Italian surnames for girls in Russian. Italian surnames and their meanings

History of surnames

A similar surname arose back in Ancient Rome, When a person was given 3 names: birth name, family designation, and characteristic assigned by society.

As a rule, surnames were derived from the place of birth or residence of the family. So, it is known that the inventor, engineer and artist Leonardo da Vinci was born in the city of Vinci in eastern Tuscany. Surnames could also be given by the names of rivers, lakes, and mountain ranges.

In many countries, surnames were given after the parents' given names. Italy was no exception. Thus, Aldo di Alberto means “Aldo, son of Albert.” Cases of compilation of abbreviated names of father and grandfather were not uncommon: for example, the surname Kolayani is a combination of the names of father Nicola (Cola) and grandfather Giovanni (Ianni).

Surnames could also be assigned based on the family’s occupation, since this was often a hereditary matter, especially among workers and artisans. So, Contadino means "peasant".

Descriptive surnames are a relic of the third name in ancient Rome. They were given on the basis of nicknames reflecting the physical or individual characteristics of the bearer, unique personality traits or habits. For example, the surname Basso translates as “shorty.”

There were also characteristic designations of certain phenomena. Eg, orphans and foundlings were called by religious names: Esposito, Casadio, Trovato.

Since the 14th century. Due to population growth, it became necessary to give people surnames. This custom appeared in Venice and was first widespread among the nobility. In 1564, in Trento, for the first time, first and last names were recorded in the parish register.

List of Italian male and female surnames in alphabetical order

You can find out the meaning and features in other material on our website.

You can find out the most interesting things about beautiful male Italian names by going to.

Would you like to purchase goods from Italy without visiting the country? you will find a list of Italian online stores with delivery to Russia.

The most common Italian surnames: Bruno, Bianchi, Colombo, Marino, Moretti, Ricci, Romano, Squarcialupi, Ferrari, Esposito. The most popular of them is Rousseau. In modern times, many surnames have disappeared, but they survived in America.

All Italian surnames always end with a vowel. There are also regional differences between them. The surnames Rossi and Russo are the same, but the latter option more common in the southern regions of Italy. In general, surnames ending in the letter -i come from areas in northern Italy (), while those ending in -o come from the south.

The famous sculptor Andrea Pisano went down in history under this surname, although it was awarded to him later. He was born under the name Andrea da Pontedra. On the wave of his popularity, he moved to Pisa. The artist Allessandro Botticelli received this pseudonym thanks to his brother, a businessman. His real name is Allessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi.

By the way, the prefix “di” before the surname means “belonging to someone, something” (for example, someone’s son), a variation of the same prefix “yes” indicates geographic location(remember L. da Vinci).

The prefix “la” was placed before nicknames (la Fabro – from the word “blacksmith”), and the particle “lo” served as an indication of foreign origin(lo Portoghese - from Portugal).

The suffix –accio means “big” or “bad”, and -ucci indicates a descendant. Mostly diminutive morphemes are used in Italian surnames.

Double surnames are common separated by the words “detto”, “vulgo”, “dit”.

In contact with

Yesterday we watched one of the episodes of “Fantozzi” ( Fantozzi ) - a cult Italian comedy about the adventures of a failed engineer. A spineless klutz who endlessly gets into all sorts of stories, on whom everyone rides, who has an ugly wife and a monkey daughter, a small apartment and a car - a stool, but who never ceases to love life. So here it is. Once again I was amused by the names in the credits. Let me introduce you, for example, to Hugo Bologna and Leo Benvenuti ( Benvenuti translated from Italian as “welcome”).
Local TV in general often pleases with heroes and surnames. On the news we watch Alessio's reports Zucchini, his colleagues Withlast name Bella Gamba(Beautiful Leg), as well as the brave reporter Rita Cavallo(Horse). One famous ambitious politician proudly wears family name Kasini ( casino - a mess, disorder, brothel), the other - Schifani. The word " schifo "(skifo) 2 meanings, and both are of dubious pleasantness - “nasty” and “picky”...

Nepipivo, Dobrobaba, Kill-Wolf, Negodyaeva, Porosyuchko, Zhopikov and Mogila... All of these wonderful people in Italy there are thousands of brothers and sisters by fate!

