Browse Submitted Surnames

This is a list of submitted surnames in which the usage is Italian; and the source is Nickname.
usage
source
Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed.
Giugno Italian
Derived from Italian giugno meaning "June", perhaps indicating a person who was baptized in that month.
Glorioso Spanish (Philippines), Italian
Means "glorious" in Spanish and Italian.
Goffo Italian
From Italian meaning "clumsy, awkward".
Gorga Italian
Topographic name from Sicilian gorga, Catalan gorg(a) ‘place where water collects’, ‘mill pond’, ‘gorge’.
Granato Italian
Means "having grains" in Italian, and "pomegranate (fruit, tree)" in archaic Italian, giving rise to the later meanings of "garnet (gemstone)" and "crimson"; ultimately derived from Latin granatus "having many grains"... [more]
Grande Spanish, Italian, Portuguese
Means "tall, large" in Spanish, Italian and Portuguese, used as a nickname for a person of large stature.
Grandin Italian
Derived from Grande.
Grandis Italian, French
Ultimately from Latin meaning "big, tall".
Griffo Italian
From grifo "gryphon" (Latin gryphus, Greek gryps, of Assyrian origin), hence a nickname for someone thought to resemble the mythical beast.
Guercio Italian
Probably a variant of Guerzoni, though it may derive from a Germanic given name.
Guerzoni Italian
From guercio "cross-eyed, one-eyed; blind in one eye".
Gurrieri Italian, Sicilian
Sicilian variant of Guerrieri and Guerriero. Cognate of Guerrero and Guerrier.
Guzzo Italian, Sicilian, Calabrian
Some characteristic forenames: Italian Rocco, Angelo, Salvatore, Agostino, Carmelina, Domenic, Gildo, Giorgio, Nunzio, Santo, Saverio.... [more]
Ienca Italian (Rare)
Derived from a regional variant of Italian giovenca "heifer (young cow that has not had a calf)", derived from Latin iuvenca "heifer; young woman". Could be a nickname, an occupational name for a cowherd or milker, or a toponymic surname from any of several locations named with the element ienca or jenca... [more]
Imbimbo Neapolitan
From Italian bimbo meaning "a child, a male baby" (which is a variant of bambino "child") combined with in-, a prefix indicating "belonging to the family of".
Imparati Italian
Nickname for a knowledgeable person. From Italian imparato meaning "learned".
Imperatore Italian
from a personal name or nickname from imperatore "emperor".
Imperiale Italian
Derived from Latin imperialis meaning "imperial", either denoting someone of aristocratic lineage or a nickname for a haughty person.
Imperioli Italian
Variant spelling of Imperiale. A famous bearer is American actor Michael Imperioli (1966-).
Infante Italian
Nickname for someone with a childlike disposition, from infante "child" (Latin infans, literally "one who cannot speak").
Inquieti Italian (Rare)
Possibly derived from Italian inquieto "restless, agitated; anxious, worried", perhaps given as a nickname or as a foundling name. This surname is no longer found in Italy.
Insigne Italian
Meaning "great".
Inutile Italian
Means "useless" in Italian.
Iovine Italian
Possibly derived from the Roman cognomen Iuvenalis "youthful, young", or directly from a variant of Italian giovine "youthful, young"... [more]
Iovino Italian
From an Italian form of the Latin given name Jovinus "of Jove", or in some cases a variant of Iovine.
Izzo Italian
Could be a nickname for someone of Arabic or Saracen heritage, or who had dark hair and skin, derived from archaic Italian izzo, ultimately from Ancient Greek Αἰγύπτιος (Aigyptios) "Egyptian"... [more]
La Barbera Italian
Variant of Barbera using the definite article la.
Lalicata Italian
Variant of the toponymic surname Licata using the definite article la.
Langiu Italian
From Sardinian langiu "slim, thin", cognate to Long.
Larusso Italian
Derived from the Italian word "Rosso," which comes from the Latin words "Rubius and Rossius," which mean "red." As a surname, larusso was originally a nickname for a person with red hair or a reddish complexion.
Lasagna Italian
From Italian (lasagna) denoting a popular Italian dish made of stacked layers of thin flat pasta alternating with fillings such as ragù and other vegetables, cheese, seasonings and spices.
Lavecchia Italian
Means "the old (one)" or "the old lady" in Italian, a nickname for a man who fussed like an old woman, or for someone from an old family. It can also denote someone from a toponym containing the element vecchia.
Leggio Italian
From Sicilian leggiu "light, not heavy; superficial", a nickname for someone considered unreliable or irresponsible. Variant of Leggièri.
