Italian Last Names

Bello is as handsome as Bella is beautiful, but rarely heard outside the Italian community. With its energetic 'o' ending, it could be ripe for export.

The name of prize-winning American architect Robert Venturi would make a somewhat awkward first.

A top choice in Italy.

Not quite Dora or Daria, this name is often dismissed in favor of its more familiar counterpart, but it has versatile appeal, given that it has a number of different origins. It can be considered a feminine form of Dorian, a variation of Dorothy, an elaboration of Dora, or a variation of the Hebrew name Dor, meaning "generation". A notable bearer is Doria Loyce Ragland, the mother of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

Most frequently seen as a surname of those with Italian or Spanish heritage. The Italian variation is a habitational surname denoting ancestors from the town of Revello, while the Catalan (sometimes spelled Revelló) derives from revell, meaning "wild olive tree."

Singer Perry is long gone, but the beautiful northern Italian lake, best known these days as one of the homes of George Clooney, conjures up a clear and tranquil image.

Le Pew. We don't think so, although it's a megacommon nickname name in Latino countries.

Dolce is the Italian word for "sweet," derived from the Latin word dulcis of the same meaning. It's a rare feminine first name in Italy, more often seen as a surname, as in that of Domenico Dolce, co-founder of fashion house Dolce & Gabbana. The luxury fashion brand has inspired a number of baby girls to be given the name since D&G's launch in 1985.

Drago sounds fierce but has a sweet meaning. It may be used as a standalone name or as a short form of other Slavic names beginning with the element dragu "dear", such as Dragoljub or Dragomir.