Italian surnames carry a rich history, often reflecting regional origins, professions, or unique traits passed down through generations. These names tell stories of ancestry, cultural values, and sometimes a family’s connection to Italy’s iconic landscapes and trades.
From names representing ancient occupations and geographic roots to those inspired by character traits or symbols of strength, Italian surnames are an essential part of Italy’s legacy.
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Here, we’ve compiled a list of 135 popular and common Italian last names along with their meanings, giving you a deeper insight into the diverse and fascinating heritage of Italian families.
Popular & Common Italian Last Names With Meanings

1. Rossi
The most common surname in Italy, meaning “red” or “red-haired.” It originally described people with red hair or a ruddy complexion.
2. Russo
This surname, especially popular in southern Italy, also means “red” or “Russian,” reflecting either physical traits or cultural connections.
3. Ferrari
Derived from “ferraro,” meaning “blacksmith,” it’s one of Italy’s most recognizable names and associated with the famous sports car brand.
4. Esposito
A southern Italian surname meaning “exposed” or “abandoned.” Historically, it was often given to orphans or foundlings in Italy.
5. Bianchi
Meaning “white,” this name described people with fair skin or light hair and can indicate purity or nobility.
6. Romano
Meaning “from Rome” or “Roman,” it was given to people from Rome or those with connections to the ancient city.
7. Colombo
Derived from “colomba,” meaning “dove,” symbolizing peace. It was often given to children on Palm Sunday or to honor Saint Columba.
8. Ricci
Meaning “curly-haired,” this surname described people with curly or wavy hair and is especially common in central and northern Italy.
9. Marino
Derived from “mare,” meaning “sea,” it described those living near the coast or with seafaring occupations.
10. Greco
This surname means “Greek” and was given to people of Greek origin or those with Greek cultural ties, particularly in southern Italy.
11. Bruno
Meaning “brown” or “dark-haired,” it was used to describe those with brown hair or eyes and has Latin origins.
12. Gallo
Derived from the Latin word for “rooster,” it may have been used as a nickname or could refer to people from Gaul (modern-day France).
13. Conti
Meaning “count,” this surname indicates noble status and was originally given to individuals connected to aristocratic families.
14. De Luca
Meaning “of Luca” or “from Luca,” it’s a common patronymic surname for families with ancestral ties to the name Luca.
15. Costa
Meaning “coast” or “slope,” it described those living by the seaside or on hills and is common in many Italian coastal areas.
16. Giordano
Meaning “descendant of Jordan,” it’s derived from the Jordan River and was popularized by the Crusaders who brought water from the river.
17. Mancini
Derived from “mancino,” meaning “left-handed.” Historically, left-handedness was unique and sometimes considered a distinguishing trait.
18. Lombardi
Meaning “from Lombardy,” a northern region in Italy. It was often given to people who migrated from Lombardy to other regions.
19. Barbieri
An occupational surname meaning “barber.” Barbers were also surgeons in medieval Italy, making this a respected profession.
20. Moretti
Derived from “moro,” meaning “dark-skinned” or “Moorish,” it originally described those with darker features.
21. Leone
Meaning “lion,” symbolizing strength and bravery. It’s often associated with people of strong character or those connected to Saint Leo.
22. Longo
Meaning “tall” or “long,” it was used to describe people of considerable height or with long limbs.
23. Gentile
Meaning “gentle” or “kind,” it originally described someone with a noble or refined character.
24. Rizzo
Derived from “riccio,” meaning “curly.” Like Ricci, it referred to people with curly hair and is common in southern Italy.
25. Sorrentino
Meaning “from Sorrento,” a beautiful coastal town in southern Italy. It’s often linked to families with ancestral roots in Sorrento.
26. Martino
Meaning “of Mars,” referencing the Roman god of war. It’s often given in honor of Saint Martin, known for his kindness and generosity.
27. De Santis
Meaning “of the saints,” it was often used by families with strong religious ties or those who lived near holy sites.
28. D’Angelo
Meaning “of the angels,” it’s a surname often associated with devotion and spirituality.
29. Serra
Meaning “mountain ridge” or “hill,” it was given to those living in hilly or mountainous regions, particularly in Sardinia.
30. Grasso
Meaning “fat” or “stout,” it originally described people of larger build and is common in both Italy and Italian-American communities.
