Italian last names often carry with them stories of heritage and geographical origins, reflecting the rich tapestry of Italy’s regional cultures and histories. Those beginning with the letter ‘Z’ are particularly fascinating, often hinting at ancient roots and unique meanings. This list explores 100 Italian surnames starting with ‘Z’, providing insights into their etymologies and cultural significance. Whether through the sound of the name or the history it holds, each surname offers a glimpse into the lives and origins of its bearers, celebrating the diversity and depth of Italian identity.
100 Italian Last Names Starting with Z
Delving into Italian surnames beginning with ‘Z’ unveils a unique segment of Italian cultural heritage. These names are less common than those starting with other letters, making them all the more intriguing. They often originate from regional dialects, historical professions, or geographical features, offering a window into the lives of ancestors and the landscapes they inhabited. Here, we present a comprehensive list of these distinctive surnames along with their meanings, showcasing the variety and richness of Italian nomenclature.
| Last Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zabaldano | Derived from a nickname for a tricky person |
| Zabarella | Diminutive of Zabara, indicating a place of thorns |
| Zaccagnini | Little treasure or valued |
| Zaccaria | Italian form of Zechariah, meaning God has remembered |
| Zacchei | Derived from Zaccheo, meaning pure |
| Zaccarelli | Little Zaccare |
| Zaccari | Variant of Zacchari, related to Zechariah |
| Zaccaro | Strong or tough |
| Zaccarotti | Diminutive of Zaccaro |
| Zaccarini | Little strong one |
| Zaccheo | Pure or innocent |
| Zachi | Pet form of Zaccheo |
| Zaffarano | Related to saffron, possibly a spice trader |
| Zaffino | Diminutive of Giuseppe, meaning he will add |
| Zaffonato | Possibly derived from a nickname for someone who blows strongly |
| Zagami | Possibly related to the town of Zagami in Sicily |
| Zagarella | Diminutive of Zagaro, a nickname for someone who stammers |
| Zagaria | Garden tender or gardener |
| Zagatti | Diminutive of Zago, a shoe maker |
| Zaghini | Possibly related to a small saw or tool maker |
| Zagni | Originating from Zagnus, meaning toothless |
| Zagno | Shortened form of a name beginning with Zag- |
| Zagolin | Possibly a pet form of a name starting with Zago |
| Zagra | Possibly derived from a geographical feature like a ridge |
| Zaguatti | Variant of Zagatti |
| Zahra | Borrowed from Arabic, meaning flower or shining |
| Zaino | Backpack, possibly a nickname for a traveler |
| Zalaffi | Possibly a nickname for a slick or slippery person |
| Zalapi | Possibly related to Zalap, a historical term |
| Zaltron | Diminutive form of a name starting with Zal- |
| Zama | Possibly related to Zamattio, meaning sieve maker |
| Zamagna | Possibly related to a teacher or someone wise |
| Zamai | Possibly derived from a local dialect term |
| Zamarco | Diminutive of a name beginning with Zama- |
| Zamari | Variant of Zamariotto, meaning young Zamari |
| Zamarion | Diminutive of Zamari |
| Zambaldi | Possibly a patronymic form of Zambaldo |
| Zambardi | Variant of Lombardi, from Lombardy |
| Zambelli | Possibly related to a bell maker or ringer |
| Zambello | Diminutive of Zambelli |
| Zamberlan | Possibly related to a shoe maker |
| Zambernardi | Possibly related to Bernard, meaning strong or brave bear |
| Zambito | Possibly a nickname for someone with a limp |
| Zambon | Possibly related to Zamboni, indicating a ham maker |
| Zamboni | Maker or seller of hams |
| Zambotti | Diminutive of Zambon |
| Zamparini | Possibly related to a limper or one with a limp |
| Zamperla | Possibly related to a playful or mischievous person |
| Zamperoni | Diminutive of Zampero, a nickname for Giuseppe |
| Zampetti | Diminutive of Zampa, meaning paw or foot |
| Zampini | Little foot or paw |
| Zampolli | Possibly related to a jumper or dancer |
| Zampone | Big foot |
| Zanarini | Little Zanaro |
| Zanardi | Diminutive of Zanaro, meaning well made |
| Zanatta | Possibly related to Zanotti, a cobbler |
