150 Unique Italian Surnames You Should Know

In this post, I’m going to share 150 Italian surnames and their histories with you.

As someone who has spent years studying name origins, I can tell you that Italian last names often tell incredible stories about families – from their jobs and cities to their unique traits.

Many people still carry these meaningful names today, each one holding clues about their ancestors’ lives.

Let’s look at these remarkable Italian surnames together- I bet you’ll find some surprises about what they mean and where they came from!

Italian Surnames I Love

Let’s uncover the meanings, cultural significance, popularity, and recommended first names paired with the Italian surnames:

1. Abate

• Meaning: Refers to a religious title, typically meaning “abbot” in Italian.
• Cultural Significance: Historically associated with clergy and monastic life.
• Popularity: Uncommon, more traditional.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Luca

2. Accardi

• Meaning: Derived from the medieval term “Accardo,” a personal name.
• Cultural Significance: Tied to Southern Italian origins, particularly Sicily.
• Popularity: Fairly common in Sicily.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Alessandra

3. Acosta

• Meaning: Likely derived from “costa,” meaning “hill” or “coast.”
• Cultural Significance: Primarily found in Italian-American communities.
• Popularity: Less common in Italy, more prominent in Latin America.
• Recommended First Names: Federico, Giulia

4. Alessi

• Meaning: A diminutive form of the name “Alessandro,” meaning “defender.”
• Cultural Significance: Common in Southern Italy, particularly in Sicily.
• Popularity: Popular in Italy, especially in the south.
• Recommended First Names: Francesco, Maria

5. Amato

• Meaning: Derived from “amato,” meaning “beloved” or “loved one.”
• Cultural Significance: Symbolizes affection and love in Italian culture.
• Popularity: Quite common in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Luca, Sofia

6. Angelo

• Meaning: Means “angel” or “messenger” in Italian.
• Cultural Significance: Strongly tied to Christian and angelic symbolism.
• Popularity: Popular in Italy, especially among older generations.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Maria

7. Antonelli

• Meaning: Derived from the name “Antonio,” meaning “priceless” or “of inestimable worth.”
• Cultural Significance: Often found in central and northern Italy.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Elena

8. Barone

• Meaning: Means “baron,” a noble title.
• Cultural Significance: Represents the aristocracy and nobility.
• Popularity: Uncommon, aristocratic origin.
• Recommended First Names: Francesco, Isabella

9. Bianchi

• Meaning: Means “white,” symbolizing purity or fair-haired people.
• Cultural Significance: One of the most common surnames in Italy.
• Popularity: Very common throughout Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Andrea, Laura

10. Bianco

• Meaning: Similar to Bianchi, it means “white.”
• Cultural Significance: Often linked to individuals with lighter complexions.
• Popularity: Quite common in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Maria

11. Bonetti

• Meaning: Derived from “Bono,” meaning “good” or “kind.”
• Cultural Significance: Symbolizes virtue and kindness in Italian culture.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Recommended First Names: Stefano, Lucia

12. Bonfiglio

• Meaning: Means “good son,” from the words “bono” (good) and “figlio” (son).
• Cultural Significance: Associated with family and virtue.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Carlo, Maria

13. Boschi

• Meaning: Refers to “woods” or “forests.”
• Cultural Significance: Linked to rural life and nature in Italy.
• Popularity: Moderate, mainly in Northern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Matteo, Laura

14. Bovi

• Meaning: Refers to “ox” or “bull,” symbolizing strength.
• Cultural Significance: Common in rural areas of Northern Italy.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Antonio, Elisabetta

15. Calabrese

• Meaning: Means “from Calabria,” indicating origin from the region of Calabria.
• Cultural Significance: Strong regional significance in Southern Italy.
• Popularity: Common in Calabria.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Angela

16. Cammarata

• Meaning: Likely a toponymic surname, meaning “from the hill” or “mountain.”
• Cultural Significance: Tied to Sicily and its mountainous regions.
• Popularity: Fairly common in Sicily.
• Recommended First Names: Salvatore, Maria

