where surnames originated in italy
By Michael San Filippo. The origins of Italian surnames vary. Many are derived from the names of people, places, professions, or nicknames, and most originated in the Middle Ages, when the practice largely started.Frequently, the geographical origin of a person can be deduced from his last name, since certain endings are characteristic of certain regions.any are derived from the names of people, places, professions, or nicknames, and most originated in the Middle Ages, when the practice largely started. Frequently, the geographical origin of a person can be deduced from his last name, since certain endings are characteristic of certain regions.