Legore Italian (Americanized, ?)
Possibly related to the Italian surname Legori, derived from a Lombard dialect form of lepre "hare". However, Legore is not attested in Italian records.
Legori Lombard, Italian
Lombard form of Lepri.
Lento Italian, Portuguese
Nickname from Italian and Portuguese meaning "slow".
Leo Italian
Nickname for a fierce or brave warrior, from Latin leo meaning "lion".
Lepri Italian
From Italian lepre "hare", a nickname for a fast runner, or for a timid person.
Libra Italian
Derived from the latin word 'libra' meaning "balance, weigh". It's probably a nickname for a deliberate or well-balanced person.
Libutti Italian
Composed of the definite article li and dialect butti "barrels".
Lisci Italian
Probably means "smooth" in Italian, derived from the Italian liscio "smoothing", likely denoting a clean person.
Lobianco Italian
Means "the white one", a variant of Bianco using the definitive article lo.
Lodde Italian
From Sardinian lodde "fox".
Loglisci Italian
Possibly derived from Italian loglio "ryegrass, darnel", a plant often found as a weed in wheat fields, sometimes hosting an intoxicating fungus.
Lo Guasta Italian
Variant of Guasti, literally "the broken". Probably used as a nickname for someone with a twisted or deformed limb, used in at least one case for a foundling.
Lo Maglio Italian
Means "the mallet, the hammer" in Italian (see Maglio).
Lomenzo Italian
From Sicilian "menzo" meaning middle.
Longoni Italian
Probably a variant of Longo "long, tall" using the augmentative suffix -one. In some cases, it could instead derive from the toponym Longone.
Lo Ricco Italian
Possibly means "the rich one", from Italian ricco "rich, wealthy" combined with the definitive article lo.
Losano Italian
Italian form of Lozano.
Losco Italian
Nickname from losco ‘sinister’.
Lunatici Italian
A nickname for a quirky or temperamental person, ultimately from Latin lunaticus "of the moon, moonstruck".
Luongo Italian
Neapolitan form of Longo.
Macchia Italian
Topographic name from Italian macchia "thicket, scrub, brush" (from Latin macula "spot, fleck, stain") as well as a habitational name from any of various places named Macchia... [more]
Macchiarini Italian
Possibly a variant of Macchia, or else derived from the related macchiare "to stain, mark, blot" combined with a plural form of the diminutive suffix -ino.
Macri Italian
Italian variant of Magro. It could also be a southern Italian nickname for a person who had long limbs or who was tall, derived from Greek μακρύς (makrýs) literally meaning "long, tall" (see Makris)... [more]
Macro Italian
Possibly a variant of Magro.
Maggio Italian
From a nickname or personal name from the month of May, maggio, from Latin Maius (mensis), from Maia, a rather obscure goddess of fertility, whose name is derived from the same root as maius "larger" and maiestas "greatness"... [more]
Maggiori Italian
Recorded in many spelling forms including the 'base' form of Maggi, and the diminutives and double diminutives Maggiore, Maggiori, Di Maggio, Maggorini, and many others, this is an Italian surname of Roman (Latin) origins... [more]
Maglio Italian
Means "hammer, mallet, maul" in Italian.
Maiale Italian
Nickname from Italian meaning "pig, swine, hog".
Malandra Italian
Possibly related to Italian malandrino "dishonest, mischievous; rascal".
Malatesta Italian
Means "bad head" in Italian, a nickname for a stubborn or perhaps malicious person. It could have also indicated the bearer had a misshapen head. ... [more]
Malfatto Italian
Means "badly made, shoddy; deformed" in Italian, possibly originating with the nickname Malefactus "ugly, injured". Cognate to French Malfait.
Malinconico Italian
Means "gloomy, melancholy" in Italian.
Malizia Italian
Means "malice, spite" or "mischievousness" in Italian.
Malo Italian
Possibly from Italian mano "hand", a nickname for a skillful person, or a short form of a given name such as Romano.
Malvestio Italian
From Venetian malvestio "poorly-dressed, shabby", given to foundlings turned into an orphanage with shabby clothes.
Mambelli Italian
Possibly from Italian mano "hand" and bello "beautiful".
Manacorda Italian
Possibly means "bad heart", from Latin malus "bad" and cordis "heart".
Manai Italian
From Sardinian mannai "grandfather, grandmother".
Mance Italian
Variant of Manco.
Mangialaglio Italian
Means "eats garlic" in Italian, from mangia "to eat" and aglio "garlic". Possibly a nickname for someone known for heavily seasoning their food, or for having bad breath.