17. Campisi

• Meaning: Derived from “campo,” meaning “field.”
• Cultural Significance: Represents rural or agricultural origins in Sicily.
• Popularity: Common in Sicily.
• Recommended First Names: Carmine, Lucia

18. Caputo

• Meaning: Derived from “capo,” meaning “head” or “chief.”
• Cultural Significance: Associated with leadership or prominence.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Anna

19. Cardinale

• Meaning: Means “cardinal,” a senior ecclesiastical title.
• Cultural Significance: Tied to the church and religious life.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Alessandra

20. Caruso

• Meaning: Likely derived from “caruso,” meaning “young man” or “boy.”
• Cultural Significance: Famous due to the renowned Italian opera singer Enrico Caruso.
• Popularity: Very popular.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Lucia

21. Casale

• Meaning: Derived from “casa,” meaning “house” or “home.”
• Cultural Significance: Refers to rural homes or farmhouses, common in countryside areas.
• Popularity: Fairly common in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Antonio, Maria

22. Catalano

• Meaning: Refers to “Catalan,” meaning from the region of Catalonia.
• Cultural Significance: Indicates origin from Catalonia, Spain, or associated with the Catalan culture.
• Popularity: Fairly common, especially in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Lucia

23. Cavalli

• Meaning: Means “horses,” symbolizing strength and nobility.
• Cultural Significance: Often linked to the equestrian lifestyle and aristocracy.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Beatrice

24. Celeste

• Meaning: Means “heavenly” or “of the sky.”
• Cultural Significance: Tied to celestial or divine imagery, often used in religious contexts.
• Popularity: Uncommon but well-known.
• Recommended First Names: Maria, Angelo

25. Celli

• Meaning: A diminutive form of “Cella,” meaning “small cell” or “room.”
• Cultural Significance: Historically, may refer to small rooms or chambers in a monastery.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Carlo, Lucia

26. Colombo

• Meaning: Means “dove,” symbolizing peace and purity.
• Cultural Significance: Famous due to explorer Christopher Columbus.
• Popularity: Fairly common, especially in the Genoa region.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Sofia

27. Conti

• Meaning: Means “counts,” referring to nobility.
• Cultural Significance: Represents aristocratic lineage and noble heritage.
• Popularity: Common, especially in Central Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Alessandro, Isabella

28. Coppola

• Meaning: Refers to a “cap” or “hat,” a traditional headpiece.
• Cultural Significance: Represents southern Italian, especially Sicilian, culture.
• Popularity: Fairly common in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Salvatore, Lucia

29. Costa

• Meaning: Means “coast” or “shore,” referring to geographic features.
• Cultural Significance: Tied to coastal regions of Italy, particularly in the south.
• Popularity: Very common, especially in coastal areas.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Giulia

30. Curcio

• Meaning: Likely derived from the Latin word “curcus,” meaning “course” or “track.”
• Cultural Significance: Common in Southern Italy, specifically Calabria.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Antonio, Rosa

31. D’Angelo

• Meaning: Means “from the angel,” referring to heavenly or divine origin.
• Cultural Significance: Tied to Christian imagery of angels.
• Popularity: Fairly common in Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Luca, Maria

32. D’Amico

• Meaning: Means “of the friend,” symbolizing friendship.
• Cultural Significance: Represents a close bond or camaraderie.
• Popularity: Common in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Francesco, Giulia

33. D’Alessandro

• Meaning: A variant of the name “Alessandro,” meaning “defender of the people.”
• Cultural Significance: Tied to the name Alexander, used in Italy for centuries.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Antonio, Laura

34. De Luca

• Meaning: Means “of Luca,” referring to a place or family name.
• Cultural Significance: Common in central and southern Italy.
• Popularity: Very popular in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Matteo, Lucia

35. De Rosa

• Meaning: Means “of the rose,” symbolizing beauty and grace.
• Cultural Significance: Associated with romantic and floral imagery.
• Popularity: Fairly common in Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Rosa