31. Guerra
Meaning “war” or “warrior,” this surname was likely given to soldiers or those involved in military service.
32. Vitale
Meaning “life,” it’s derived from the Latin word for “vital” and reflects the bearer’s energetic or lively character.
33. Pellegrino
Meaning “pilgrim,” it described those who went on religious pilgrimages, particularly to Rome, the Holy Land, or Santiago de Compostela.
34. De Rosa
Meaning “of the rose,” symbolizing beauty and grace. It may also reference devotion to Saint Rose.
35. Caruso
Meaning “smooth-faced” or “young,” it was often used for young men or those with a youthful appearance.
36. Benedetti
Meaning “blessed,” it comes from the Latin word “benedictus” and is often associated with Saint Benedict.
37. Fontana
Meaning “fountain” or “spring,” it describes those who lived near water sources and is associated with refreshment and life.
38. Monti
Meaning “mountains,” it referred to people living in highland areas and is often linked to families from mountainous Italian regions.
39. Pugliese
Meaning “from Puglia,” a region in southern Italy. It was often given to people who migrated from Puglia to other areas.
40. Fiore
Meaning “flower,” it symbolizes beauty, purity, and delicacy and may have been given to individuals known for their grace.
41. Amato
Meaning “beloved” or “loved one,” it expresses endearment and is often associated with devotion to family.
42. Carbone
Meaning “coal” or “charcoal,” it may describe those who worked with coal or lived near coal mines, particularly in southern Italy.
43. Romano
Meaning “Roman” or “from Rome,” it identifies those with ancestral ties to the city of Rome or who were of Roman heritage.
44. Santoro
Derived from “Sanctus,” meaning “holy,” it was given to families with strong religious backgrounds or those who lived near churches.
45. Rinaldi
A surname meaning “powerful” or “wise ruler.” It was derived from the Germanic name Raginwald and denotes nobility.
46. Parisi
Meaning “from Paris,” it described people who had connections to Paris or came from the city.
47. Messina
Meaning “from Messina,” a port city in Sicily. It often indicated people who migrated from Messina to other Italian regions.
48. Fabbri
Meaning “blacksmith” or “metalworker,” it’s derived from “fabbro” and reflects the importance of metalworking in Italian society.
49. Gallo
Meaning “rooster” or sometimes “French,” it’s linked to individuals with a lively or vocal personality and is popular in both Italy and Italian-American communities.
50. Ruggiero
Meaning “famous spear,” it derives from Germanic roots and became popular during the medieval period due to chivalric tales.
51. Silvestri
Derived from “silva,” meaning “forest,” this surname described people who lived near wooded areas or worked as foresters.
52. Orlando
Derived from the Germanic name “Roland,” meaning “famous land,” this name was made popular by the medieval Italian epic Orlando Furioso.
53. Vitelli
Meaning “little calf,” it originally described people associated with cattle herding or farming, particularly in rural regions.
54. Farina
Meaning “flour” or “miller,” it was used for those who worked in milling grain, a vital role in Italy’s agricultural society.
55. Mazza
Meaning “club” or “mace,” this surname could refer to someone with a strong or powerful personality or an occupation requiring physical strength.
56. Orlando
An Italian version of “Roland,” this name translates to “famous throughout the land” and is often associated with nobility and heroism.
57. Bianco
Meaning “white,” it often described people with light hair or fair skin, or symbolized purity and honor.
58. Amore
Meaning “love,” this surname might have been given to affectionate or beloved individuals, or those connected to the emotion of love.
59. Costanzo
Meaning “steadfast” or “constant,” it reflects loyalty and reliability. Costanzo was sometimes given to those with a firm character.
60. Pappalardo
Meaning “to eat lard,” it was an ironic or humorous nickname for someone with a big appetite or who enjoyed rich foods.
61. Salerno
Meaning “from Salerno,” a city in southern Italy known for its historical university and vibrant culture. It was often given to people from this region.
62. Morelli
A diminutive form of “moro,” meaning “dark-skinned,” it was used for those with darker features or Mediterranean ancestry.
63. Toscano
Meaning “from Tuscany,” it described individuals from this historic region, known for its cultural and artistic heritage.
64. Palumbo
Derived from “palumba,” meaning “dove” or “pigeon.” It may symbolize peace or describe people with gentle personalities.