Let's start with a wide range of products "edible" surnames: Pomodoro ( Pomodoro ), Fagioli ( Fagioli - beans), Piselli ( Pisell - green pea), Karota ( Carota - carrots), Cipolla ( Cipolla - onion)... All vitamins included. You can also find Polpetta ( Polpetta - meatball) and Saltaformaggio - jumping cheese).

Or, for example, Finocchio. The translation at first glance is simple and harmless - “fennel”. But the same word is used in slang to describe gays, so for the majority Italian men The surname is unattractive.

Let's go to the meat aisle, please. It is known that there was an owner of the name Vera (Vera - true, real) with the surname Vacca (Vacca - cow, beef). As you can see, the phrase turns out to be quite elegant... By the way, Vacca is a fairly popular surname in Italy, especially in Sardinia.

Italian "animals" last name: Papagallo ( Papagallo - parrot), Pecora ( Pecora - sheep), Mayale ( Maiale - pig, hog), Pesce ( Pesce - fish), Gattoni ( Gattoni - cats). In Sicily there are several families with the surname Anitra (Anitra - duck). This is only a small part, sorry, of the zoo.

Characterizing: Bella ( Bella - beautiful), Caradonna ( Caradonna - dear woman), Peloso ( Peloso - hairy, shaggy), Gambarotta ( Gambarotta - broken leg), Boncristiani ( Boncristiani - good Christians), Bonmarito (Bonmarito - good husband).

Measuring-fantasy: Diechidue ( Diecidue - ten two), Cinquemani ( Cinquemani - five hands) Quattrocs (Quattrochi - four eyes)…

Sensory-physiological: Tetta ( Tetta - breast), Orgasmo (everything is clear here), Coccolone ( Coccolone - something like the most tender), Sanguedolce (S anguedolce - sweet blood), Pompino ( Pompino ) - hmm.. you can find the translation on the Internet... There, of course, there is a particularly serious case... Although, maybe the last name helps on the contrary! Personal life, for example, arrange.

Let's move on to famous surnames: the namesakes of Shakespeare and Balzac, Bush, Reagan and Marx, Hemingway, Einstein and other world-famous greats live on Apennine soil...

There are Italians whose names are the same as dwarves from Snow White:

DOTTO- Smart guy (quite a lot, almost everyone lives in Veneto),
GONGOLO- Veselchak (can be counted on one hand)
PISOLO - Sleepyhead (also units)
CUCCIOLO - Baby (and it’s time for them to go to the Green Book).

Photo source

There are even people with surnames - curses: Bastardo (translated as “illegitimate”, as well as another bad word). Tamarro (dork, village). Dozens of citizens and female citizens by last name Zoccola (lung girl behavior) can be found in Campania, Piedmont and the Ligurian coast.

Just funny: Portafolio (P ortafoglio - wallet), Gratis ( Gratis - free), Spazzolini ( Spazzolini - brushes), Basta ( Basta - that's enough), Manjapan ( Mangiapane - “bread eater” in our opinion).
........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ...........

In Italy, as in Russia, there is a law allowing you to change surnames. But only those of exceptionally funny or offensive origin. So perhaps one day some of these colorful surnames will remain only in the annals of history...

By the way, Luke Spaghetti, about whom it is written in the book “Eat, Pray, Love”, may well not be a fictional character, but a real man...

here, in a couple of seconds, you can find out about the presence of owners of any Italian surname in the country and their popularity; where the most numerous flocks of “blackbirds” (Merlo) gather, where the most “blessed” (Benedetto) live, and where the “well-lived” (Bonvissuto) live.

Montemurro was most found in Apulia (where my husband is from), Calabria, Campania and in the north - in Lombardy and Piedmont.

By the way, if you believe the information from this site, there are no more descendants of Shakespeare’s Capulets in Italy. But the Montagues are dark all over the country.

For those who can't get enough, here's a list of funny Italian surnames from Anna Chertkova.

And a few more interesting facts on the topic of.

Auto RU famous paintings"Birth of Venus" and "Adoration of the Magi" Botticelli this nickname came from his older brother, a moneylender, whom everyone called “ il Botticello "(barrel).

10 most common Italian surnames(taken):

Rossi. In Russian it would sound like “red”, but could also mean a person with a pronounced reddish skin tone. In the southern regions of Italy there is a variant of Russo.