36. Di Carlo

• Meaning: Means “son of Carlo,” a patronymic surname.
• Cultural Significance: Represents family heritage, especially in Southern Italy.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Giulia

37. Di Stefano

• Meaning: Means “son of Stefano,” from the name Stephen, meaning “crown” or “garland.”
• Cultural Significance: Common in Italy, particularly in Southern regions.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Andrea, Elena

38. Di Matteo

• Meaning: Means “son of Matteo,” referring to the biblical name Matthew.
• Cultural Significance: Linked to biblical origins and Christian culture.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Sofia

39. Donati

• Meaning: Derived from “donato,” meaning “gift” or “given.”
• Cultural Significance: Associated with generosity and divine gifts.
• Popularity: Common in Tuscany and central Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Stefano, Isabella

40. Farina

• Meaning: Means “flour,” referring to the staple food product.
• Cultural Significance: Associated with agricultural or culinary roots.
• Popularity: Fairly common in Northern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Paolo, Teresa

41. Ferrari

• Meaning: Derived from “ferraro,” meaning “blacksmith” or “ironworker.”
• Cultural Significance: Represents craftsmanship and the industrial heritage of Italy.
• Popularity: Extremely common, worldwide famous due to the car brand.
• Recommended First Names: Alessandro, Giulia

42. Fiorentino

• Meaning: Means “from Florence,” referring to the city in Tuscany.
• Cultural Significance: Associated with the historic and artistic heritage of Florence.
• Popularity: Fairly common, especially in Tuscany.
• Recommended First Names: Francesco, Isabella

43. Fiore

• Meaning: Means “flower,” symbolizing beauty and nature.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Southern Italy, evoking natural imagery.
• Popularity: Fairly common in Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Maria

44. Fontana

• Meaning: Means “fountain,” representing water sources and vitality.
• Cultural Significance: Linked to Italian gardens and public water fountains.
• Popularity: Common in Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Stefano, Lucia

45. Gallo

• Meaning: Means “rooster,” symbolizing bravery and awakening.
• Cultural Significance: Common surname tied to Southern Italy.
• Popularity: Quite popular in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Giovanna

46. Galante

• Meaning: Derived from “galante,” meaning “gracious” or “dignified.”
• Cultural Significance: Linked to noble or refined manners.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Clara

47. Gatti

• Meaning: Means “cats,” symbolizing independence and agility.
• Cultural Significance: Popular in Northern Italy.
• Popularity: Quite common.
• Recommended First Names: Luca, Marta

48. Giordano

• Meaning: Derived from the Jordan River, meaning “flowing down” or “descending.”
• Cultural Significance: Tied to religious and biblical connotations.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Recommended First Names: Francesco, Sofia

49. Giuliani

• Meaning: Derived from the name “Giuliano,” meaning “youthful” or “descendant of Julius.”
• Cultural Significance: Common in Central and Southern Italy.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Alessandra

50. Greco

• Meaning: Means “Greek,” indicating Greek ancestry or heritage.
• Cultural Significance: Linked to historical Greek influence in Italy, especially in Southern regions.
• Popularity: Quite common in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Maria

51. Guerrieri

• Meaning: Means “warrior,” symbolizing strength and bravery.
• Cultural Significance: Associated with military or noble lineage.
• Popularity: Fairly common in Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Stefano, Isabella

52. Imparato

• Meaning: Means “unconquered” or “invincible.”
• Cultural Significance: Represents strength and resilience.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Antonio, Teresa

53. Lamberti

• Meaning: Derived from the name “Lambert,” meaning “bright land.”
• Cultural Significance: Found in both Northern and Southern Italy.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Maria

54. Lanzetta

• Meaning: Likely derived from “lancia,” meaning “lance” or “spear.”
• Cultural Significance: Associated with warriors or knights.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Stefano, Isabella

55. Lazzaro

• Meaning: Derived from the biblical name “Lazarus,” meaning “God is my help.”
• Cultural Significance: Common in religious communities.
• Popularity: Fairly common in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Maria

56. Leone

• Meaning: Means “lion,” symbolizing strength and courage.
• Cultural Significance: Tied to nobility and power.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Leonardo, Alessandra

