Italy is a land of history, art, and passion. It is a nation shaped by its regions, ancient civilizations, and the Mediterranean. Italians are known for their warmth, creativity, dedication, and pride, and our list of the most common Italian last names is a testament to Italy’s beautiful people and country.
What are Italian Last Names?
Italian surnames reflect the history of the Latin language and the Roman Empire. Common themes in Italian surnames are occupations, beauty, strength and geographic surnames denoting one’s family origins. As Italians and their culture have migrated throughout the world, so too have their surnames. For example, common American Italian last names include Franco, Russo, Rosa, and Marino. Unique American Italian last names include Coppola, Falco, Ferrari, Fiore, and Santoro.
Italian last names are unique due to their enduring connection to Latin. Italian is a language that comes from Latin. Many Italian surnames do not have an easily found translation because they are descended from Latin words rather than modern Italian. Nevertheless, the character of a surname can still be understood, particularly by those familiar with Romance languages. Religion was a significant force in Italian culture; the Catholic Church’s capital resides in the Vatican, Rome. This is reflected in the surnames that refer to religious figures. On this page is our comprehensive listing of Italian surnames followed by surnames by theme, perfect for those who want to learn more about the surnames that reflect this important and dynamic culture.
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Top 100 Italian Last Names
Our list of the most common Italian surnames is an excellent place to start your search. These surnames are found throughout Italy and are typically shared by many individuals, reflecting the common heritage of many Italian families. Common Italian last names often have simple meanings derived from common words or occupations.
- Rossi – Red
- Russo – Russian
- Ferrari – Blacksmith
- Esposito – Exposed, Foundling
- Colombo – Dove
- Bianchi – White
- Romano – Roman
- Ricci – Curly-haired
- Gallo – Rooster
- Dal – From
- Bruno – Brown-haired
- Conti – Count
- De Luca – From Luca
- Moretti – Moorish
- Mancini – Left-handed
- Costa – Coast
- Giordano – Jordan
- Rizzo – Curly
- Lombardi – Lombard
- Barbieri – Barber
- Greco – Greek
- Marino – Mariner
- Fontana – Fountain
- Mariani – Mary’s
- Caruso – Dear, Precious
- Galli – Rooster
- Ferrara – From Ferrara
- Santoro – Saint
- Rinaldi – From Renaldo
- Longo – Tall
- Villa – Village
- Sala – Hall
- Leone – Lion
- Martini – Son of Martin
- Dalla – From the
- D’Angelo – Of the Angel
- Bianco – White
- Martinelli – Little Martin
- Gatti – Cats
- Vitale – Life
- Serra – Mountain
- Coppola – Hat
- Gentile – Noble
- Cattaneo – Coat of Arms
- Ferri – Iron
- Messina – From Messina
- Monti – Mountains
- Marchetti – Little Marcus
- Marini – Marine
- Fabbri – Smiths
- Ferraro – Blacksmith
- Lombardo – Lombard
- Testa – Head
- de Santis – Of the Saints
- Grasso – Fat
- Parisi – Parisian
- Amato – Beloved
- de Angelis – Of the Angels
- Pellegrini – Pilgrims
- Riva – Bank
- Grassi – Fat
- Palumbo – Dove
- Conte – Count
- Morelli – Brown-haired
- Brambilla – Blackberry
- Sanna – Healthy
- Farina – Flour
- Benedetti – Blessed
- Pellegrino – Pilgrim
- Valentini – Little Valentinus
- Rizzi – Curly
- Franco – Free
- Caputo – Bald
- Carbone – Coal
- Fiore – Flower
- de Rosa – Of the Rose
- Barone – Baron
- D’Amico – Of the Friend
- Mazza – Club
- Silvestri – Of the Forest
- Martino – Little Martin
- Bernardi – Brave as a Bear
- Rossetti – Little Red
- Palmieri – Palm Trees
- Giuliani – Youthful
- Orlando – Famous throughout the Land
- Piras – Fisherman
- Locatelli – From the Place
- Basile – Royal
- Castelli – Castle
- Pagano – Pagan
- Ruggiero – Famous Warrior
- Sorrentino – From Sorrento
- Pozzi – Wells
- Romeo – Pilgrim to Rome
- Bellini – Beautiful
- Montanari – Mountain Dweller
- Fumagalli – Smoke and Hail
- Poli – Polite
- Rota – Wheel
Unique Italian Last Names
These unique Italian last names are distinctive and cool. They have a one-of-a-kind quality that sets them apart from more common surnames.