65. Montagna
Meaning “mountain,” it describes those who lived in mountainous areas or came from highland regions of Italy.
66. Marino
Meaning “of the sea,” it’s linked to coastal or maritime areas and describes those with connections to the ocean.
67. Bellini
Meaning “little beauty,” it’s often used as a term of endearment or to describe someone with a pleasing appearance.
68. Guerra
Meaning “war” or “warrior,” this surname was given to those involved in battle or military service.
69. Agnello
Meaning “lamb,” it could symbolize purity or gentleness and was likely given to people with a mild disposition.
70. Sala
Meaning “hall” or “large room,” it may refer to those who lived in or worked at a large estate or hall.
71. Lombardo
Meaning “from Lombardy,” a region in northern Italy. It was commonly given to people who migrated from Lombardy.
72. Biagi
Derived from “Biagio,” it’s an Italian form of the Latin name Blasius, associated with Saint Blaise and often linked to people with spiritual connections.
73. Marchese
Meaning “marquis” or “nobleman,” this name was given to people connected to nobility or those serving in a marquisate.
74. Ferro
Meaning “iron,” this surname described individuals who worked with iron or displayed strong, enduring qualities.
75. Neri
Meaning “black” or “dark,” it often described people with dark features or connections to the Italian Black Nobility.
76. D’Agostino
Meaning “of Augustine,” this name was often given in honor of Saint Augustine, reflecting a family’s religious devotion.
77. D’Amico
Meaning “of a friend,” it may have been used to honor close friends or family members, symbolizing loyalty and friendship.
78. Del Monte
Meaning “of the mountain,” it’s a topographical name given to those who lived near mountains or highland areas.
79. Puglisi
Meaning “from Puglia,” it referred to people with roots in the Puglia region of Italy, also known for its rich history and agriculture.
80. Romano
Meaning “Roman” or “of Rome,” it’s a classic surname that emphasizes connections to Italy’s ancient capital and cultural heart.
81. Fortunato
Meaning “fortunate” or “lucky,” it was often given to those considered blessed with good fortune or luck.
82. Lupo
Meaning “wolf,” it may symbolize strength and courage, or it could have been given to those associated with the animal’s characteristics.
83. Donati
Meaning “gift” or “given,” this surname often symbolized a gift from God, especially in the context of a new baby.
84. Ventura
Meaning “good fortune” or “luck,” it reflects the idea of a favorable destiny or successful journey.
85. Valentini
Meaning “of Valentine,” it’s derived from the Latin “valens,” meaning “strong” or “healthy,” and is often linked to Saint Valentine.
86. Angelini
Meaning “little angel,” this surname reflects purity or devotion and is likely linked to individuals with a gentle character.
87. Di Carlo
Meaning “of Charles,” it’s a patronymic surname honoring ancestors named Carlo, a popular name in Italy.
88. Morello
Derived from “moro,” meaning “dark-skinned” or “brunette.” It’s often used for those with darker Mediterranean features.
89. Napoli
Meaning “from Naples,” it indicates origins in Naples, one of Italy’s most historic and culturally rich cities.
90. Favero
An occupational surname meaning “craftsman” or “artisan,” it refers to skilled laborers, especially in rural areas.
91. Izzo
Meaning “fire” or “passionate,” it may describe someone with a fiery personality or an association with fire or heat.
92. Ferrara
Meaning “from Ferrara,” a city in northern Italy. It indicates geographical origins, especially for families who moved from Ferrara.
93. Bellucci
Meaning “pretty” or “handsome,” it may have been given to individuals noted for their appearance.
94. Santini
Meaning “little saint,” this name was often given in devotion or respect to saints and religious figures.
95. Bassi
Meaning “short” or “small,” it’s a descriptive surname often referring to someone of small stature.
96. Parente
Meaning “relative,” it could indicate a family-oriented background or possibly a large, close-knit family.
97. Sani
Meaning “healthy,” this surname may refer to those with a robust constitution or link to the idea of health and well-being.
98. Gatti
Meaning “cats,” it may describe someone agile, quick, or even associated with the qualities of cats.
99. Trapani
Meaning “from Trapani,” a coastal city in Sicily. It often indicates ancestry from this region with historical maritime connections.
100. Leone
Meaning “lion,” symbolizing bravery and courage, and frequently used by families with a tradition of strength or leadership.