57. Lombardi

• Meaning: Refers to “Lombardy,” a region in Northern Italy.
• Cultural Significance: Represents the Lombard people of Northern Italy.
• Popularity: Quite common.
• Recommended First Names: Carlo, Maria

58. Luciano

• Meaning: Derived from “lux,” meaning “light.”
• Cultural Significance: Associated with brightness, clarity, and illumination.
• Popularity: Very popular in Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Anna

59. Maggio

• Meaning: Means “May,” referring to the month or springtime.
• Cultural Significance: Symbolizes renewal and fertility.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Clara

60. Malatesta

• Meaning: Likely derived from “malatesta,” meaning “bad head” or “ill-headed,” referring to a rebellious figure.
• Cultural Significance: Historically, a noble family from Rimini, Italy.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Lucrezia

61. Manfredi

• Meaning: Derived from the Old Germanic name “Manfred,” meaning “man of peace.”
• Cultural Significance: A historic noble family from Southern Italy, particularly known in Sicily.
• Popularity: Rare but notable in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Francesco, Elena

62. Marini

• Meaning: Means “of the sea,” referencing maritime or coastal origins.
• Cultural Significance: Common in coastal areas of Italy.
• Popularity: Very common, especially in Tuscany and the coastal regions.
• Recommended First Names: Andrea, Laura

63. Martini

• Meaning: Derived from the name “Martin,” meaning “warrior of Mars.”
• Cultural Significance: Often linked to Christian saints, including St. Martin.
• Popularity: Very common in Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Sofia

64. Mazzini

• Meaning: Derived from “mazza,” meaning “club” or “hammer.”
• Cultural Significance: Linked to strength and protection, also associated with political figure Giuseppe Mazzini.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Isabella

65. Monti

• Meaning: Means “mountains,” referencing natural landscapes or geographic features.
• Cultural Significance: Common in mountainous regions of Italy.
• Popularity: Quite common in Northern and Central Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Stefano, Maria

66. Moretti

• Meaning: Derived from “moro,” meaning “dark” or “swarthy,” possibly referring to appearance or heritage.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Northern and Central Italy, often associated with dark-haired individuals.
• Popularity: Very common in Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Laura

67. Napoli

• Meaning: Refers to the city of Naples, meaning “new city.”
• Cultural Significance: Tied to the rich history and culture of Naples.
• Popularity: Fairly common, especially in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Vincenzo, Carmela

68. Neri

• Meaning: Means “black” or “dark,” referring to color or possibly complexion.
• Cultural Significance: Associated with Southern Italy, especially Tuscany.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Matteo, Lucia

69. Palermo

• Meaning: Refers to the city of Palermo in Sicily.
• Cultural Significance: Tied to the rich history and culture of Palermo.
• Popularity: Common in Sicily.
• Recommended First Names: Salvatore, Maria

70. Palladino

• Meaning: Derived from “paladino,” meaning “paladin” or “knight.”
• Cultural Significance: Represents noble or heroic ancestry.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Antonio, Teresa

71. Pietro

• Meaning: Derived from the name “Peter,” meaning “rock” or “stone.”
• Cultural Significance: A highly common name in Italy, tied to St. Peter, the apostle.
• Popularity: Very common.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Maria

72. Pugliese

• Meaning: Refers to “from Puglia,” a region in Southern Italy.
• Cultural Significance: Tied to the culture and traditions of Puglia.
• Popularity: Moderate, mostly found in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Luigi, Rosa

73. Rossi

• Meaning: Means “red,” referring to a reddish complexion or hair.
• Cultural Significance: One of the most common surnames in Italy, symbolizing color.
• Popularity: Extremely common across all regions of Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Francesca

74. Romano

• Meaning: Means “Roman,” referring to the city of Rome.
• Cultural Significance: Tied to the cultural and historical significance of Rome.
• Popularity: Very common in Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Luca, Valentina

75. Ruggiero

• Meaning: Derived from the name “Roger,” meaning “famous spear.”
• Cultural Significance: Popular in Southern Italy, particularly in Sicily.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Isabella