- Angelini – Little Angels
- Bassi – Low
- Benvenuti – Welcome
- Beretta – Little Bear
- Bruni – Brown-haired
- Calabrese – From Calabria
- Carta – Paper
- Castellano – Castle
- Catalano – Catalan
- Cavallo – Horse
- Clemente – Clement
- Corti – Short
- Costantini – Constant
- Costanzo – Steadfast
- D’Agostino – Of August
- D’Alessandro – Of Alexander
- D’Ambrosio – Of Ambrose
- de Marco – Of Mark
- de Simone – Of Simon
- de Stefano – Of Stephen
- di Stefano – Of Stephen
- Donati – Gifted
- Donato – Given
- Falco – Falcon
- Falcone – Falcon
- Fazio – Bee
- Ferrero – Blacksmith
- Ferro – Iron
- Forte – Strong
- Fusco – Dark
- Garofalo – Clove
- Giorgi – George
- Graziano – Gracious
- Grimaldi – Bald
- Leonardi – Lion-like
- Magnani – Great
- Mancuso – One-ankled
- Mantovani – From Mantua
- Manzo – Calf
- Marchi – Little Marcus
- Marinelli – Little Marine
- Mauro – Dark-skinned
- Milani – Milanese
- Molinari – Miller
- Monaco – Monk
- Napolitano – From Naples
- Negri – Black
- Olivieri – Olive Tree
- Palermo – From Palermo
- Pepe – Joseph
- Perrone – Big Rock
- Piazza – Square
- Pinna – Feather
- Proietti – Projector
- Randazzo – Place Name
- Rosa – Rose
- Rosso – Red
- Ruggeri – Reddish
- Santini – Little Saint
- Santucci – Little Saint
- Sartori – Tailor
- Spinelli – Little Thorn
- Toscano – Tuscan
- Valenti – Valiant
- Ventura – Adventure
- Vitali – Life
- Volpe – Fox
- Zanetti – Son of John
Cool Italian Last Names
These cool Italian last names sound like they’re spoken in Italy’s hottest cafes and striking yachts. They have a stylish and modern sound, making them appealing and trendy.
- Andretti – Man, Warrior
- Bosco – Woods, Forest
- Campanella – Little Bell
- Cortese – Courteous
- Cuomo – Master
- Fantini – Little Children
- Filippi – Son of Philip
- Gioia – Joy
- Graziani – Son of Graziano
- Grillo – Cricket
- Ippolito – Horse Enthusiast
- Izzo – Little Bird
- Lanza – Spear
- La Rocca – The Fortress or Rock
- Leoni – Lions
- Luongo – Long
- Maggi – Little Magus
- Marconi – Son of Marcus
- Marotta – Little Mary
- Martelli – Little Hammer
- Mazzola – Mace, club
- Moroni – Son of Morone
- Mosca – Fly
- Pace – Peace
- Porta – Door
- Pucci – Little Fist
- Rocca – Rock
- Rocco – Rock
- Rosati – Rosy
- Sabatino – Sabbath
- Sasso – Stone
- Simonetti – Little Simon
- Sorrenti – From Sorrento
- Stella – Star
- Tomasi – Twin
- Venturelli – Little Adventurer
- Vinci – Conquer
- Vitto – Victor
- Zago – Pole
Fancy Italian Last Names
Fancy Italian last names are elegant and refined and reflect a historical connection to nobility or higher social status. These surnames convey a sense of class and sophistication.
- Ambrosio – Divine
- Bartolini – Son of Bartolo
- Bianchini – Little White
- Capuano – Capuan
- Carboni – Carbon
- Carlucci – Little Carl
- Casagrande – Big House
- Cataldo – Pure
- Clerici – Cleric
- de Marchi – Of the Fields
- di Marco – Of Mark
- di Palma – Of the Palm
- Florio – Flower
- Giuliano – Youthful
- Granata – Pomegranate
- Lorenzi – Son of Lorenzo
- Lorenzini – Little Lorenzo
- Luciani – Light
- Maggioni – Little Magus
- Marchese – Marquis
- Nicoletti – Little Nicholas
- Oliva – Olive
- Pacini – Little Peace
- Paoletti – Little Paul
- Sabatini – Sabbath
- Salvadori – Savior
- Sanfilippo – Saint Philip
- Serafini – Seraphim
- Spina – Thorn
- Tagliabue – Ox Cutter
- Venturini – Little Adventurer
- Veronesi – From Verona
- Vianello – Little Vian
Pretty Italian Last Names
Qualities of Italian surnames are timeless elegance and sensuality. These Italian last names are melodious and pleasing to the ear, often evoking a sense of beauty and grace.