Mangiaracina Italian
The Sicilian name for salpa, a kind of fish, from mangia "to eat" and racina "grapes".
Mangiarotti Italian
From an Italian nickname, possibly meaning "rat eater".
Mangione Italian
From Italian mangiare meaning "to eat". Perhaps a nickname for someone who eats a lot.
Mango Italian
Variant of Manco.
Mano Italian
Means "hand" in Italian.
Manocchio Italian
Meaning uncertain, possibly from Italian mano "hand" and occhio "eye", an elaboration of the surname Mano, or an altered form of malocchio meaning "evil eye".
Marchese Italian
From the title of rank marchése "marquis" (in Italy the rank immediately below that of duke), probably applied as a nickname for someone who behaved like a marquis, or an occupational name for a servant in the household of a marquis... [more]
Marchione Italian
Nickname from marchione ‘marquis’, from medieval Latin marchio, genitive marchionis, from Germanic marka ‘borderland’
Maroni Italian
Can be a nickname derived from Italian maroni "balls, bollocks", from the Latin given name Maronius, or from a diminutive of the Germanic-origin name Ademaro... [more]
Marrano Italian
Nickname for a ruffian or a villain.
Martello Italian
Southern Italian: nickname for someone with a forceful personality, from Italian martèllo ‘hammer’ (Late Latin martellus), or a metonymic occupational name for someone who used a hammer in their work.
Martire Italian
from martire "martyr" probably a nickname for someone who had played the part of a Christian martyr in a religious play. However there was a Saint Martire and so the surname may be derived from a personal name.
Massidda Italian
From Sardinian massidda "jaw, jawbone".
Matera Italian
Habitational name from Matera, a city in Basilicata, Italy. ... [more]
Matta Italian
Probably derived from a feminine form of Matto, though other theories include Logudorese Sardinian matta "belly, paunch, entrails" and southern Sardinian matta "plant, tree" (compare Mata).
Mattana Italian
From Sardinian mattana "madness, annoyance".
Matto Italian
Means "mad, crazy" or "madman" in Italian, regionally used in the sense of "rascal, joker", derived from Latin mattus "drunk, intoxicated".
Maxia Italian
Possibly from the dialectical term maxia "magic", or masia "farm, country house".
Maza Italian
Variant of Mazza.
Mazzola Italian
From a diminutive of Italian mazza meaning "maul, mallet".
Melillo Italian
Means "small apple, crab apple" in Neapolitan, either a topographic name, an occupational name for a grower or seller of apples, or perhaps a nickname for someone with a sour disposition. Alternatively, it could be from the Latin given name Mellilus, related to the endearment mellilla "little honey", or be a diminutive form of Meli.
Mesina Italian
From Sardinian mesina "keg, small barrel", probably given as a nickname to someone with a round or fat build.
Metallo Italian
Means "metal" in Italian, ultimately derived from Ancient Greek μέταλλον (metallon) "mine, quarry; metal". Probably a metonymic occupational name for a miner or a metalworker, or perhaps a nickname for someone with a clear, metallic tone of voice... [more]
Mezzadonna Italian
Means "half a woman" in Italian, from mezza "half" and donna "lady, woman".
Mezzanotte Italian
Means "midnight" in Italian, perhaps given to someone who was born at midnight.
Mezzasalma Italian
From Italian mezza "half" and salma, an archaic term for a small unit of land, indicating that the bearer was not very wealthy. Salma also coincides with an Italian word meaning "corpse".
Mieles Italian, Spanish, French
Meaning "honey".
Mignogna Italian
Probably derived from Italian mignone "small, cute, pretty, graceful; favourite", or perhaps from a river of the same name in Lazio, Italy.
Milingiana Italian
Probably from milinciana "eggplant, aubergine", likely given to foundlings.
Mio Italian
Variant of Mione.
Modaffari Italian
Derived from Arabic مُظَفَّر (muẓaffar) meaning "victorious, made triumphant", either via the given name Muzaffar or a nickname.
Moffa Italian
From Italian muffa "mould, mildew, moss".
Molica Italian
Possibly a variant spelling of Mollica.
Mollica Italian
Means "crumb, breadcrumb; soft inner part of bread" in Italian, a nickname for a physically small or unintelligent person, or perhaps someone considered kind and soft-hearted.
Monaco Italian
Means "monk" in Italian, ultimately derived from Ancient Greek μοναχός (monakhós) "single, solitary" via Latin monachus. Could be a nickname for someone of monkish habits or appearance, a topographic name for someone living close to a monastery, or an occupational name for a servant employed at a monastery.
