Valentino

Valentino is a British surname of Italian origin, derived from the Latin personal name Valentinus, meaning "strong" or "healthy". The name is associated with Saint Valentine, a third-century martyr who became a symbol of love and devotion.

Origins and History

The Valentino surname is believed to have been introduced to Britain by Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The migration of Italians to the United Kingdom during this period, particularly to cities such as London and Manchester, contributed to the spread of Italian surnames like Valentino.

Notable Individuals

1. Rudolph Valentino (1895-1926)

  • Rudolph Valentino was an Italian-born actor who achieved fame in silent films during the 1920s, known for his roles in movies such as The Sheik and Blood and Sand. He was one of the earliest pop culture icons and helped popularise the surname Valentino.

2. Gina Lollobrigida (1927-present)

  • Gina Lollobrigida is an Italian actress, photojournalist, and sculptor who gained international fame in the 1950s and 1960s. Her birth name was Luigina Lollobrigida, with "Lollobrigida" being her surname and being connected to the same heritage as Valentino.

Legacy

The surname Valentino continues to be used by descendants of Italian immigrants in Britain, as well as by individuals around the world who appreciate its historical significance and connection to the enduring legacy of Saint Valentine.

There are approximately 254 people named Valentino in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Valentino.

Region of origin: Europe

Country of origin: Italy

Language of origin: Italian

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alexander
  • Antonio
  • Bobby
  • Francesco
  • Franco
  • Gianpaolo
  • Giovanni
  • Giuseppe
  • Luigi
  • Marco
  • Mario
  • Pasquale
  • Philip
  • Roberto

Female

  • Anna
  • Maria
  • Marianna
  • Melanie
  • Michelle
  • Nicola
  • Raffaella
  • Samantha
  • Sara
  • Sharon
  • Susan

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