Bianchi. Similar to the previous surname, this one translates as “white” and denotes a fair-haired and/or light-skinned person.

Ricci - “curly.” The nicknames Ricci, Rizzi, Rizzo were given to fellow citizens with curly hair.

Marino. The surname comes from the Latin “marinus”, i.e. "sea, from the sea." This was the name given to people whose occupation or place of residence was connected with the sea. In addition, the surname Marino was often given to aliens arriving on ships.

Moretti. A word of Hebrew-Italian origin, meaning a dark-skinned or dark-haired person. Most often, Arabs who arrived from northern Africa or the island of Mauritius were described this way. Synonymous surnames: Moriyadi and Morritt.

Bruno or Bruni means "brown". Typically, this was the name given to people with brown skin and/or hair, as well as those who wore brown clothing.

Esposito - a “free” surname given to abandoned children. Derived from the Latin “exponere” - “throw away, throw up”.

Colombo - "pigeon". Most likely, the ancestor of the modern bearer of this surname kept a dovecote.

Ferrari. The surname of hereditary blacksmiths who worked with iron. Surname options: Ferraro and Ferari.

Romano. The general version indicates the Roman origin of the gens. An alternative description links the surname to Gypsies.

In passing, it was surprising to learn that Madonna is truly traditional Italian name, which was quite common in the old days. But that, friends, is another story...)

History of Italian surnames.

Italian surnames are very melodic and sound romantic to the Russian ear. This arouses special interest in them. Moreover, history of Italian surnames the oldest in Europe. The first Italian surnames appeared in the 14th century in Venice, when confusion arose due to the large number of identical names. And already in the second half of the 16th century, almost all residents of Italy had a family hereditary name. Italians are famous for their loyalty to the culture of their homeland, so when browsing list of Italian surnames alphabetically, you are unlikely to find traces of other peoples in them. It is easy to distinguish Italian surnames - most of them end in vowels “i” and “o”. In russian language Declension of Italian surnames unacceptable, that is, they do not change by case.

Classification of surnames by meaning.

Interpretation of Italian surnames very different. Some surnames were formed from the names of the father, grandfather or mother. Such surnames often contain the particle “di”, indicating affiliation. For example, Pietro di Alberto (Pietro, son of Alberto), Leonardo di Caprio (Leonardo, son of Capri. The name Capri indicated that the person was from the island of Capri). Very common in Italy family professions and many surnames reflect this (Contandino - “peasant”). Meaning parts Italian surnames associated with geographical names– Romano (originally from Rome), da Vinci (from the city of Vinci). Like other peoples, Italians have many surnames derived from personal nicknames - Gobbo (hunchbacked), Basso (short). I wonder what dictionary of Italian surnames contains surnames that were assigned to foundling children. Among them is the well-known, sonorous and popular surname Esposito in Italy, which means “abandoned”, “nameless”.

Original Italian surnames.

As you can see, Italian surnames are very diverse. Sometimes you can meet people with completely atypical Italian surnames, generated by the rich imagination of their first owners. For example, in different areas In Italy you can find the surname Washington, Paris (Paris), Sofia. And in Milan, the surname Milano does not surprise anyone. Some native Italians with wild imagination take for themselves famous names Bush, Lewinsky, Blair and even Putin. True, it’s extremely rare. Sometimes such “originality” is simply shocking. For example, the surname Squarcialupi means “sadist,” and the melodic surname Finocchio indicates an unconventional sexual orientation.

It must be said that Italians do not pretend to have a wealth of personal names; they are quite satisfied with the minimum of traditional names. But the number of surnames is striking in its diversity. Top Italian surnames shows that the most common surnames are Russo (red-haired), Bianchi (white), Ferrari (blacksmith) and other equally beautiful surnames.