Montone Italian
nickname from montone "ram" (from Medieval Latin multo genitive multonis). Or a habitational name from any of numerous places called Montone ("big mountain").
Morabito Italian
Ultimately from Arabic مُرَابِط (murabit) "holy man, one who preaches in the street; soldier stationed in an outpost", from which comes Sicilian murabitu "moderate, sober" and murabbiu "teetotal".
Morena Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
From Italian moro or Spanish & Portuguese moreno meaning "dark-skinned".
Moreschi Italian
Nickname for a dark-skinned person, derived from the Medieval Latin word moro, actually from the Latin Maurus, meaning, "dark-skinned".
Morico Italian
Possibly derived from the medieval given name Moricus (see Morricone), or a variant of Morigi.
Morigi Italian
Possibly a variant of Morici, or perhaps derived from Lombardic morigiö "little mouse".
Moro Italian, Spanish
Nickname from moro "moor" from Latin maurus "moor, north african" and Italian variant of Mauro.
Morrico Italian (Rare)
Possibly a variant of Morico or Morricone.
Morticelli Italian (Rare)
Means "died small" in Italian, from morto "dead; died" combined with a diminutive suffix.
Mulè Italian
From Arabic مولى (mawlan) "guide, chief, lord, master".
Musso Italian
Nickname for someone with some peculiarity of the mouth.
Muzzi Italian
From the Latin given names Mucius or Mutius (see Muzio), possibly derived from mutus "mute, silent"... [more]
Napello Italian (Rare)
Means "aconite, monkshood" in Italian, taken from the plant’s scientific name Aconitum napellus, a nickname for someone considered to have an unpleasant or "poisonous" character.
Nasuti Italian
From Italian nasuto "nosey, big-nosed".
Negro Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Jewish
Nickname or ethnic name from negro "black" (Latin niger), denoting someone with dark hair or a dark complexion.
Negro Italian, Spanish, Galician, Portuguese, Jewish
Nickname or ethnic name from negro "black" (continuation of Latin niger), denoting someone with dark hair, dark eyes, a dark complexion, someone who wore dark clothes, someone who worked a job in the night, or was otherwise associated with the night.
Neve Italian, Portuguese, Galician
Means "snow", a nickname for someone with a pale complexion or white hair.
Nievo Italian
From nievo "grandchild, grandson; nephew", probably used to differentiate between relatives of the same name.
Niro Italian
From Neapolitan niro "black", cognate to Neri.
Noce Italian
Means "nut" or "walnut" in Italian. Could be a topographic name for someone who lived where nut trees grew, an occupational name for a grower or seller of walnuts, or perhaps a nickname based on the bearer’s strength of character, or a physical characteristic such as brown hair or skin.
Nocella Italian
Diminutive of Noce.
Notte Italian
From Italian notte "night", perhaps a shortened form of Mezzanotte "midnight" or Bonanotte "good night".
Novello Italian
From the nickname and personal name Novello, from Italian meaning 'new, young'. A famous bearer of this name is Welsh actor and musician Ivor Novello (1893-1951).
Occhi Italian
From Italian occhio "eye", a nickname for someone with good eyesight, or with distinctive eyes.
Occhibelli Italian
Probably from Italian occhio "eye" and bello "beautiful, good", as a nickname for someone with keen eyesight or attractive eyes. May also originate from a place of the same name.
Occhibianco Italian
Means "white eye" in Italian, most often given to foundlings.
Occhibove Italian
Probably means "ox eyes, cow eyes", from Italian occhio "eye" and bove "ox", perhaps a nickname for someone with large, dark eyes.
Occhilupo Italian
Means "wolf's eye" in Italian.
Occhiochiuso Italian
Probably from Italian occhio "eye" and chiuso "closed, shut", perhaps a nickname for someone who was blind, or known for being lazy.
Occhiodoro Italian
Possibly means "golden eye", from occhio d'oro.
Occhiogrosso Italian
Descriptive nickname meaning "big eye".
Occhionero Italian
From Italian occhio "eye" and nero "dark, black".
Occhiovivo Italian
Probably from Italian occhio "eye" and vivo "vivid, intense; alive", likely given to foundlings.
Occhipinti Sicilian
Derived from Italian occhi "eyes" and pinti "painted", denoting someone with dark eyelashes or with flecked or blood-shot eyes.
Occhirossi Italian
Means "red eyes" in Italian.
Orecchio Italian
Means "ear" or "hearing" in Italian. Compare Recchia.