| Zanazzi | Diminutive of Zanazzo, a nickname |
| Zanchi | Possibly related to Zanco, meaning stilt walker |
| Zanchetta | Diminutive of Zanchi |
| Zanchini | Little stilt |
| Zanco | Stilt, possibly a nickname for a tall person |
| Zandegiacomo | Son of Giacomo Zande |
| Zander | Possibly derived from Alexander, meaning defender of men |
| Zandonai | Possibly related to someone from a place called Zandon |
| Zandonella | Diminutive of Zandonai |
| Zanella | Diminutive of Zani, meaning John |
| Zanelli | Little John |
| Zanellato | Diminutive of Zanella |
| Zanetti | Little John |
| Zanfino | Possibly related to a fine or delicate person |
| Zanfretta | Possibly a variant of Zanfino |
| Zangari | Possibly related to Zangar, a name |
| Zangrando | Possibly derived from a maker of objects |
| Zani | Derived from Giovanni, meaning John |
| Zaniboni | Good John |
| Zanichelli | Diminutive of Zanichello, a pet form of Giovanni |
| Zanin | Little John |
| Zanini | Little John |
| Zanirato | Possibly derived from a rato, meaning quick or swift |
| Zanitti | Possibly derived from Zanetto, a pet form of Giovanni |
| Zanlorenzi | From Saint Lorenzo |
| Zanolini | Diminutive of Zanol, related to Zani |
| Zanoli | Possibly related to Zanolo, a pet form of Giovanni |
| Zanollo | Diminutive of Zanoli |
| Zanotti | Cobbler or shoemaker |
| Zanotto | Diminutive of Zanotti |
| Zanovello | Diminutive of Zanove, related to Giovanni |
| Zanrè | Possibly derived from Zanre, a regional variant of Giovanni |
| Zanuccoli | Diminutive of Zanucco, a nickname for Giovanni |
| Zanzi | Possibly derived from Zanza, meaning gnat or nuisance |
| Zanzottera | Possibly related to Zanzi, diminutive form |
| Zappa | Hoe, possibly a nickname for a farmer |
| Zappacosta | Literally means cut coast, possibly a location-based surname |
| Zappala | Possibly derived from ZappalĂ , meaning clapper, related to bell ringing |
| Zapparoli | Possibly derived from a surname related to rope making |
| Zappatore | Digger or laborer |
| Zappella | Diminutive of Zappa |
| Zappelli | Diminutive of Zappella |
| Zapperi | Possibly related to Zappari, a variant of Giuseppe |
| Zappi | Little Zappa |
| Zappia | Possibly derived from Zappa, meaning hoe or farmer |
| Zappone | Big Zappa |
| Zara | Possibly derived from the name Sara, meaning princess |
| Zaralli | Possibly derived from Zarallo, a regional variant |
| Zaratti | Possibly derived from Zaratto, a nickname |
| Zarccone | Possibly derived from Zarccon, a place name |
| Zarella | Diminutive of Zara |
| Zarlenga | Possibly related to Zarling, a pet form of a name |
| Zarlino | Diminutive of Zarlenga |
| Zaro | Possibly derived from a place name or personal name |
| Zarrillo | Possibly derived from Zarrilli, meaning small Sara |
| Zattoni | Possibly derived from Zatto, a nickname |
| Zavanelli | Diminutive of Zavani, a pet form of Giovanni |
| Zavattaro | Cobbler or shoe repairer |
| Zavattini | Diminutive of Zavattaro |
| Zaverio | Derived from Xavier, meaning new house |
| Zavoli | Possibly derived from Zavolo, a nickname for Giovanni |
| Zaza | Possibly derived from a playful or joking nature |
| Zazzi | Possibly derived from a nickname meaning gaudy or flashy |
| Zazzini | Diminutive of Zazzi |
| Zazzo | Possibly derived from a nickname for a flashy person |
| Zecchi | Possibly derived from Zecca, meaning mint or coin maker |
| Zecchin | Diminutive of Zecchi |
| Zecchini | Little Zecchi |
| Zecchinon | Big Zecchi |
| Zecchino | Little |
Conclusion
These 100 Italian last names starting with Z offer a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Italian culture and history. Each surname tells a unique story, whether it’s rooted in ancient professions, geographical locations, personal characteristics, or foreign influences. These names serve as living links to Italy’s past, connecting modern individuals to their ancestors and the diverse regions they once called home. As we explore these surnames, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of Italian heritage, reminding us that in every name lies a piece of history waiting to be discovered and cherished.