76. Sabatini

• Meaning: Derived from the name “Sabatino,” meaning “from the sabine tribe.”
• Cultural Significance: Tied to the ancient Sabine people of Italy.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Carlo, Lucia

77. Santi

• Meaning: Means “saints,” referring to Christian saints or holiness.
• Cultural Significance: Common among religious families or communities.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Maria

78. Sartori

• Meaning: Means “tailor,” referring to someone who made clothes.
• Cultural Significance: Linked to craftsmanship and the fashion industry.
• Popularity: Common in Northern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Andrea, Sofia

79. Scalzi

• Meaning: Means “barefoot,” possibly referring to humility or simplicity.
• Cultural Significance: Associated with religious figures or communities, especially monks.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Francesco, Teresa

80. Siena

• Meaning: Refers to the city of Siena in Tuscany.
• Cultural Significance: Tied to the rich history and culture of Siena, famous for art and architecture.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Chiara

81. Silvestri

• Meaning: Derived from “silveste,” meaning “wooded” or “forest dweller.”
• Cultural Significance: Linked to nature and rural areas, especially in Central Italy.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Alessandra

82. Sorrentino

• Meaning: Refers to someone from Sorrento, a coastal town in Campania.
• Cultural Significance: Tied to the scenic beauty and history of the Sorrento Peninsula.
• Popularity: Fairly common, especially in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Salvatore, Maria

83. Tarantino

• Meaning: Refers to someone from Taranto, a city in Southern Italy.
• Cultural Significance: Tied to the historical and cultural heritage of Taranto.
• Popularity: Fairly common, especially in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Laura

84. Testa

• Meaning: Means “head,” possibly referring to a leader or prominent figure.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Northern Italy.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Recommended First Names: Alessandro, Maria

85. Toscano

• Meaning: Means “Tuscan,” referring to someone from Tuscany.
• Cultural Significance: Strongly associated with the culture, art, and history of Tuscany.
• Popularity: Fairly common in Tuscany.
• Recommended First Names: Luca, Isabella

86. Vitali

• Meaning: Derived from “vitalis,” meaning “life” or “vital.”
• Cultural Significance: Associated with strength and vitality, and found across Italy.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Matteo, Sofia

87. Vercelli

• Meaning: Refers to the town of Vercelli in Piedmont.
• Cultural Significance: Linked to the historical and agricultural heritage of the region.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Maria

88. Vidal

• Meaning: Derived from “vital,” meaning “life” or “vitality.”
• Cultural Significance: Associated with strong, lively individuals.
• Popularity: Rare in Italy, more common in Spanish-speaking regions.
• Recommended First Names: Andrea, Lucia

89. Vitale

• Meaning: Means “vital” or “life-giving.”
• Cultural Significance: Tied to vitality and energy, often associated with health and strength.
• Popularity: Fairly common in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Antonio, Maria

90. Zanetti

• Meaning: Derived from the name “Giovanni,” meaning “God is gracious.”
• Cultural Significance: Common in Northern Italy, especially in Veneto.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Luca, Chiara

91. Zavattini

• Meaning: Likely derived from “zavato,” meaning “swineherd.”
• Cultural Significance: A rural surname found in Northern Italy.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Stefano, Marta

92. Zucchini

• Meaning: Refers to the zucchini plant or squash, symbolizing growth.
• Cultural Significance: Commonly found in Italy, reflecting agriculture and farming.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Recommended First Names: Luigi, Alessandra

93. Zanini

• Meaning: Diminutive form of “Zano,” meaning “little” or “son of Zano.”
• Cultural Significance: Common in Northern Italy, especially in Veneto.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Andrea, Maria

94. Zinelli

• Meaning: Likely derived from “zinna,” meaning “child” or “son.”
• Cultural Significance: Found in the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Carlo, Laura

95. Zilli

• Meaning: Likely derived from “zillo,” meaning “son of,” indicating familial ties.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Southern Italy.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Teresa

