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Origin and meaning of the name Negri

What is the origin of the name Negri?

The surname "Negri" is an Italian and Spanish patronymic surname derived from the male given name Neri, which means "black" in Italian. As a first name, Negri is not common but can be found in some African cultures, particularly among the Bemba people of Zambia, where it may have different meanings. However, in most contexts, the name Negri is predominantly of Italian or Spanish origin.

Learn more about the origin of the name Negri

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Negri

The name Negri is an Italian surname that has been used as a given name in some instances. It originates from the Latin word "niger," which means black. In Italy, it was often given to individuals with dark complexions or associated with dark-haired people. Over time, it has become a common name for both men and women in Italy. As a surname, Negri is quite widespread in Italy, particularly in the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Veneto. Famous individuals bearing this name include Italian actor Vittorio Gassman, Formula One driver Jules Bianchi, and musician Gianni Morandi.

Character traits associated with the name Negri

The surname Negri, of Italian origin, is traditionally associated with certain character traits. Individuals bearing this name are often characterized by strong determination and resilience, reflecting the toughness of the ancient Negri clans from Lombardy, Italy. They are known for their adaptability, a trait that might have originated from the varied geographical locations where Negris settled over the centuries. Negris are also frequently noted for their creativity, as seen in the numerous artists, writers, and musicians with this surname throughout history. Additionally, they are often seen as practical, hardworking, and persistent, characteristics that likely contributed to their success in various fields. However, it is important to remember that these traits can vary greatly among individuals, and not all people named Negri will embody every characteristic associated with the name.

Popularity of the name Negri

The given name Negri is relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, but it holds more prominence in Italy and other regions with Italian cultural influence. In Italy, Negri is ranked within the top 300 most popular names for both males and females, according to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics. However, outside of Italy, its usage is less prevalent. The name Negri is derived from a surname meaning "black" in Italian, and as such, it may be chosen by parents seeking unique and culturally significant names for their children. Despite its relatively low popularity compared to other common English names, Negri continues to be used and appreciated in various cultural contexts.

Famous people with the name Negri

Notable individuals named Negri include:

1. Franco Negri (1930-2016), an Italian mathematician known for his work in algebraic geometry, differential geometry, and mathematical physics. He was a professor at the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa.

2. Andrea Negri (born 1957), an Italian journalist, political scientist, and writer. He is the editor-in-chief of the monthly magazine "Il Riformista" and has written several books on politics, economics, and society.

3. Paolo Negri (1877-1956), an Italian actor who starred in over 200 films between 1910 and 1956. He is best known for his roles in silent films such as "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" (1921) and "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ" (1925).

4. Luca Negri (born 1983), an Italian professional footballer who currently plays for Serie A club Udinese Calcio as a goalkeeper. He has also represented Italy at international level.

5. Giorgio Negri (1913-2006), an Italian composer and conductor, known for his work in the field of light music and film music. He composed music for over 80 films between the 1940s and 1970s.

Variations of the name Negri

Negri is an Italian surname that has been used as a given name in various contexts and languages. Variations of Negri as a first name include:

1. Negro (Italian, Spanish) - This name means "black" in both Italian and Spanish, derived from the Italian surname Negri.
2. Negro Lee (English) - A combination of the Italian surname Negri and the common English name Lee, meaning "meadow" or "clearing."
3. Nigri (Italian) - An alternative spelling of the original Italian surname Negri.
4. Neghar (Persian) - While not directly related to Negri, this Persian name shares a similar sound and can be considered a variant in a different cultural context. It means "charming" or "graceful."
5. Nigel (English) - Originally a surname meaning "champion" in Old English, it has been used as a given name and could be perceived as a variation of Negri due to their similar sounds and meanings (victory, strong).
6. Nyger (African-American slang) - A phonetic spelling of the Italian surname Negri, often used in African-American culture. It is typically given to individuals with roots or connections to Italy.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 30 July 2025

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