Orfanelli Italian
Means "little orphans" in Italian, ultimately from Ancient Greek ὀρφᾰνός "without parents; bereft". Given to children raised in an orphanage.
Orso Italian
From Italian meaning "bear".
Paciello Italian
Italian surname for "Little peacemaker"; a diminutive for the Italian word "paciere", meaning Peacemaker.
Paganini Italian
Patronymic form of a diminutive of Pagano.
Paganino Italian (Rare)
From the given name Paganino, or a diminutive of Pagano.
Pallino Italian
Possibly from Italian palla "ball".
Pallotta Italian
From Italian palla "ball".
Palmieri Italian
Derived from Italian palmiere meaning "pilgrim".
Pancione Italian
Means "fat person, paunch, big belly" in Italian.
Pane Italian, Corsican
Means "bread" in Italian, a metonymic occupational name for a baker, or a a nickname or given name (medieval Panis, Panellus) figuratively meaning "good as bread, good thing".
Panebianco Italian
Means "white bread", from Italian pane "bread" and bianco "white", an occupational name for a baker who worked with high quality breads, or in some cases perhaps a nickname for someone of good character.
Panella Italian
From the name of a kind of fritter or pancake made with chickpea powder. Could be an occupational name for a baker, or perhaps a nickname for someone with a yellowish complexion. Alternatively, can be a diminutive form of Pane.
Panzeri Italian
Either a nickname from Italian pancia "belly, paunch", referring to someone with a prominent belly (see Panza), or an occupational name for someone who manufactured girdles and armour, from panciere "corset, girdle; paunce (armour covering the belly)", ultimately from the same root.
Panzica Italian
From Sicilian panzicu "pot-bellied, paunch".
Papa Tagalog, Italian, Albanian, Romanian, Greek, Spanish, Portuguese
Means "pope, priest" in various languages.
Papaccio Italian
Possibly from the Latin given name Papacius, or from the Greek surname Papakis... [more]
Pappalardo Italian
Means "glutton, hypocrite" in Italian, originally a nickname for a gluttonous person or someone who pretended to observe religious fasts while eating meat in secret.
Parletti Italian (Rare)
It is a surname of Italian origin, believed to mean "talkative", although few have this surname. Approximately 11 people bear this surname.
Paterno Italian
From any of several locations called Paterno or Paterna in Italy, which can derive from Latin patere "open", or from the Roman cognomen Paternus "paternal, fatherly".
Patta Italian
Possibly from patta "draw, settlement", perhaps a nickname given to a negotiator. The same term can also mean "heat, warmth of the hearth".
Pauselli Italian
Etymology uncertain. Possibly a nickname derived from Italian pausa "stop, pause, rest" combined with a diminutive suffix.
Pazzi Italian
From Italian pazzo "crazy, insane, mad".
Pecchia Italian
Means "bee" in Italian, probably a nickname for a hard-working or industrious person.
Pecorella Italian
Diminutive of Pecora "sheep", often in the sense of "lamb".
Pelagatti Italian
Probably derives from an old expression meaning "cheat, scoundrel", literally a combination of pela "to skin" and gatti "cats".
Pelle Italian
Means "skin, hide; leather" in Italian, an occupational name for a tanner, or a nickname for someone with notable skin.
Pellicano Italian, Sicilian
nickname from dialect pelecanò pelicanò "woodpecker" from modern Greek pelekanos "green woodpecker" (cognate with pelekan "pelican"; both come from pelekys "axe" the pelican because its beak is shaped like an axe the woodpecker because it uses its beak like an axe).
Pelosi Italian
Patronymic or plural form of Peloso.
Peloso Italian
Means "hairy, shaggy, furry" in Italian, a nickname for someone with long or unkempt hair and beard, or with thick body hair.
Peluso m Italian
Peluso is a surname derived from the Italian word "peloso", meaning 'hairy' or 'furry,'
Pensa Italian
Possibly from Italian pensa "think", indicating the bearer was known for being thoughtful or intelligent.
Penta Italian, Neapolitan
Means "painted" or "female turkey" in Neapolitan (see Pinto).
Perla Italian
From perla "pearl".
Perna Italian
Meaning uncertain, possibly from the dialectic word perna "leg", denoting someone with a deformed or missing leg, or a variant of Perla.
Persia Italian, Spanish
Ethnic name or regional name for someone from Persia (modern-day Iran) or some other country with Persian-speaking peoples or a nickname for someone who had visited or traded with one of these countries (see the given name Persis)... [more]
Petito Italian, Judeo-Italian
Nickname for a small person, derived from a dialectal word ultimately from French petit meaning "small, little".