96. Valenti

• Meaning: Derived from “valens,” meaning “strong” or “healthy.”
• Cultural Significance: Associated with strength and resilience.
• Popularity: Fairly common in Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Francesco, Maria

97. Veneziani

• Meaning: Means “from Venice,” referring to the city in Northern Italy.
• Cultural Significance: Tied to the historic, artistic, and maritime significance of Venice.
• Popularity: Fairly common in Veneto.
• Recommended First Names: Luca, Isabella

98. Volpe

• Meaning: Means “fox,” symbolizing cleverness and agility.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Southern Italy, associated with wit and resourcefulness.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Antonio, Maria

99. Zanetti

• Meaning: Derived from “Giovanni,” meaning “God is gracious.”
• Cultural Significance: Common in Northern Italy, especially in Veneto.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Luca, Chiara

100. Caputo

• Meaning: Means “head” or “leader,” referring to a chief or leader.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Southern Italy, associated with authority.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Francesco, Elena

101. Cavalli

• Meaning: Means “horses,” symbolizing strength, speed, and grace.
• Cultural Significance: Linked to a rural or noble heritage in Italy.
• Popularity: Common in Central and Northern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Leonardo, Francesca

102. De Luca

• Meaning: Means “son of Luca” or “light,” referring to the name Luca.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Southern Italy and often used in relation to religious or historical figures.
• Popularity: Very common across Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Elena

103. D’Angelo

• Meaning: Means “of the angel,” possibly referring to divine protection or connection.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Southern Italy, particularly in Naples and Sicily.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Maria

104. Ferrari

• Meaning: Derived from “ferraro,” meaning “blacksmith.”
• Cultural Significance: Linked to the famous car brand, Ferrari, and historically to craftsmanship.
• Popularity: Extremely common in Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Isabella

105. Ferraro

• Meaning: Means “blacksmith,” symbolizing craftsmanship and trade.
• Cultural Significance: Historically linked to the ironworking profession.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Antonio, Laura

106. Gallo

• Meaning: Means “rooster,” symbolizing vigilance, strength, and leadership.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Southern Italy, especially in Naples.
• Popularity: Very common in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Salvatore, Maria

107. Giordano

• Meaning: Derived from the name “Jordan,” meaning “flowing down” or “descendant.”
• Cultural Significance: Tied to biblical and religious references, particularly the River Jordan.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Matteo, Lucia

108. Giuliani

• Meaning: Derived from “Julius,” meaning “youthful” or “downy.”
• Cultural Significance: Tied to the Roman gens Julia and St. Giuliana.
• Popularity: Fairly common in Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Giulia

109. Grassi

• Meaning: Means “fat” or “heavy,” possibly referring to a physically robust individual.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Northern Italy, often linked to prosperity or strength.
• Popularity: Common.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Alessandra

110. Guerra

• Meaning: Means “war,” symbolizing strength, conflict, or military heritage.
• Cultural Significance: Linked to warrior ancestry or military roles.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Carlo, Maria

111. Lombardi

• Meaning: Refers to someone from Lombardy, a region in Northern Italy.
• Cultural Significance: Tied to the rich cultural and historical legacy of Lombardy.
• Popularity: Very common in Northern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Paolo, Francesca

112. Longo

• Meaning: Means “long,” possibly referring to stature or a long-lasting lineage.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Southern Italy, particularly in Sicily.
• Popularity: Common.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Maria

113. Luciano

• Meaning: Derived from the name “Lucius,” meaning “light” or “illumination.”
• Cultural Significance: Tied to Christian saints and leaders.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Giulia

114. Mancini

• Meaning: Derived from the word “manco,” meaning “left-handed” or “one who is disabled.”
• Cultural Significance: Common in Central and Southern Italy, often tied to physical traits.
• Popularity: Common in Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Andrea, Sofia

115. Marchetti

• Meaning: Refers to someone from Marche, a region in Central Italy.
• Cultural Significance: Strong ties to the Marche region and its traditions.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Chiara

