Italian surnames offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich cultural and historical tapestry. These names often reflect geographical origins, occupations, physical characteristics, or even ancestors’ names. Italian surnames starting with the letter “P” are particularly interesting due to their diverse origins and meanings. Understanding these surnames can provide valuable insights into the lives and professions of the people who first bore them. This article explores 100 Italian last names starting with “P,” shedding light on their meanings and origins.
100 Italian Last Names Starting with P
Italian surnames often have deep-rooted meanings, reflecting the history and culture of the regions they originate from. The following table lists 100 Italian last names starting with “P” and their meanings. These names encompass a variety of origins, including geographical locations, occupations, physical characteristics, and more.
| Last Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pace | Peace |
| Pacelli | Little peace |
| Pagano | Pagan |
| Pagliaro | Straw dealer |
| Pagnani | From Pagnano (a place) |
| Paladino | Knight, champion |
| Palermo | From Palermo (a city in Sicily) |
| Palladino | Knight, nobleman |
| Palmieri | Pilgrim |
| Palumbo | Dove |
| Panaro | Bread baker |
| Pandolfi | From Pandolfo (an old given name) |
| Panella | Bread seller |
| Pannone | Large bread |
| Paolucci | Little Paul |
| Papa | Pope |
| Papaleo | Lion pope |
| Paparazzo | Photographer |
| Pappalardo | Eater of lard |
| Paradiso | Paradise |
| Parente | Relative |
| Parisi | From Paris (France) |
| Parodi | From Parodi (a place) |
| Pascucci | Little Easter |
| Pasquale | Easter |
| Pastore | Shepherd |
| Paternò | From Paternò (a place in Sicily) |
| Patrizi | Nobleman |
| Pavan | From Padua (a city in Italy) |
| Pavone | Peacock |
| Pecoraro | Shepherd |
| Pedone | Pedestrian |
| Pellegrini | Pilgrim |
| Pellegrino | Pilgrim |
| Pelosi | Hairy |
| Peluso | Hairy |
| Pennacchio | Feather |
| Pennisi | From Penna (a place) |
| Pepe | Pepper |
| Peretti | Little stone |
| Perna | Leg |
| Perrone | Large stone |
| Persico | Peach |
| Pesce | Fish |
| Petrella | Little stone |
| Petrillo | Little Peter |
| Petrucci | Little Peter |
| Pezzullo | Little piece |
| Piana | Plain |
| Pianese | From Piana (a place) |
| Piccinini | Little one |
| Piccolo | Small |
| Piga | Pious |
| Pignatelli | Little pine |
| Pignone | Pine tree |
| Pilato | Pilate |
| Pileri | From Pileri (a place) |
| Pilla | Pillar |
| Pini | Pines |
| Pinna | Feather |
| Pinto | Painted |
| Pio | Pious |
| Piras | Pear tree |
| Pirro | Red-haired |
| Pisano | From Pisa (a city in Italy) |
| Pisanò | From Pisa (a city in Italy) |
| Piscopo | Bishop |
| Pistone | Piston |
| Piva | Bagpipe player |
| Pizzaro | Curly |
| Pizzo | Peak |
| Pizzolato | Curly |
| Pizzuti | Curly |
| Placido | Calm |
| Platania | From Platania (a place) |
| Polito | Polished |
| Polizzi | From Polizzi (a place) |
| Pollina | From Pollina (a place) |
| Polverino | Dusty |
| Pompa | Pump |
| Pompilio | From Pompilius (an old given name) |
| Ponzio | From Pontius (an old given name) |
| Porcari | Pig farmer |
| Porcello | Little pig |
| Porcu | Pig |
| Porro | Leek |
| Porta | Door |
| Portelli | Little door |
| Portillo | Little door |
| Pusateri | Shoemaker |
| Positano | From Positano (a place) |
| Pozzi | Wells |
| Prato | Meadow |
| Preci | From Preci (a place) |
| Presti | Priest |
| Proietti | Thrown out |
| Provenza | From Provence (France) |
| Pugliese | From Puglia (a region in Italy) |
| Pulcini | Chicks |
| Pupo | Doll |
Conclusion
Italian surnames starting with “P” are a testament to Italy’s rich and diverse heritage. These names often carry significant meanings, reflecting the occupations, characteristics, or origins of the families who first adopted them. Exploring these surnames provides a fascinating insight into Italian culture and history, highlighting the importance of names in understanding our ancestry. Whether you are tracing your family roots or simply interested in Italian culture, these surnames offer a window into the past and a connection to the present.
