. Some of its many variations De Grassi, Degrassi, Lo Grasso, La Grassa, Grasselli, Grassellini, Grassaleoni, Grassilli, Grassigli, Grassetti, Grassini, and Grassani.

60. Greco

One of the most famous Italian surnames, it comes from a Latin word Graecus, which means ‘Greek’. It can be an unusual first name for your baby boy. Reality TV star Joey Greco and supermodel Viviana Greco are a few famous namesakes.

61. Grillo

Grillo is the Italian word for ‘cricket’. This surname may have been given to a person who is cheerful or someone who exhibited qualities similar to a cricket. Grilli and Grille are the variant spellings of this surname.

62. Guerra

This common Italian surname means ‘war’, and usually refers to a soldier.

63. Giuliani

This popular Italian surname originating from Latin word Lullius means someone who is ‘youthful’.

64. Laganà

An occupational surname, Laganà refers to a cultivator of vegetables or a vegetable vendor. Laguna, Lagua, and Lagunas are some of its variants.

65. Leone

A popular Italian surname coming from the Italian word for ‘lion’ (leone), it can be a nickname for your lion-hearted baby. You could consider the other variations like Leoni, Leonelli, Leonello, and Leonotti.

66. Leoni

If Leone is for a lion-hearted baby boy, the female version of the surname, Leoni, will suit your little lioness.

67. Lombardi

Lombardi is a popular surname that was initially given to people hailing from Lombardy in northern Italy.

68. Longo

Longo would be such a cute nickname for your little boy apart from being a popular Italian surname. Derived from an old Italian word longo meaning ‘long’ or ‘tall’.

69. Lupo

Derived from the Latin name Lupus, the family name Lupo means ‘wolf.’ This surname has many variants in different languages. Lobo is its Spanish and Portuguese version, while Lupei and Lupu are its Romanian counterparts.

70. Mancini

This popular surname is derived from the Italian word Mancino, which means ‘ambidextrous’ or ‘left-handed’.

71. Marchesi

The Italian title marchese, which refers to ‘marquis’ is the inspiration behind this surname. Marchesi is believed to be a nickname for a person who served for a marquis. Last names such as Marchese, Marchesich, Marchesini, Marcheselli, and Marchesin are some of its variant spellings.

72. Marchetti

The appellation Marchetti, derived from Marchino or Marcus, refers to the Roman god of war and is a cognomen. DeMarchi, Marcantoni, Marcantonio, Marcato, Marchel, Marchelli, Marcone, Marconi, Marcovic, Marcovich, Marcoz, Marcozzi, and Marcucci are some of the variations of the moniker.

73. Mariano

The popular surname is a derivation of Marius, which is another name for Ares, the Roman god of war. Mariano would be an apt name for your confident and gutsy baby boy.

74. Marino

This is another popular habitational surname, meaning ‘of the sea’. Derived from the word Marinus, which means the sea, naming your little sailor Marino will take him on long cruises across the mighty oceans. Other existing variations of this surname include Mario, Morino, Marina, and Marano.

75. Marmo

In Italian, Marmo means ‘marble.’ Marmo is most likely to be a topographic family name for someone who dwelled near a quarry or was involved with work related to marbles. It was also a nickname for someone who seems cold by nature.

76. Martini

Originally deriving from Martinus, or commonly known as Mars, the Roman god of war and fertility, the name has become famously linked to a drink. This surname would be pretty for your lovely baby girl. The other familiar variations of this surname are De Martini, De Martinis, Martino, Martinetti, Martin, Martina, Martinelli, and many more.

77. Mazza

The Italian word means a ‘club, hammer or mace’. This last name was popularly given to toolmakers.

78. Messina

This was a topographical title for somebody living in the city of Messana in Italy. This surname has a lovely ring to it and would be appropriate for a baby girl.

79. Monti

A surname that can sum as a beautiful sobriquet for your child. Monti comes from the Italian word Monte or mountain.

80. Montanari

This topographic surname is derived from the word montagna, meaning mountain, and is used for someone who hailed ‘from the mountains’ or also means a ‘highlander.’ Montagnano, Montagnini, Montagnoni, Montan, Montanarini, and Montanaro are some of its spelling variations.