116. Martelli

• Meaning: Derived from “martello,” meaning “hammer,” symbolizing strength and craftsmanship.
• Cultural Significance: Historically linked to blacksmithing or trades involving tools.
• Popularity: Common in Central and Northern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Alessandro, Laura

117. Mazzola

• Meaning: Possibly derived from “mazza,” meaning “club” or “mace,” referring to a weapon or strength.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Northern Italy.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Francesco, Isabella

118. Minelli

• Meaning: Derived from “mine,” meaning “mine” or “source of wealth.”
• Cultural Significance: Associated with the mining profession.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Paolo, Maria

119. Molinari

• Meaning: Derived from “molin,” meaning “mill,” symbolizing work or trade.
• Cultural Significance: Historically tied to millers or those who worked in mills.
• Popularity: Common in Northern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Giulia

120. Morelli

• Meaning: Derived from “moro,” meaning “dark” or “swarthy.”
• Cultural Significance: Often referring to dark-haired or dark-skinned individuals.
• Popularity: Common in Central and Northern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Elena

121. Mori

• Meaning: Means “mulberry tree,” symbolizing growth, fruitfulness, and nature.
• Cultural Significance: Common in both Northern and Southern Italy, associated with agriculture.
• Popularity: Common.
• Recommended First Names: Stefano, Francesca

122. Neri

• Meaning: Means “black” or “dark,” possibly referring to dark hair or complexion.
• Cultural Significance: Found throughout Italy, especially in Tuscany and Rome.
• Popularity: Common.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Lucia

123. Napoli

• Meaning: Refers to the city of Naples, symbolizing the rich history and culture of the region.
• Cultural Significance: Strongly linked to the Southern Italian city of Naples.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Maria

124. Orlando

• Meaning: Derived from the Old French name “Roland,” meaning “famous throughout the land.”
• Cultural Significance: Tied to Italian literature, especially the epic “Orlando Furioso.”
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Luca, Sofia

125. Pace

• Meaning: Means “peace,” symbolizing harmony and tranquility.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Southern Italy, reflecting ideals of peace and calm.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Francesco, Giulia

126. Palumbo

• Meaning: Refers to a dove, a symbol of peace and purity.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Southern Italy, especially in Campania.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Recommended First Names: Antonio, Teresa

127. Pappalardo

• Meaning: Possibly derived from the term “pappa,” meaning “food” or “nourishment.”
• Cultural Significance: Common in Sicily and Southern Italy.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Maria

128. Pasquale

• Meaning: Derived from “Pasqua,” meaning “Easter,” symbolizing rebirth and resurrection.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Southern Italy, particularly during Easter celebrations.
• Popularity: Common in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Salvatore, Angela

129. Pezzella

• Meaning: Derived from “pezzo,” meaning “piece,” possibly referring to someone who worked in a craft or trade.
• Cultural Significance: Found in Southern Italy, especially in Naples and Campania.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Sofia

130. Pellegrino

• Meaning: Means “pilgrim,” referring to someone who travels for religious reasons.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Southern Italy, linked to the pilgrimage tradition.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Antonio, Maria

131. Pietro

• Meaning: Derived from the name “Peter,” meaning “rock” or “stone.”
• Cultural Significance: Popular name across Italy, often tied to religious significance (St. Peter).
• Popularity: Common.
• Recommended First Names: Francesco, Giulia

132. Rossi

• Meaning: Means “red,” possibly referring to red hair or complexion.
• Cultural Significance: One of the most common Italian surnames, found across all regions.
• Popularity: Extremely common.
• Recommended First Names: Luca, Maria

133. Ricci

• Meaning: Means “curly,” referring to someone with curly hair.
• Cultural Significance: Common throughout Italy, especially in Central and Northern regions.
• Popularity: Common.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Elena

134. Rinaldi

• Meaning: Derived from the name “Rinaldo,” meaning “wise ruler.”
• Cultural Significance: Common in Northern Italy, especially in the regions of Lombardy and Tuscany.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Recommended First Names: Stefano, Laura