Popular Italian surnames and their meanings

We present a list that includes the most popular and beautiful Italian surnames.
Allegro- Funny
Barbarossa– Red beard
Barbieri– Hairdressers
Bonmarito- Good husband
Botticelli– Keg
Bruno- Brown
Bugiardini– Little liar
Bianchi- White
Guidice- Judge
Guerra- War
Ghirlandaio- Flowers
Grasso– Toasty
Gentile- Polite
Ingannamorte– The winner
Cavalli- Horses
Carbone- Coal
Quattrocs– 4 eyes
Colombo- Pigeon
Conte– Count
Marino– Marine
Medici– Doctors
Moretti– Black
Neri- Black
Pellegrini– Pilgrims
Pontedra– Arrived from Pontedra
Ricci– Curly
Romano– Roman
Russia- Ginger
Saltaformaggio– Jumping cheese
Sarto– Tailor
Serra– Greenhouse
Squarcialupi– Hunter
Torregrossa– Big Boska
Ferrari– Blacksmith
Finocchio– Fennel
Fumagalli- Smoke
Esposito- Free

Hardly anyone today has not heard of the mafia. In the mid-nineteenth century, this word entered the Italian dictionary. It is known that in 1866 the authorities knew about the mafia, or at least what was called by this word. The British consul in Silicia reported to his homeland that he was constantly witnessing the activities of the mafia, which maintained connections with criminals and owned large sums of money...

The word "mafia" most likely has Arabic roots and comes from the word: mu`afah. It has many meanings, but none of them come close to the phenomenon that soon became known as the “mafia.” But there is another hypothesis about the spread of this word in Italy. Allegedly this happened during the uprisings of 1282. There was social unrest in Sicily. They went down in history as the “Sicilian Vespers.” During the protests, one cry was born, which was quickly picked up by the protesters, it sounded like this: “Death to France! Die, Italy! If you make an abbreviation in Italian from the first letters of the words, it will sound like “MAFIA”.

The first mafia organization in Italy

Determining the origins of this phenomenon is much more difficult than the etymology of the word. Many historians who have studied the mafia say that the first organization was created in the seventeenth century. In those days, secret societies that were created to fight the Holy Roman Empire were popular. Others believe that the origins of the mafia as a mass phenomenon should be sought at the Bourbon throne. Because it was they who used the services of unreliable individuals and robbers, who did not require much remuneration for their work, in order to patrol parts of the city that were characterized by increased criminal activity. The reason that criminal elements in the service of the government were content with little and had no big salaries, was hidden in the fact that they took bribes so that the violation of laws would not become known to the king.

Or maybe the Gabelloti were the first?

The third, but no less popular hypothesis for the emergence of the mafia points to the Gabelloti organization, which acted as a kind of intermediary between the peasants and the people who owned the land. Representatives of the Gabelloti were also required to collect tribute. History is silent about how people were selected for this organization. But all those who found themselves in the bosom of Gabelloti were dishonest. They soon created a separate caste with their own laws and codes. The structure was unofficial, but it had enormous influence in Italian society.

None of the theories described above have been proven. But each is built on one common element - the huge distance between the Sicilians and the power that they considered imposed, unfair and alien, and, naturally, wanted to remove.

How did the mafia come about?

In those days, the Sicilian peasant had absolutely no rights. He felt humiliated in his own state. Majority ordinary people worked at latifundia - enterprises owned by large feudal lords. Work on the latifundia was hard and poorly paid physical labor.

Dissatisfaction with the authorities was twisting like a spiral that was bound to shoot one day. And so it happened: the authorities stopped coping with their responsibilities. And the people chose a new government. Positions such as amici (friend) and uomini d`onore (men of honor) became popular, becoming local judges and kings.

Honest bandits

We find an interesting fact about the Italian mafia in Brydon Patrick’s book “Travel to Sicily and Malta,” which was written in 1773. The author writes: “The bandits became the most respected people on the entire island. They had noble and even romantic goals. These bandits had their own code of honor, and those who violated it died instantly. They were loyal and unprincipled. Killing a person means nothing to a Sicilian bandit if the person had guilt in his soul.”

The words Patrick said are still relevant today. However, not everyone knows that Italy once almost got rid of the mafia once and for all. This happened during the reign of Mussolini. The head of the police fought the mafia with its own weapons. The authorities knew no mercy. And just like the mafia, she did not hesitate before shooting.

World War II and the rise of the mafia

Perhaps if the Second had not begun World War, we would not be talking now about such a phenomenon as the mafia. But ironically, the American landing in Sicily equalized the forces. For the Americans, the mafia became the only source of information about the location and strength of Mussolini's troops. For the mafiosi themselves, cooperation with the Americans practically guaranteed freedom of action on the island after the end of the war.