81. Morelli

A typical Italian surname used to describe a moor or somebody with a dark skin tone. The favorite variations are Morèlli, Morello, Morèllo, and Morella.

82. Moretti

This stylish Italian surname is derived from the Italian word Moretto, which refers to ‘dark hair’. Moretti would be a great first name for a baby girl with beautiful, dark hair. Popular variations of the surname include Moratti, Morati, Moronim Moriotti, Moriotto, Moret, and Morozzi.

83. Moschella

This cool Italian surname is derived from the word mosca, which refers to a ‘housefly.’ It is believed that this name was probably given to someone who was an annoying person. Moschi, Moschella, Moschelli, Moscarella, Moscarello, Moschetta, Moschetto, and Moschini are some of its variant spellings.

84. Napoli

A habitational surname, it refers to a person from the city of Naples. This surname can also be spelled as Di Napoli, Dinapoli, Napoletani, Napoliello, Napoletano, and Napolitano.

85. Negri

The Italian word means ‘black’. This common surname was initially given to people who probably had a dark complexion. Other versions of the name are Negris, Nigra, and Negrelli.

86. Nicoli

Nicoli is the plural version of the very popular surname Nicola. The name Nicola is derived from the Greek word Nikolaos composing of nikan or ‘to win’ and laos or ‘people.’ This was particularly given to people who emerged victorious in some feat or event.

87. Orsini

Orsini is derived from the Italian word orso, which means a ‘bear.’ This name could be used for someone who is physically strong. Orsi, Orso, D’Orsi, Dorsi, and D’Orso are some of its variant spellings.

88. Palmisano

A habitational surname, Palmisano refers to a person from the Palmi region in Reggio Calabria. Palma, Palmer, Palmeri, and Palmaro are some of its alternative spellings.

89. Palumbo

We think this surname will be a cute nickname for your baby boy. Palumbo comes from the Italian word Palombo, which means a ‘ring dove’.

90. Parisi

A very cute Italian surname that would go great as a first name for your fashionista daughter. Parisi is a topographical surname that means ‘from Paris’. It would be perfect for your little globetrotter, who would someday add beauty to the beautiful city.

91. Pellegrini

This common last name is supposed to be originated from Latin word Peregrinus, meaning ‘a foreigner’ or ‘a pilgrim’. Pellegrino, Pellegrini, Pellegrìn, Pellerini, Pellegrin, Pellerino, Pellegrinelli, Pellegrinetti and Pellegrinotti are its variants.

92. Pepe

This Italian last name is the shortened form of Giuseppe, Italian for Joseph. This is a biblical surname, as in it is based on the name of a character from the Bible. There are a number of recorded versions of Pepe like Papi, Peppin, Peri, and Pupa.

93. Pera

We are sure your baby boy is sweeter than a pear. Why not name him Pera, which is Italian for ‘pear.’

94. Picasso

Renowned painter Pablo Picasso is probably the first person who comes to mind when you hear this surname. Picasso is derived from the Italian word pica meaning ‘magpie.’ This could be a nickname for a talkative person or gossip monger.

95. Puma

You want your little princess to be hale and hearty. Choose this prominent surname, which means ‘apple’, as a nickname for your baby girl.

96. Quattro

This common surname comes from the Italian word Quattro meaning ‘four’.

97. Quattrocchi

Quattrocchi is a combination of two Italian terms. Quattro means ‘four’ while occhi means ‘eyes.’ It is likely that Quattrocchi was initially used as a nickname for a person who wore spectacles or for a shrewd person.

98. Rabito

Rabito is a habitational surname. This surname is the shortened form of Arabito. The early migrants from Arabian countries were called Arabito.

99. Raffa

This is a geographical surname, probably given to people belonging to the region of Raffa in Sicily, Italy. This surname sounds exotic and hip.

100. Ranallo

The Italian equivalent of the English surname Reynolds, Ronallo sources its origin from the words Ragin and Wald, meaning ‘counsel’ and ‘rule’. Other variations include Rindaldo, Renaldi, Rainaldo, Renaldi, Rinallo, and Ranalli.

101. Ricci

Your baby has curly hair? Then you may name her Ricci. This popular surname is a derivation of the ancient Italian word Ricco, meaning ‘curly’. There are at least 30 other variations of Ricci: Ricca, Ricco, Rizzo, Rizzi, Rizzo, Rizzillio, Rizzotto, and more.

