Italian last names are a fascinating window into the country’s rich history, culture, and linguistic diversity. These surnames often reflect the profession, geographical origin, or even the personality traits of the ancestors who first bore them. Understanding these names can provide insights into the lives and identities of Italian families over the centuries. This article explores 100 Italian last names starting with the letter “C,” delving into their meanings and origins. Whether you are tracing your genealogy or simply curious about Italian heritage, this compilation offers a glimpse into the world of Italian surnames.
100 Italian Last Names Starting with C
Italian surnames starting with “C” can be traced back to various origins, including occupations, geographical locations, and descriptive nicknames. These names have been passed down through generations, each carrying its unique story and significance. Below is a list of 100 Italian last names starting with “C,” along with their meanings.
| Last Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cabello | Hair |
| Cacciatore | Hunter |
| Caggiano | From Caggiano |
| Calabrese | From Calabria |
| Calandra | Lark |
| Calvano | Bald |
| Caminiti | From Camini |
| Campagna | Countryside |
| Campanella | Little bell |
| Canali | Channels |
| Canova | New house |
| Capaldi | From Capua |
| Capello | Hair |
| Capone | Stubborn |
| Capozzi | Big head |
| Carbone | Coal |
| Caruso | Boy |
| Casale | Farmhouse |
| Casanova | New house |
| Castellano | From the castle |
| Castelli | Castles |
| Catalano | From Catalonia |
| Catanzaro | From Catanzaro |
| Cattaneo | Captain |
| Cavallo | Horse |
| Cella | Cell or small room |
| Cenci | Rags |
| Cerami | From Cerami |
| Cerchi | Circles |
| Cervone | Big deer |
| Chiesa | Church |
| Chiocca | Bell |
| Chiodo | Nail |
| Cicala | Cicada |
| Ciccone | Big chick |
| Cioffi | Little dog |
| Cipriani | From Cyprus |
| Cirillo | Little lord |
| Cittadino | Citizen |
| Clemente | Merciful |
| Colangelo | Angelic hill |
| Colombo | Dove |
| Colucci | Little dove |
| Conte | Count |
| Conti | Counts |
| Coppola | Little hat |
| Corleone | Lion heart |
| Corona | Crown |
| Corrado | Brave counsel |
| Costa | Coast |
| Costanzo | Steadfast |
| Crescenzo | Growing |
| Croce | Cross |
| Cruciani | Of the cross |
| Cuoco | Cook |
| Curcio | Curly |
| Cusmano | From Cusmano |
| Cutrone | Big knife |
| Cuzzocrea | From Cuzzocrea |
| Cacciola | Hunting lodge |
| Cafaro | From Cafaro |
| Calò | Beautiful |
| Campisi | From Campisi |
| Canepa | Hemp |
| Cantarella | Little singer |
| Capasso | From Capasso |
| Caprara | Goat herd |
| Caracciolo | From Caracciolo |
| Carotenuto | Carrot-like |
| Casciaro | From Casciaro |
| Cassano | From Cassano |
| Castagna | Chestnut |
| Cataldi | From Cataldi |
| Cattini | Little cats |
| Cavallaro | Horseman |
| Cecere | Blind |
| Ceccarelli | Little blind one |
| Ceglie | From Ceglie |
| Celano | From Celano |
| Cerasuolo | Cherry tree |
| Cerboni | Big cherries |
| Chiaramonte | Clear mountain |
| Chiavari | From Chiavari |
| Chiodini | Little nails |
| Ciccarelli | Little cicada |
| Cifaldi | From Cifaldi |
| Ciliberti | Free man |
| Cinelli | Little ashes |
| Cirrincione | Little lord |
| Cittadella | Little city |
| Clementini | Little merciful one |
| Colasanti | Holy hill |
| Colletti | Little hills |
| Comito | Comrade |
| Conforti | Comforting |
| Coniglio | Rabbit |
| Consiglio | Counsel |
| Contaldo | Little count |
Conclusion
Italian surnames are more than just identifiers; they are a testament to the country’s rich cultural tapestry. Each name carries a piece of history, reflecting the lives, professions, and places of origin of those who bore them. By exploring these names, we gain a deeper appreciation for the heritage and traditions that have shaped Italian society. Whether you are researching your family tree or simply intrigued by Italian culture, these surnames offer a captivating glimpse into the past.