- Angeli – Angels
- Bellucci – Beautiful
- Bucci – Little Buck
- Cappelletti – Little Hat
- Corsini – Corsican
- D’Amore – Of Love
- de Lucia – Of Light
- di Francesco – Of Francis
- di Matteo – Of Matthew
- Federici – Peaceful Ruler
- Felici – Happy
- Fortunato – Fortunate
- Gabrielli – God is My Strength
- Gagliardi – Strong
- Gentili – Noble
- Giacomelli – Little James
- Giovannini – Little John
- La Rosa – The Rose
- Liguori – Worshipful
- Marchesi – Marquises
- Marin – Marine
- Mariotti – Little Mario
- Marra – Sorrel
- Masiero – Mason
- Micheli – Little Michael
- Morini – Mulberry
- Natali – Christmas
- Palma – Palm
- Paolini – Little Paul
- Paris – Parisian
- Pesce – Fish
- Pizzi – Little Points
- Renzi – From Laurentum
- Repetto – Repeat
- Santi – Saints
- Scotti – Scottish
- Verde – Green
- Vigano – From Viganò
Badass Italian Last Names
Badass Italian last names typically have a strong and powerful sound, conveying a sense of toughness or resilience. These surnames are associated with strength and tenacity.
- Agostini – Augustine
- Baroni – Barons
- Bartoli – Son of Bartolo
- Belli – Beautiful
- Bossi – Woodlands
- Capone – Big
- Cipriani – Son of Cipriano
- Corradi – Son of Corrado
- Evangelista – Evangelist
- Franceschini – Little Francesco
- Franchini – Little Francesco
- Galbiati – Son of Galbiato
- Giordani – Son of Giordano
- Girardi – Spear Ruler
- Grande – Big
- Guerra – War
- Guerrini – Little Warrior
- Guglielmi – Son of Guglielmo
- Guida – Guide
- Manfredi – Peaceful Strength
- Manzoni – Son of Manzone
- Masi – Farms
- Morabito – Son of Morabito
- Murgia – Moor
- Raimondi – Little Raymond
- Ratti – Rats
- Riccio – Curly
- Rubino – Ruby
- Sarti – Tailor
- Semeraro – Sow Herdsman
- Siciliano – Sicilian
- Spada – Sword
- Speranza – Hope
- Vassallo – Vassal
- Zito – Little Zeal
Rich Italian Last Names
Rich Italian last names may reflect a family’s historical wealth or social status, often exuding an aura of prosperity and affluence. These surnames are symbols of financial success.
- Amoroso – Loving
- Bandini – Little Flag
- Belloni – Big and Beautiful
- Bertoni – Son of Berto
- Bevilacqua – Drink Water
- Bonetti – Little Good
- Boscolo – Small Woods
- Brunetti – Little Brown
- Cardinali – Cardinal
- de Martino – Of Martin
- Federico – Peaceful Ruler
- Gambino – Little Warrior
- Gandolfi – Wolf Spear
- Gasparini – Son of Gaspare
- Ghezzi – Horse Trader
- Giunta – Arrival
- Grandi – Big
- Grosso – Big
- Lentini – Little Lion
- Longhi – Long
- Magni – Great
- Magri – Thin
- Mazzoleni – Son of Mazzolino
- Mazzoni – Son of Mazzono
- Milano – From Milan
- Molteni – Son of Molteno
- Morello – Dark-haired
- Puglisi – From Puglia
- Redaelli – Son of Reda
- Romagnoli – From Romagna
- Sessa – Seat
- Stefanelli – Little Stephen
- Zanotti – Son of Zanotto
Beautiful Italian Last Names
Beautiful Italian last names have an aesthetically pleasing and harmonious sound that adds to their charm. These surnames are known for their sheer beauty and elegance.
