Italian Last Names

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.

Ventura started life as a shortening of Bonaventura, Spanish for good luck or good fortune, but now stands on its own. It has a pleasant sound and the stylish 'V' ending, but Angelenos would associate it with the Valley's main stem--Ventura Boulevard, and others might think of Ace or Jesse Ventura.

This Italian place name is best known as the surname of the Godfather family. In Mario Puzo's 1969 novel, Vito Andolini was born and raised in the Sicilian town, and his surname was changed to Corleone upon his arrival at Ellis Island.

Cardi B is the stage name of the rapper born Belcalis Almanzar. The name Cardi originated as a short form of Bacardi, a nickname the musician got because her sister is named Hennessy, after the cognac. The B, she says, stands for a range of things, depending on the day, including Belcalis and Bacardi. Cardi is one invented name that's found instant fame and could go much further. For now, it's definitely one of the most talked-about girl names starting with C.

Makeup artist to the stars Gucci Westman has made this Italian fashion name a first.

The great pre-Renaissance painter known as Fra Angelico was actually born Guido di Pietro, but his nom d'art might work for your little angel.

Anglicized form of Ruadh

Romero is one of the less common variations of the stylish family of Rome-related names. Only 32 baby boys were named Romero in the US last year, versus nearly 5000 named Roman and 1100 named Romeo.

A spiritual name of Italian origin, Annunziata refers to the angel Gabriel visiting the Virgin Mary to tell her of the upcoming birth of Jesus. Annunciata is an alternative spelling, while diminutive Nunzia is more commonly used.

An upbeat and accessible form of Maurice.

Strong and vital Asian birth order name.