ITALIAN SURNAMES: an untapped fantasy resource.
I am reading Michael R. Fletcher‘s Grimdark novel Beyond Redemption which converts German words into names because they sound dark and grim to English speakers.
Italian – usually thought rightly as a beautiful language – is my second language. If you know what they mean, many Italian surnames are really very grim and dark.
For example:
Mezzasalma – Half Corpse
Malacarne – Evil Meat
Boccadifuoco – Firemouth
Mangiacapre – Goateater
Pelagatti – Catskinner
After the end of the Western Roman Empire, Italy was occupied/trashed by various grim/metal gangs – Goths, Vandals, Longobards, Franks – and various surnames probably still show that.
PS: the statue below of a horse with skulls that I took in Italy a few weeks is fairly grim as well!
Many other Italian surnames have meanings that are perfect for fantasy characters of various types. Try these:
Quarto di Palo – Quarterstaff (fighting monk)
Gambarotta – Broken Leg (wounded soldier)
Pezzopane – Piece of Bread (jester)…
Barbafiera – Proudbeard (king)
Spadavecchia – Old Sword (veteran warrior)
Cottafavi – Beancooker (you’ve got the idea by now!)
Malcotti – Badly Cooked
Fossacieca – Blind Trench
Tagliabue – Oxcutter
Saltaformaggio – Cheesejumper
I have pages of these that I have collected over the years!
S.C. Flynn 
Many thanks for taking the time to write this post, and for giving me a laugh. Here in the UK we understand Smithson, or Bowyer, but the names listed are brilliant.
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There are lots of them – I literally have pages full!
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These are names I totally want to hear the stories behind. Surnames are kind of fascinating, when you get right down to them. My old philosophy teacher in high school once pointed out the similarities between the surnames of Shakespeare and Wagstaff, and mentioned theories that both involved affectionate (or perhaps not-so-affectionate) nickname origins relating to guys who, well, shook their junk at people. Makes me wonder why there are Italian families referencing someone who jumped over cheese. Was the original Tagliabue someone who castrated bulls for a living? Inquiring minds want to know!
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I would love to know more of the stories myself! They go back to the Middle Ages, so as far as I know, we can only guess.
I have some theories!
Pezzopane (piece of bread) was probably a beggar.
Mezzasalma (half corpse) probably looked half dead.
Tagliabue may have been a butcher.
Cheesejumper is really mysterious!
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This is a cool post! And your theories. Hilarious. More, more, more…
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Thanks!
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These are brilliant names.. not only to they sounds fabulous but their meanings are off the charts as well!
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There are plenty more!
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That was fun! (and I’m in the position to totally appreciate the list… 🙂 )
I never thought about these surnames in relation to fantasy, but you’re right, they do belong in some grimdark story. And how about “Mangiacristiani”? It would be a perfect name for a terrible ogre… 😉
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Mangiacristiani – “Christian Eater”! Yes, that would be perfect.
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I agree: these would make great fantasy names. That’s a great list.
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Thanks! I have collected lots more over the years.
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I wandered here following Sarah Higbee’s recommendation and I hate to thank you for this funny and entertaining post. It made my day a little bit brighter!
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Thanks! I am glad.
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