Calabrian surnames

As we well know, Italian surnames vary according to each region, having their own characteristics and popularity. This is also the case for Calabrian surnames.

Calabrian Surnames

In the region of Calabria, some of the most common surnames are Romeo, which is derived from the medieval Byzantine name Romeo. The Byzantines called themselves «Romioi,» meaning «Romans,» and their influence in Sicily and Calabria is significant.

Another common surname is Russo, which is linked to the characteristic hair color or complexion of the ancestor, similar to the surname Greco. These are typical surnames in the Calabria region.

Typical Calabrian Surnames

Among the most typical surnames in Calabria, we find: Spadafora, Chiappetta, Filice, and Laganà. The latter comes from the Greek word «lacanas,» meaning «greengrocer.»

Another surname is Arcuri, which could derive from a Lombard variant called Arculf or from the term «arcarius,» indicating a «treasurer» or «tax collector.» However, it is more likely to come from the Greek word «arkouda,» meaning «bear.» Other surnames such as Casado, De Rose, Talarico are derived from the apheresis of the Ostrogothic name Atalaric. We can also find similar ones like Tripodi, Macri, Foti, among others.

An interesting characteristic of Calabrian surnames is that their endings often have an accented vowel. For instance, examples with the ending «ò» indicate the origin, profession, or nickname, such as Calabrò (from Calabria), Aricò («farmer»), Sgrò («curly-haired»), Nisticò («fasting»), Spanò («bald, hairless»).

Most Common Surnames in Calabria

In addition to the aforementioned, other common surnames in Calabria include Praticò («paternal»); ending in «-à» like Cannistrà, Criserà, and Barillà; and ending in «-ì» such as Cutrì, Pennestrì, and Franzè (a truncation of «francese,» meaning «French»).

Calabrian Greek Surnames

Calabria has a historical connection with ancient Greek culture, and this is reflected in some surnames. Surnames like Minniti, Scopelliti, Misiti, Politi, Ascioti, Geracioti, and Rotiroti have Greek roots with endings such as «-ites» and «-oti.»

Calabrian Jewish Surnames

In Calabria, there is also a presence of Jewish surnames, indicating the historical Jewish community in the region. Some of these surnames include Modafferi, derived from the name Mudaffar.

Another Jewish surname is Morabito, which comes from the Arabic word «murabit,» referring to one who preaches Islam in the streets. It later took on the meaning of «santone» or «sober» in the Sicilian dialect, and the term «Mammone» was also derived from it.

Calabria’s rich history has led to a diverse array of surnames with various origins and meanings, reflecting the region’s cultural and historical heritage.