135. Romano

• Meaning: Means “Roman,” referring to someone from Rome or with Roman heritage.
• Cultural Significance: Strongly associated with the ancient Roman Empire and Roman culture.
• Popularity: Very common in Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Alessandra

136. Russo

• Meaning: Means “red,” possibly referring to red hair or complexion.
• Cultural Significance: Very common in Southern Italy, especially in Sicily.
• Popularity: Extremely common.
• Recommended First Names: Salvatore, Maria

137. Sabatini

• Meaning: Likely derived from the name “Sabino,” referring to the ancient Sabine people.
• Cultural Significance: Associated with the historical Sabine tribe from early Roman history.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Giulia

138. Salvadori

• Meaning: Derived from “salvador,” meaning “savior,” referring to a religious figure.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Southern Italy, often associated with religious faith.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Elena

139. Santucci

• Meaning: Derived from “santo,” meaning “saint,” referring to someone saintly or holy.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Central Italy, especially in the region of Umbria.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Stefano, Alessandra

140. Santoro

• Meaning: Derived from “sanctus,” meaning “holy” or “saintly.”
• Cultural Significance: Common in Southern Italy, associated with religious devotion.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Recommended First Names: Antonio, Maria

141. Sartori

• Meaning: Derived from “sarto,” meaning “tailor,” referring to someone who works in the tailoring profession.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Northern Italy, especially in Veneto and Lombardy.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Matteo, Isabella

142. Savio

• Meaning: Means “wise” or “sagacious,” symbolizing intelligence and discernment.
• Cultural Significance: Linked to virtues of wisdom, often used in a religious context.
• Popularity: Fairly rare.
• Recommended First Names: Giuseppe, Maria

143. Scalisi

• Meaning: Possibly derived from “scala,” meaning “ladder,” symbolizing progress or elevation.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Southern Italy, especially in Sicily.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Antonio, Sofia

144. Schiavone

• Meaning: Derived from “schiavo,” meaning “slave,” possibly referring to a historical servitude background.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Southern Italy, particularly in Calabria and Sicily.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Giulia

145. Serra

• Meaning: Means “mountain ridge” or “rocky slope,” symbolizing strength and stability.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Sardinia, often tied to the rugged, mountainous landscape.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Alessandra

146. Siciliano

• Meaning: Refers to someone from Sicily, the island of rich culture and history.
• Cultural Significance: Tied to Sicilian heritage and its distinct traditions.
• Popularity: Fairly common in Southern Italy.
• Recommended First Names: Francesco, Maria

147. Silvestri

• Meaning: Derived from “silvestris,” meaning “of the forest,” symbolizing nature and the wild.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Central and Southern Italy, often linked to rural or forested regions.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Recommended First Names: Alessandro, Chiara

148. Taddei

• Meaning: Derived from “Thaddeus,” meaning “heart” or “courageous.”
• Cultural Significance: Common in Central and Northern Italy, linked to religious history (St. Thaddeus).
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Leonardo, Francesca

149. Toselli

• Meaning: Possibly derived from “tosse,” meaning “to cut” or “to shear,” related to a profession or skill.
• Cultural Significance: Common in Northern Italy, particularly in Lombardy.
• Popularity: Rare.
• Recommended First Names: Marco, Elena

150. Vitale

• Meaning: Derived from “vitalis,” meaning “life-giving” or “vital.”
• Cultural Significance: Common throughout Italy, often linked to vitality or religious significance.
• Popularity: Fairly common.
• Recommended First Names: Giovanni, Lucia

Conclusion

Every Italian surname tells a story. From the hills of Tuscany to the shores of Sicily, these family names depict a story of the past.

I shared these 150 surnames because each one holds memories of ancestors who shaped Italy’s rich history. Maybe you found your own last name in this list, or perhaps you spotted one that belongs to friends or neighbors.

Each name gives us hints about what Italian families did, where they lived, and who they were.

I’d  love to hear about your Italian family name. Does it appear in our list? Do you know the story behind it?

Share your family name’s tale in the comments below – there’s always more to learn about these irresistible pieces of history.