We read about similar arguments in the book “The Great Godfather“Vito Bruschini: “The mafia had the support of its allies, so it was in its hands that the distribution of humanitarian aid - a variety of food products. For example, food was delivered to Palermo based on the population of five hundred thousand people. But, since the majority of the population moved to a quieter countryside not far from the city, the mafia had every opportunity to take the remaining humanitarian aid after distribution onto the black market.”

Help the mafia in the war

Since the mafia practiced various sabotage against the authorities in peacetime, with the beginning of the war it more actively continued such activities. History knows at least one documented case of sabotage, when the Goering tank brigade, which was stationed at a Nazi base, refueled with water and oil. As a result, the engines of the tanks burned out, and the vehicles ended up in workshops instead of the front.

Post-war time

After the Allies occupied the island, the influence of the mafia only intensified. "Intelligent criminals" were often appointed to the military government. In order not to be unfounded, we present statistics: out of 66 towns, people from the criminal world were appointed chief in 62. The further flourishing of the mafia was associated with the investment of previously laundered money into business and its increase in connection with the sale of drugs.

Individual style of the Italian mafia

Each member of the mafia understood that his activities involved some risk, so he made sure that his family did not go into poverty in the event of the death of the “breadwinner”.

In society, mafiosi are very harshly punished for connections with police officers, and even more so for cooperation. A person was not accepted into the mafia circle if he had a relative from the police. And for appearing in public places, a law enforcement representative could be killed. Interestingly, both alcoholism and drug addiction were not welcomed in the family. Despite this, many mafiosi were fond of both, the temptation was very great.

The Italian mafia is very punctual. Being late is considered bad manners and disrespect for colleagues. During meetings with enemies, killing anyone is prohibited. They say about the Italian mafia that even if families are at war with each other, they do not strive for brutal reprisals against competitors and often sign peace agreements.

Italian mafia laws

Another law that the Italian mafia honors is family above all, no lies among your own. If a lie was answered in response to a question, it was considered that the person had betrayed his family. The rule, of course, is not without meaning, because it made cooperation within the mafia safer. But not everyone adhered to it. And where big money revolved, there was practically betrayal mandatory attribute relationships.

Only the boss of the Italian mafia could allow members of his group (family) to rob, kill or loot. Visiting bars unless strictly necessary was not encouraged. After all, a drunken mafioso could blurt out too much about his family.

Vendetta: for the family

Vendetta is revenge for violation or betrayal. Each group had its own ritual, some of which are striking in their cruelty. It did not manifest itself in torture or terrible murder weapons; as a rule, the victim was killed quickly. But after death, they could do whatever they wanted with the body of the offender. And, as a rule, they did.

It is curious that information about the laws of the mafia in general became public knowledge only in 2007, when the father of the Italian mafia, Salvatore La Piccola, fell into the hands of the police. Among the boss's financial documents, they found the family charter.

Italian mafia: names and surnames that went down in history

How not to remember which one is connected with drug trafficking and a network of brothels? Or, for example, who had the nickname “Prime Minister”? Italian mafia names are known throughout the world. Especially after Hollywood filmed several stories about gangsters at once. What is shown on the big screens is true and what is fiction is unknown, but it is thanks to films that in our days it has become possible to almost romanticize the image of the Italian mafioso. By the way, the Italian mafia likes to give nicknames to all its members. Some choose them for themselves. But the nickname is always associated with the history or character traits of the mafioso.

The names of the Italian mafia are, as a rule, bosses who dominated the whole family, that is, they reached greatest success in this difficult work. Most of the gangsters who did the grunt work are unknown to history. The Italian mafia still exists today, although most Italians turn a blind eye to it. Fighting it now, when we are in the twenty-first century, is practically pointless. Sometimes the police still manage to catch the “big fish” on a hook, but most mafiosi die of natural causes in old age or are killed by a gun in their youth.

New "star" among the mafiosi

The Italian mafia operates under cover of obscurity. Interesting facts about her are very rare, because law enforcement agencies Italy is already having problems finding out at least something about the actions of the mafia. Sometimes they are lucky, and unexpected, or even sensational, information becomes public knowledge.

Despite the fact that most people, when they hear the words “Italian mafia,” think of the famous Cosa Nostra or, for example, the Camorra, the most influential and brutal clan is the ‘Ndranghenta. Back in the fifties, the group expanded beyond its area, but until recently remained in the shadow of its larger competitors. How did it happen that 80% of the drug trafficking of the entire European Union ended up in the hands of the 'Ndranghenta? - fellow gangsters themselves are surprised. The Italian mafia "Ndranghenta" has an annual income of 53 billion.