Petrosino Italian
From Neapolitan petrosino "parsley", a nickname for an intrusive or meddling person.
Pettinati Italian
Diminutive form of Pettinato.
Pettinato Italian
Italian cognate of Peinado.
Peverelli Italian
Likely an altered form of Poverelli.
Pica Italian, Catalan
Nickname for a gossipy or garrulous person, from the central-southern Italian word pica ‘magpie’. Compare Picazo.Catalan: habitational name from any of the numerous places called Pica.Catalan: from either pica ‘pointed object’ (weapon, etc.) or a derivative of picar ‘to prick’.
Piccinini Italian
Derived from Italian piccino "little, small, tiny".
Piccione Italian
Means "pigeon" in Italian, denoting someone who resembles the bird or an occupational name for a pigeon keeper.
Piccioni Italian
From Italian piccione, "pigeon".
Piccolo Italian
Nickname from piccolo "small".
Pili Italian
Sardinian form of Italian pelo "hair, hairy".
Pipola Italian
Probably a variant of Pipolo.
Pipolo Italian
Possibly derived from a Latin word meaning "nothing, insignificant; a thing without value", perhaps a nickname for an unimportant or disliked person. Alternatively, it could be from a pet form of the given name Pippo, a diminutive of Filippo.
Pirro Italian
Pirro is a nickname for Peter.
Pirrone Italian
Augmented form of Pirro, ultimately from the Ancient Greek given name Pyrrhos meaning "flame-coloured, red"... [more]
Piscopo Italian, Neapolitan
Means "bishop" in Neapolitan, ultimately derived from Ancient Greek ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos) "overseer, supervisor, bishop" or "watcher, guardian"... [more]
Pizzuto Italian
Italian surname derived from a nickname meaning ‘malicious’.
Plescia Italian
From Albanian plesht "flea".
Porcu Italian
From Sardinian porcu "pig".
Poverelli Italian
Means "poor (person)" in Italian, given to foundlings and orphans.
Prezioso Italian
Means "precious, valuable" in Italian, derived from a nickname or from a medieval given name (masculine form of Preziosa).
Príncipe Italian, Spanish
From principe "prince, heir" (Latin princeps, genitive principis, from primus "first" and capere "to take"), applied probably as a nickname for someone who gave himself airs and graces or for someone in the service of a prince.
Priore Italian
from Italian priore "prior" either a nickname or occupational name which probably most often originated as a metonymic occupational name for a servant of a prior or some important lay dignitary... [more]
Proietti Italian
From Latin proiecto "abandoned, thrown away", given to foundlings and children abandoned at orphanages. The name may have been taken from la ruota dei proietti, or "foundling wheel", that some orphanages and religious institutes in Italy installed for infants to be anonymously abandoned in.
Pugina Italian
Possibly derived from Venetian Pùgia, referring to the region of Puglia (see Pugliese), or pugia meaning "abundance, plenty" as well as referring to the cuccagna pole festivities... [more]
Pugno Italian
The Italian family name Pugno is considered by scholars to be of nickname origin. While the majority of surnames that are derived from a sobriquet or nickname reveal to us some aspect of the physical appearance of the initial bearer of the name or may allude to a characteristic of this person, other nickname family names make reference to a particular piece of clothing or favorite article or indeed a favorite color of the bearer of the name... [more]
Pulcini Italian
Could derive from Italian pulcino "young chicken, chick", a nickname for a poultry farmer or someone thought to resemble a chicken, or from a diminutive of pulce "flea".
Pulsoni Italian
Probably from Latin pulso "to beat, to strike".
Purpura Italian
A nickname for someone associated with the color purple.
Quasimodo Italian (Rare)
From the name of the Sunday that follows Easter, called Quasimodo Sunday, which gets its name from the opening words of the Latin chant quasi modo meaning "like the way" (see Quasimodo as a first name), possibly denoted somebody who was born or baptized in the first Sunday after Easter... [more]
Quercia Italian
Means "oak (tree)" in Italian, or figuratively "strong or resilient person".
Radica Italian
Possibly derived from Italian radica meaning "root vegetable, carrot; briar root (wood)", or figuratively "uncultured person, unintelligent person", ultimately from Latin radix "root".
Raia Italian, Sicilian
Either a topographic name from Sicilian raia ‘smilax’ (a climbing shrub), or else derived from Sicilian raja meaning ‘ray’, or ‘skate’ (the fish), presumably a nickname for someone thought to resemble the fish or a metonymic occupational name for a fisherman or fish seller.
