cognome
/koɲˈɲo.me/
The Italian phrase for last name is cognome.
Which one should you use?
In Italian, cognome refers specifically to the family name, whereas nome refers to the given name.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of cognome is cognomi.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables with the stress on the second syllable: /koɲˈɲo.me/.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of cognome originally referred to a third name added to a person's identity, similar to how the Romans used a 'cognomen' to distinguish between branches of a family.
- In Italy, the cognome of a woman often changes through marriage in informal conversation, though her legal documents always retain her birth name.
- When filling out official Italian forms, you might see Cognome e Nome listed, which is the reverse of the 'Name and Surname' order common in English.
Examples in context
- Tom ha un cognome?Does Tom have a last name?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has a cognome.Tatoeba #11090182 by Guybrush88, translation #10677381 by espamatics
- Il mio cognome è Wang.My last name is Wang.This sentence is useful for stating what your cognome is.Tatoeba #2695420 by Guybrush88, translation #2230363 by eternica
- Qual è il tuo cognome?What's your last name?This sentence is useful for asking someone for their cognome.Tatoeba #3636587 by Guybrush88, translation #2072325 by CK
- Signora RossiMrs. Rossi
- Signor RossiMr. Rossi
- 88 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are filling out registration forms at a school.
- LorenzoChiara, qual è il tuo cognome?Chiara, what is your last name?
- ChiaraIl mio cognome è Bianchi.My last name is Bianchi.
- LorenzoIo devo ancora scrivere il mio cognome.I still have to write my last name.
- ChiaraPresto, Lorenzo, finiamo il modulo!Quick, Lorenzo, let's finish the form!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cognome, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cognome, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