There is a myth very popular among gangsters: the 'Ndranghenta has aristocratic roots. Allegedly, the syndicate was founded by Spanish knights who had the goal of avenging the honor of their sister. Legend has it that the knights punished the culprit and themselves went to prison for 30 years. They spent 29 years, 11 months and 29 days in it. One of the knights, once free, founded the mafia. Some continue the story with the assertion that the other two brothers are precisely the bosses of Cosa Nostra and Camorra. Everyone understands that this is just a legend, but it is a symbol of the fact that the Italian mafia values ​​​​and recognizes the connection between families and adheres to the rules.

Mafia hierarchy

The most revered and authoritative title sounds approximately like “boss of all Bosses.” It is known that at least one mafioso had such a rank - his name was Matteo Denaro. Second in the mafia hierarchy is the title “king - boss of all bosses.” It is awarded to the boss of all families when he retires. This title does not carry privileges, it is a tribute of respect. In third place is the title of the head of an individual family - don. Don's first consultant, his right hand, bears the title "adviser". He has no authority to influence the state of affairs, but the don listens to his opinion.

Next comes the Don's deputy - formally the second person in the group. In fact, he comes after the advisor. A capo is a man of honor, or rather, the captain of such people. They are mafia soldiers. Typically, one family has up to fifty soldiers.

And finally small man- last title. These people are not yet part of the mafia, but they want to become one, so they carry out small assignments for the family. Young men of honor are those who are friends of the mafia. For example, bribe takers, dependent bankers, corrupt police officers and the like.

Yesterday we watched one of the episodes of “Fantozzi” ( Fantozzi ) - a cult Italian comedy about the adventures of a failed engineer. A spineless klutz who endlessly gets into all sorts of stories, on whom everyone rides, who has an ugly wife and a monkey daughter, a small apartment and a car - a stool, but who never ceases to love life. So here it is. Once again I was amused by the names in the credits. Let me introduce you, for example, to Hugo Bologna and Leo Benvenuti ( Benvenuti translated from Italian as “welcome”).
Local TV in general often pleases with heroes and surnames. On the news we watch Alessio's reports Zucchini, his colleagues Withlast name Bella Gamba(Beautiful Leg), as well as the brave reporter Rita Cavallo(Horse). One famous ambitious politician proudly bears the family name Kasini ( casino - a mess, disorder, brothel), the other - Schifani. The word " schifo "(skifo) 2 meanings, and both are of dubious pleasantness - “nasty” and “picky”...

Nepeypivo, Dobrobaba, Kill-Wolf, Negodyaeva, Porosyuchko, Zhopikov and Mogila... All these wonderful people in Italy have thousands of brothers and sisters in fate!

Let's start with a wide range of products "edible" surnames: Pomodoro ( Pomodoro ), Fagioli ( Fagioli - beans), Piselli ( Pisell - green peas), Karota ( Carota - carrots), Cipolla ( Cipolla - onion)... All vitamins included. You can also find Polpetta ( Polpetta - meatball) and Saltaformaggio - jumping cheese).

Or, for example, Finocchio. The translation at first glance is simple and harmless - “fennel”. But the same word is used in slang to describe gays, so for most Italian men the surname is unattractive.

Let's go to the meat aisle, please. It is known that there was an owner of the name Vera (Vera - true, real) with the surname Vacca (Vacca - cow, beef). As you can see, the phrase turns out to be quite elegant... By the way, Vacca is a fairly popular surname in Italy, especially in Sardinia.

Italian "animals" last name: Papagallo ( Papagallo - parrot), Pecora ( Pecora - sheep), Mayale ( Maiale - pig, hog), Pesce ( Pesce - fish), Gattoni ( Gattoni - cats). In Sicily there are several families with the surname Anitra (Anitra - duck). This is only a small part, sorry, of the zoo.

Characterizing: Bella ( Bella - beautiful), Caradonna ( Caradonna - dear woman), Peloso ( Peloso - hairy, shaggy), Gambarotta ( Gambarotta - broken leg), Boncristiani ( Boncristiani - good Christians), Bonmarito (Bonmarito - good husband).