102. Riva

The topographic surname Riva is derived from the Latin term ripa, which means river bank or shore. It was probably the family name of those who lived near a water body. Rivas, Rivero, and Rivera are some of its Spanish equivalents.

103. Romano

The word means ‘from Rome’ and has been popularized by stand up comedian Ray Romano and actress Michelle Romano.

104. Rossi

Rossi is one of the most common Italian surnames. It is the plural form of another regular name Rosso, which means ‘red’ in Italian. Though Italian by origin, it is fast becoming popular in other countries like Argentina, Austria, Peru, US, and Mexico. Different versions like Rossa, Rosello, Roselli, and Russo also exist.

105. Sala

Coming from the root word Sal, which means a ‘building’, this is a popular surname whose variations include Salas.

106. Sanna

This surname means ‘lily’.

107. Santoro

How would you like to name your prince after a feast? That is what Santoro means, ‘feast of all the saints’.

108. Sartori

Sartori is a common occupational surname deriving from the word Sartos, meaning ‘tailor’. Other variations include Sartes, Sartou, and Sastre.

109. Scotti

Would you want to take your baby daughter to Scotland someday? You then might want to adopt this surname as a nickname for her as Scotti was initially given to people hailing from Scotland. Another common version of Scotti is Scotto.

110. Segreto

This surname is the Italian word for ‘confidant’, originating from Latin term Secretum, meaning ‘a hidden place’. This occupational surname was given to secret couriers or spies. Popular variations include Segreti and Serio.

111. Serra

Serra refers to a ‘ridge or chain of hills’ in Italian. You can use this as a first name for your daughter. Some of the popular variations are Serrano and Serrana.

112. Sica

This trendy last name comes from Sigi, meaning ‘victory’.

113. Silvestri

This last name is a modified version of the word Silva meaning ‘wood’.

114. Testa

Coming from the word Teste, which means ‘head’, this popular surname has several other variations that you can choose from Testi, Testini, Testoni, Testai, and Testani.

115. Villa

This surname was used to denote ‘someone from the village’. The second meaning of Villa is ‘house or estate’. Other frequent variations include Devilla, de Villa, and Villas.

116. Vitale

Remember the acrobatic tiger Vitale from the Madagascar series? This popular surname comes from the word Vitalis, which means ‘of life’ or ‘vital’. Other popular variations are Vitaly, Vitali, Vital, Vale and Vidales.

117. Valentino

The Roman word Valens is the root word for this surname, which means ‘healthy and vigorous’. It sounds exquisite and exotic.

118. Vece

The Italian surname comes from the Latin word Vicis, which means ‘change’ or ‘alteration.’ Similar surnames include Cece, Vose, and Voce.

119. Verga

This is an occupational surname given to shepherds as Verga is Italian for ‘stick,’ ‘cane,’ or ‘shepherd crook’. Other variations include Varga, Verna, Perna, and Veiga.

120. Vero

Although a famous surname, this would be a cute nickname for your little prince. Vero means ‘real’ or ‘true’ in Italian.

121. Vespa

Vespa may remind you of the luxury scooter brand manufactured by Piaggio. This Italian surname refers to a ‘wasp.’ It can make a good choice for a baby girl name.

122. Vinci

You want your daughter to conquer the world? Then give this as a nickname for her because Vinci comes from Vincere, which means ‘to conquer’. You can consider the alternatives like Vince or Viney for your baby boy.

123. Vittori

This surname, made famous by Robert Brown through his book, Angels and Demons, means ‘conqueror’. We think it’s an excellent name for your feisty baby girl. Vettori, Vittor, Vettore, Vettorato, and Vittoria are its variants.

124. Zappa

The surname Zappa means ‘hoe or ‘mattock’ in Italian. It is likely that this was an occupational surname used for farmers. Zappi, Zappetti, Zappetta, Zapa, Zappelli, Zapi, and Zappas are some of its variant spellings.

125. Zucca

An occupational surname for sellers of gourds, Zucca means ‘squash’ in Italian. It would be a perfect nickname for your son, if you want him to grow up and love eating all healthy vegetables. Other versions are Zecca, Zuccaro, and Zucco.

Discover More Names

When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.