- Arrigoni – Son of Arrigo
- Barbero – Barber
- Bettini – Little Bettino
- Carnevale – Carnival
- Castellani – Castle Dweller
- Catania – From Catania
- Cavaliere – Knight
- Costantino – Constant
- D’Andrea – Son of Andrea
- di Pasquale – Of Pasquale
- Elia – Elijah
- Fanelli – Little Fan
- Fedele – Faithful
- Festa – Festival
- Filippini – Little Philip
- Fioravanti – Flower in Advance
- Fiori – Flower
- Giannini – Little John
- Marelli – Son of Marello
- Mazzei – Son of Mazzeo
- Merlo – Blackbird
- Natale – Christmas
- Piccolo – Little
- Pieri – Son of Piero
- Rossetto – Little Red
- Tarantino – From Taranto
- Vaccaro – Cowherd
- Viola – Purple
Sexy Italian Last Names
Sexy Italian last names are seductive and alluring. These surnames will capture attention and evoke a sense of attraction and allure.
- Alessi – Defender of the People
- Bertini – Little Bright
- Borrelli – Little Borello
- Carrara – Quarry
- Casini – Little Houses
- Damiani – Son of Damian
- de Vita – of Life
- D’Errico – Son of Errico
- di Bella – of Beauty
- di Carlo – Of Charles
- di Giovanni – Of John
- di Girolamo – Of Jerome
- Genovese – From Genoa
- Lazzarini – Little Lazarus
- Marrone – Brown
- Massaro – Farmer
- Mattioli – Little Matthew
- Mora – Blackberry
- Pasquini – Little Easter
- Romani – Roman
- Salvati – Saved
- Terranova – New Land
- Vecchi – Old
- Zaccaria – Zachariah
Cute Italian Last Names
Cute Italian last names have an endearing or charming sound, eliciting a sense of warmth and fondness. Here, you will find surnames that are associated with sweetness and charm.
- Aiello – From Aiello
- Belotti – Beautiful
- Bertoli – Son of Bartolo
- Bresciani – From Brescia
- Corsi – From Corsica
- Croce – Cross
- Dalle – From the
- Dessi – Desert
- D’Onofrio – Son of Onofrio
- Fiorentino – Florentine
- Floris – Flower
- Frigerio – Cold
- Lamberti – Bright
- Lazzari – Plains
- Lodi – From Lodi
- Macchi – Stained
- Macri – Blessed
- Maffei – Son of Maffeo
- Montagna – Mountain
- Morra – Blackberry
- Pecoraro – Shepherd
- Peluso – Hair
- Petrucci – Rock
- Piccinini – Little Piccino
- Sacchi – Sacks
Old Italian Last Names
Our list of old-fashioned Italian last names reflects the profound history of Italy. These surnames have been passed down through generations and carry historical significance and heritage.
- Alfano – White
- Baldi – Bald
- Barbato – Bearded
- Battista – Baptist
- Berardi – Son of Berardo
- Berti – Son of Berto
- Borghi – Little Village
- Bosio – Bush
- Cappelli – Hats
- Carletti – Little Carlo
- Casella – Little House
- Castaldo – Chaste
- Cavalli – Horses
- Cirillo – Cyril
- Colonna – Column
- Colucci – Little Collector
- Corrado – Bold Counsel
- del Vecchio – Of the Old
- di Benedetto – Of Benedetto
- di Giacomo – Of Jacob
- Durante – Lasting
- Giudici – Judges
- Landi – Land
- Leo – Lion
- Loi – Law
- Lorusso – Red-haired
- Manna – Manna
- Mari – Seas
- Moretto – Little Moor
- Nardi – Hardy
- Palladino – Pallas Athena’s Child
- Pasquali – Easter
- Pugliese – From Apulia
- Sacco – Sack
- Tosi – Curly-haired
Strong Italian Last Names
These strong Italian last names convey a sense of power, resilience, and fortitude. They are associated with inner and outer strength and represent a steadfast character.
- Antonelli – Son of Antonio
- Bertelli – Son of Bert
- Biondi – Blond
- Campagna – Countryside
- Campana – Bell
- Cavallaro – Horseman
- Cimino – Chimney
- Colella – Little Neck
- Cosentino – Healthy
- Cozzolino – Little Cozzo
- Crespi – Curly
- Fabris – Blacksmith
- Fossati – Ditches
- Franchi – French
- Gennari – January
- Guarino – Warrior
- Lupo – Wolf
- Manenti – Dweller
- Massari – Farmer
- Mattei – Gift of God
- Mauri – Moor
- Mercuri – Merchant
- Miceli – Son of Michael
- Morandi – Dark-skinned
- Mura – Walls
- Musso – Moss
- Napoli – From Naples
- Panico – Panic
- Pisani – Son of Pisano
- Rapisarda – Hold firm
- Righi – Ridge
- Rossini – Reddish
- Santangelo – Saint Angel
- Tedesco – German
- Tonelli – Little Tony
- Valle – Valley
- Zambon – Son of Zambone
Rare Italian Last Names
We’ve gathered the rarest Italian last names for this list that is beyond compare. These Italian last names are uncommon, with unique or distinct origins. They are associated with exclusivity and distinctiveness.