Measuring-fantasy: Diechidue ( Diecidue - ten two), Cinquemani ( Cinquemani - five hands) Quattrocs (Quattrochi - four eyes)…

Sensory-physiological: Tetta ( Tetta - breast), Orgasmo (everything is clear here), Coccolone ( Coccolone - something like the most tender), Sanguedolce (S anguedolce - sweet blood), Pompino ( Pompino ) - hmm.. you can find the translation on the Internet... There, of course, there is a particularly serious case... Although, maybe the last name helps on the contrary! For example, arrange your personal life.

Let's move on to famous surnames: the namesakes of Shakespeare and Balzac, Bush, Reagan and Marx, Hemingway, Einstein and other world-famous greats live on Apennine soil...

There are Italians whose names are the same as dwarves from Snow White:

DOTTO- Smart guy (quite a lot, almost everyone lives in Veneto),
GONGOLO- Veselchak (can be counted on one hand)
PISOLO - Sleepyhead (also units)
CUCCIOLO - Baby (and it’s time for them to go to the Green Book).

Photo source

There are even people with surnames - curses: Bastardo (translated as “illegitimate”, as well as another bad word). Tamarro (dork, village). Dozens of citizens and female citizens by last name Zoccola (girl of easy virtue) can be found in Campania, Piedmont and the Ligurian coast.

Just funny: Portafolio (P ortafoglio - wallet), Gratis ( Gratis - free), Spazzolini ( Spazzolini - brushes), Basta ( Basta - that's enough), Manjapan ( Mangiapane - “bread eater” in our opinion).
........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ...........

In Italy, as in Russia, there is a law allowing you to change surnames. But only those of exceptionally funny or offensive origin. So perhaps one day some of these colorful surnames will remain only in the annals of history...

By the way, Luke Spaghetti, about whom it is written in the book “Eat, Pray, Love”, It may well be not a fictional character, but a real person...

here, in a couple of seconds, you can find out about the presence of owners of any Italian surname in the country and their popularity; where the most numerous flocks of “blackbirds” (Merlo) gather, where the most “blessed” (Benedetto) live, and where the “well-lived” (Bonvissuto) live.

Montemurro was most found in Apulia (where my husband is from), Calabria, Campania and in the north - in Lombardy and Piedmont.

By the way, if you believe the information from this site, there are no more descendants of Shakespeare’s Capulets in Italy. But the Montagues are dark all over the country.

For those who can't get enough, here's a list of funny Italian surnames from Anna Chertkova.

And a few more interesting facts on the topic.

Author of the famous paintings “The Birth of Venus” and “The Adoration of the Magi” Botticelli this nickname came from his older brother, a moneylender, whom everyone called “ il Botticello "(barrel).

10 most common Italian surnames(taken):

Rossi. In Russian it would sound like “red”, but could also mean a person with a pronounced reddish skin tone. In the southern regions of Italy there is a variant of Russo.

Bianchi. Similar to the previous surname, this one translates as “white” and denotes a fair-haired and/or light-skinned person.

Ricci - “curly.” The nicknames Ricci, Rizzi, Rizzo were given to fellow citizens with curly hair.

Marino. The surname comes from the Latin “marinus”, i.e. "sea, from the sea." This was the name given to people whose occupation or place of residence was connected with the sea. In addition, the surname Marino was often given to aliens arriving on ships.

Moretti. A word of Hebrew-Italian origin, meaning a dark-skinned or dark-haired person. Most often, Arabs who arrived from northern Africa or the island of Mauritius were described this way. Synonymous surnames: Moriyadi and Morritt.

Bruno or Bruni means "brown". Typically, this was the name given to people with brown skin and/or hair, as well as those who wore brown clothing.

Esposito - a “free” surname given to abandoned children. Derived from the Latin “exponere” - “throw away, throw up”.

Colombo - "pigeon". Most likely, the ancestor of the modern bearer of this surname kept a dovecote.

Ferrari. The surname of hereditary blacksmiths who worked with iron. Surname options: Ferraro and Ferari.

Romano. The general version indicates the Roman origin of the gens. An alternative description links the surname to Gypsies.

In passing, it was surprising to learn that Madonna is indeed a traditional Italian name, which was quite common in the old days. But that, friends, is another story...)