There are a total of 957 Italian last names in this collection. The selection includes common and historically significant surnames, regional variants, documented forms from official Italian records, and names noted in etymological and genealogical sources.

Italian last names are hereditary family names that identify lineage, place of origin, or ancestral occupation. They often derive from given names, trades, nicknames, places, or physical traits. Their forms vary widely across regions, with endings and suffixes reflecting local dialects and history. Genealogists, writers, and researchers use them to trace family roots, migration, and cultural connections.

Interesting and little-known facts about Italian last names:
– Rossi is the most common Italian surname and appears with high frequency across many regions.
– Surname endings cluster geographically: -i is more frequent in the north, -o in the south, reflecting pluralization and dialectal patterns.
– Studies that combine surname maps and DNA show family names can mirror population structure and historical migrations within Italy.
– Many surnames trace to medieval nicknames or occupations; examples include Ferrari (smith) and Sarto (tailor).
– Official registries and phone directories record tens of thousands of distinct Italian surnames, with many names confined to small local areas.

The alphabetical index links to A–Z lists for each initial letter. Each letter list includes these data columns: Surname; Meaning / Etymology; Region / Distribution; Variants / Alternate spellings; Frequency / Rank or occurrence; Notable people (1–3 names with role and dates); and Sources.