Rappa Italian, Sicilian
from Sicilian rappa meaning ‘bunch, cluster’ or Italian rappa meaning ‘lock, quiff’, which was presumably applied as a nickname with reference to someone’s hair.
Recchia Italian
Reduced or regional form of Italian orecchia "ear", a nickname for someone with notable ears or uncommonly good hearing.
Restivo Italian
Derived from Sicilian restivu meaning "uncommunicative, reserved, shy; wayward, contrary" or "stammering, stuttering", as well as "difficult, obstinate" in reference to farm animals.
Riccia Italian
Variant form of Ricci.
Riccio Italian
From Italian riccio meaning "curly". This was originally a nickname for someone with curly hair.
Riccobene Italian, Sicilian
Derived from Italian ricco "rich, wealthy" and bene "good", a variant of Riccobono.
Riccobono Italian, Sicilian
Derived from the medieval given name Riccobono (from Riccobonus or Richelbonus), composed of either the given name Ricco or Italian ricco "rich, wealthy" combined with Latin bonus "good".
Richie English (Rare), Italian
Diminutive form of Richard. It could also have been a nickname for one who was rich or wealthy, or, in Italy, a variant of Ricci... [more]
Riina Sicilian
Derived from Sicilian rijina meaning "queen".
Rinato Italian
Means "born again, reborn" in Italian.
Rinomato Italian
Derived from Italian rinomato meaning "renowned", "famous", and "well-known". A known bearer is the Canadian television host Sandra Rinomato.
Risso Italian
Variant of Riccio.
Rizza Italian
Variant of Rizzo.
Rizzotti Italian
From a diminutive of Rizzo.
Rizzuto Italian
From Sicilian rizzutu "curly-haired".
Rondelli Italian, English, French
From the medieval name "Rondello" derived from French "rondel" meaning "go around, round" or "rondel", a French old nickname for a round, plump man.
Rosso Italian
Derived from the Italian word rosso meaning "red". It was used as a nickname for people with red hair or that used to wear in red.
Rotunno Italian
From Neapolitan rotunno "round, rotund".
Rubiu Italian
From Sardinian runiu "red", cognate to Rubio.
Rusconi Italian
From Italian rusca, "splinter, sliver of wood".
Russi Italian
Variant of Rossi.
Sabato Italian
From sabato "Saturday".
Saccavino Italian
Possibly from French sac à vin "drunkard".
Saccente Italian
Nickname from medieval Italian saccente "wise, learned, intelligent". In modern times, the word has come to mean "conceited, presumptuous".
Saetta Italian
Possibly an Italianized form of Sicilian Saitta, or else taken directly from the Italian word saetta meaning "arrow, bolt" or "thunderbolt, lightning"... [more]
Saitta Sicilian, Italian
Means "arrow" or "lightning bolt" in Sicilian, from Latin sagitta via sajitta. Probably a nickname for a quick or fast-footed person, though it may have also been a metonymic occupational name for a fletcher.
Saladino Italian, Sicilian
Either from the personal name Saladino from Arabic (see Saladin ) or a nickname from this name denoting a bully or tyrant... [more]
Sallas Italian, Spanish, Catalan, Occitan, Galician, Portuguese, Aragonese, Asturian, Romanian, Greek
Either a variant of Salas or Sala, or else a nickname from Arabic, Turkish, or Persian salli meaning "broad, wide, large, tall".
Sandano Italian
Derived from an older form of Italian sandalo "sandal (plant), sandalwood", ultimately from Sanskrit चन्दन (candana). Possibly an occupational name for someone who crafted with the wood, or perhaps a nickname for someone who often wore a sandalwood scent.
Santas Spanish, Italian, Portuguese
Possibly a nickame for someone born on All Saint's Day.
Santi Italian
Derived from the given name Santi, or as a patronymic form of Santo. It can also be derived as a nickname from santo "holy" or "saint", ultimately from Latin sanctus.
Santora Italian
Feminine form of Santoro.
Santorum Italian
Variant of Santoro, from Latin sanctorum "of the saints". A notable bearer is former American Senator Rick Santorum (1958-present).
Sapienza Italian
Means "knowledge, wisdom" in Italian.
Saraceno Italian
A nickname from saraceno "Saracen" (from Late Latin Saracenus) denoting someone of swarthy appearance an unruly person or someone who had taken part in a Crusade... [more]
Savio Italian
Means "wise, sensible, learned" in Italian, given as a nickname or personal name (see Savio).
Sbaraglia Italian
From sbaragliare "to defeat, to overcome".