101. Di Lorenzo
Meaning “of Lorenzo,” a patronymic surname meaning “descendant of Lorenzo.” It was used to honor an ancestor named Lorenzo.
102. Giordano
Derived from the Jordan River, it means “descendant of Jordan” and was popularized by the Crusaders who brought water from the river.
103. Marini
Meaning “of the sea,” it reflects a connection to the ocean and is common among coastal families.
104. Orsini
Meaning “little bear,” it was associated with strength and bravery and was also the name of a noble Italian family.
105. Vassallo
Meaning “vassal” or “servant,” it was often given to individuals working in servitude or those with ties to noble households.
106. Malatesta
Meaning “bad head,” it was a nickname used humorously for people with a strong or stubborn personality.
107. Monti
Meaning “mountains,” it describes individuals from mountainous areas and symbolizes resilience and strength.
108. De Simone
Meaning “of Simon,” it’s a patronymic name honoring an ancestor named Simone, commonly associated with religious devotion.
109. Santoro
Meaning “of the saints,” it reflects a family with strong religious ties or one that lived near holy sites.
110. Lisi
Derived from the word for “lilies,” it was often used to symbolize purity and is connected to the Italian floral tradition.
111. Peruzzi
An old surname possibly meaning “of Peter,” honoring Saint Peter, the patron saint of Rome, or referring to a respected elder.
112. Venditti
Meaning “seller” or “vendor,” it was an occupational surname for merchants or tradespeople, especially those in bustling marketplaces.
113. Lombardi
Meaning “of Lombardy,” the name was given to people originating from the Lombardy region and is associated with industriousness.
114. Fiorentino
Meaning “from Florence,” it indicates origins in Florence, the heart of the Italian Renaissance and cultural heritage.
115. Rinaldi
A surname meaning “powerful” or “wise ruler,” derived from the Germanic name Raginwald, denoting nobility.
116. Casanova
Meaning “new house,” it describes individuals who settled in newly established homes or communities.
117. Monaco
Meaning “monk,” it referred to those associated with religious institutions or monastic orders.
118. Guerriero
Meaning “warrior,” it symbolizes bravery and was likely given to soldiers or those with a strong disposition.
119. Pisanò
Meaning “from Pisa,” indicating ancestral origins from Pisa, known for its leaning tower and maritime history.
120. Mazzi
Meaning “clubs” or “bundles,” it may have been a nickname for strong individuals or those who worked with large bundles or groups.
121. Tedeschi
Meaning “German” or “of German origin,” it was given to Italians with German ancestry or ties.
122. Barbato
Meaning “bearded,” it was a descriptive surname for those with notable facial hair, reflecting the beard as a symbol of wisdom or age.
123. Sacco
Meaning “sack” or “bag,” it may have been given to bag makers or those involved in trade and transportation.
124. Forte
Meaning “strong” or “brave,” this surname symbolizes resilience and strength of character, commonly used in southern Italy.
125. Iacovelli
Derived from the name “Jacob,” it reflects a patronymic origin, meaning “son of Jacob.”
126. Manzo
Meaning “steer” or “ox,” it could describe someone with strength or those associated with cattle farming.
127. Viti
Meaning “grapevines,” it indicates an association with vineyards or wine-making, common in Italian agricultural families.
128. Musso
Meaning “mule,” it may have referred to a hard-working or strong-willed person, as mules were essential in labor-intensive tasks.
129. Scalia
Meaning “ladder” or “stairs,” it may describe individuals living near steps or staircases, or it could symbolize ascension or ambition.
130. Arena
Meaning “sand” or “arena,” it could refer to someone working in an arena or living near sandy areas, especially in Sicily.
131. Biondi
Meaning “blonde,” it describes individuals with light hair and is relatively rare in darker-haired Mediterranean regions.
132. Palumbo
Derived from “palumba,” meaning “dove,” symbolizing peace or gentleness, it’s a popular surname in southern Italy.
133. Riccio
Meaning “curly-haired,” it describes people with curly hair and is similar in origin to Ricci and Rizzo.
134. Villani
Meaning “villager” or “peasant,” it describes people from rural areas, connected to agricultural life and simplicity.
135. Vinci
Meaning “from Vinci,” a town in Tuscany famously associated with Leonardo da Vinci. It reflects an origin from this culturally significant place.
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