- Albanese – Albanian
- Bacci – Son of Bacco
- Balducci – Bold
- Bergamaschi – From Bergamo
- Bergamini – Little Bergamo
- Botta – Barrel
- Bove – Ox
- Capasso – Shaggy Hair
- Carraro – Dear
- Cocco – co*ck
- Corradini – Son of Corrado
- Cossu – Little Cozzo
- Crippa – Cripple
- D’Elia – Son of Elia
- di Maio – Son of Maio
- di Martino – Son of Martino
- di Mauro – Son of Mauro
- di Pietro – Son of Pietro
- Ferrario – Blacksmith
- Furlan – From Friuli
- Innocenti – Innocent
- Lenzi – Little Lorenzo
- Meroni – Son of Merone
- Panzeri – Armored
- Pappalardo – Pope’s Palace
- Parodi – Parody
- Perego – Pear Tree
- Poggi – Hills
- Privitera – Private
- Rocchi – Curly-haired
- Ronchi – Wheat Fields
- Scognamiglio – Knows Nothing
- Valsecchi – Little Waltz
Uncommon Italian Last Names
These uncommon Italian last names are for those who, like the Renaissance’s men and women, have a unique mind. They may not be widely known or recognized, but their unique characteristics distinguish them from more common surnames.
- Antonini – Little Anthony
- Arena – Sand
- Barbagallo – Son of Barber
- Barbera – Barber
- Bertolini – Son of Bertolo
- Carminati – Son of Carmine
- Ceccarelli – Little Cecchino
- Cerutti – Little Cerutti
- Delle – Of the
- di Domenico – Son of Domenico
- di Lorenzo – Son of Lorenzo
- di Paolo – Son of Paolo
- Drago – Dragon
- Fava – Broad Bean
- Ferrante – Steadfast
- Fiorini – Little Flower
- Grossi – Big
- Guidi – Guide
- Maggio – May
- Marano – From Marano
- Orlandi – Famous Land
- Palazzo – Palace
- Pastore – Shepherd
- Piccoli – Little
- Ranieri – Counsel of the Army
- Ricciardi – Hardy Power
- Santoni – Little Saint
- Schiavone – Slave
- Scuderi – Shield-bearer
- Stefani – Crown
- Trevisan – From Treviso
- Usai – From Usai
- Venturi – Winds
- Visentin – From Vise
- Volpi – Fox
More Lists:
- Italian First Names
- American Last Names
- French Last Names
- → See all Last Names by Nationality ~ Start Here
Famous People with Italian Last Names
Leonardo da Vinci was born in Anchiano, Italy, in 1452. He was a painter whose works included the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, a sculptor, and an icon of the Renaissance. He studied a variety of scientific and mathematical subjects. Da Vinci is an Italian surname that means ‘of the town of Vinci’ in Eastern Tuscany.
Monica Bellucci is an actress and model who has walked the runways of the world’s most prominent fashion houses. Born in Italy in 1964, she is best known for her roles in films such as The Passion of the Christ and Spectre. Bellucci derives from the Italian word Bello, which aptly means ‘beautiful.’
Luciano Pavarotti, born in Italy in 1935, was an opera singer. He has sold over 100 million records, including recordings of entire operas and arias. The meaning of the surname Pavarotti is not recorded, but it is similar to the Latin word ‘pavere,’ which means fear.
Antonio Vivaldi was a violinist and composer seen as a titan of Baroque music. Born in Italy in 1678, he wrote religious music, concertos, and over fifty operas throughout his career. Vivaldi is a Latin form of the Old High German words’ wīg,’ meaning fight, and ‘walda,’ meaning battle.
Giuseppe Garibaldi, born in France in 1807, is called one of Italy’s ‘fathers of the fatherland.’ He led the Italian unification and establishment of the Kingdom of Italy. Garibaldi comes from Lombardi, an extinct language used by Germanic immigrants to Italy in the 500s, and means ‘bold.’
References
Information from Wikipedia on Italian surnames was used in the collection of this data.