Scaglione Italian
Derived from scaglione meaning "stallion’s canine tooth" (an augmentative form of scaglie meaning "canine tooth", from Old French escaillon meaning "horse’s tooth"), presumably a nickname for someone with exceptionally large teeth.
Scanagatta Italian
Probably means "cat killer", from Italian scannare "to slaughter, to cut the throat of" and gatto "cat", with the figurative meaning of "cheat, scoundrel". (Compare Pelagatti)... [more]
Scanarotti Italian
Meaning uncertain, possibly a nickname given to a boastful person.
Scannabissi Italian
Possibly from scannare "to slaughter, to cut the throat of" and biscio "snake". Alternately, the first element may be from an archaic form of zanna, "tooth (of an animal)".
Scarano Italian
Means "marauder, bandit".
Scarlato Italian
From Sicilian scarlatu meaning "scarlet" or "purple". Given as an occupational name for a dyer, or as a nickname for someone who habitually wore scarlet or who had bright red hair.
Scarselli Italian
From scarsella "purse", a type of bag hung around the neck to keep money in. Possibly indicated a wealthy person.
Scatena Italian
From scatenare "to provoke, stir up, unleash", probably a nickname for a troublemaker.
Schena Italian
Derived from a regional variant of Italian schiena "back (of the body)", perhaps a nickname for someone with a straight, rigid posture, or a topographic name denoting a rise or bump in the ground.
Schiavo Italian
Means both "Slav" and "slave" in Italian, the latter meaning deriving from the former. Was most likely given as an ethnonym to people from Eastern Europe, though in some cases it may have been a nickname, or an occupational name for a servant.
Schiazza Italian
From chiazza "stain, blot", perhaps given to someone with a prominent birthmark. Might also from a regional dialect, meaning "piazza, town square".
Scimia Italian
From an archaic form of Italian scimmia "monkey", from Ancient Greek σιμός (simos) "snub-nosed". Has figurative meanings of "drunk" and "imitator, mimic, aper".
Scioli Italian
Possibly derived from Scio, a shortened form of the medieval given name Desio (from Latin Desigus or Desijo, associated with literary Italian desio "desire"), or perhaps from medieval Tuscan Ciolo... [more]
Scornavacche Italian
Possibly deriving from Italian words scorno meaning shame, and vacca meaning cow. Sicilian variant of Scornavacca.
Scuro Italian
From Italian meaning "dark".
Scurti Italian
Possibly from Neapolitan curto "short".
Secchi Italian
Probably related to Italian secco "thin, dry". May alternately derive from secare "to cut", Sardinian seghi "sixteen", segete "harvest, harvest fodder", or a shortened form of seneche "old, aged".
Sedita Italian
From Italian sei "six" and dita "fingers", either literally referring to someone with six fingers, or metaphorically to someone who was very dextrous, or perhaps ironically to a clumsy person.
Sensi Italian
Derived from Italian "senso" meaning "sense, feeling". Historically, the surname could have been given to someone who was known for their wisdom or intelligence, or to someone who had a keen sense of perception or intuition... [more]
Serrao Italian
Probably from a dialectical term meaning "closed, shut".
Sette Italian
Means "seven". Probably a nickname for the seventh child of a family, though it could derive from a place name containing the element.
Sferrazza Italian
Possibly derived from sferra meaning "old horseshoe, rusty knife or sword, piece of junk" or figuratively "good-for-nothing, worthless man", an occupational name for a scrap-metal merchant, or a nickname based on the latter sense... [more]
Sforza Italian
Derived from the Italian verb sforzare meaning "to force, strain"; also compare the related word forza "force, strength". This was the surname of a dynasty of Milanese dukes, which held power in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Siddu Italian
From Sardinian siddu "seal, brand", or the related siddai/re "to seal, to tighten", from which come the phrases 'siddai is dentis' "to grit one's teeth" and 'siddàu siast ingùnis' "may you be sealed there", the latter of which would have been affectionately said to a child that wouldn't stay still.
Sinatra Italian
Comes from a personal name in Sicily and souther Calabria. The name was apparently in origin a nickname from Latin senator member of the Roman senate, Latin senatus, a derivative of senex ‘old’... [more]
Slongo Italian
Variant of Longo.
Sodano Italian, Sicilian
nickname or ethnic name from Arabic sawdān "black Negro". nickname from Old Sicilian sudanu "sultan".
Soldano Italian, Sicilian
from soldano "sultan" (earlier sultano from Arabic sulṭān "ruler") used as a nickname for someone who behaved in an outlandish or autocratic manner.