Last Name Carino

The surname "Carino" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Latin word "carinus," which means dear or loving. The name was often given to children born out of wedlock and raised by a caring individual, hence the meaning of the name. In Italy, it is particularly common in the regions of Campania, Apulia, and Molise.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Carino

The meaning and origin of the last name Carino

The surname Carino is of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "corus" or "corus", which means "crow". Over time, it evolved into the Italian dialectal form "carne" (meat), and eventually became "Carino." This surname was most likely given to someone who resembled a crow, had dark hair like a raven's feathers, or perhaps had a characteristic feature that reminded others of a crow. The use of animal names as surnames in Italy was common during the Middle Ages when people were often identified by their physical attributes or professions. Carino is also found among the Spanish-speaking populations of Latin America, where it may have been introduced by Italian immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Carino

The last name Carino is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in regions such as Apulia, Molise, and Abruzzo, which are located in the southern part of the country. These regions have a rich history dating back to ancient Rome, and it is believed that many surnames like Carino originated during the Middle Ages. Carino can also be found in smaller numbers in other Italian-speaking regions and cities such as Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, and Tuscany. Outside of Italy, the last name Carino is present in countries with significant Italian emigration, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Uruguay, and the United States. In these countries, Carino can be found in urban centers with large Italian communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Carino

The surname Carino can be found with various spellings and variations. Some common alterations include Carine, Carin, Carinni, Carini, and Carrino, all originating from Italy where the name is most prevalent. The spelling differences primarily stem from regional dialects and phonetic pronunciation variations within Italy. Additionally, over time and through migration, the surname may have been transcribed differently in official records in various countries, leading to further variations such as Careno, Carrine, or Carne. Regardless of the spelling, the name Carino is a patronymic derived from the personal name Caro, meaning dear or beloved.

Famous people with the last name Carino

Notable individuals with the surname Carino include:

1. Joe Carino - An American professional wrestler who competed for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) under the ring name Disco Inferno. He is best known for his flamboyant entrance, colorful attire, and high-flying maneuvers in the ring.

2. Joey Carino - A Canadian actor and comedian who has appeared in several television shows, including The Red Green Show, Degrassi: The Next Generation, and Heartland. He is also known for his stand-up comedy performances.

3. Gino Carini (born as Joseph Carino) - An American politician from New York who served as the 46th Mayor of Yonkers. He was a member of the Democratic Party and served as mayor from 1985 to 2009, making him one of the longest-serving mayors in U.S. history.

4. Steve Carino - An American musician who is best known for his work with the band The Church, where he serves as the drummer and backing vocalist. He has also worked with other artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, and John Hiatt.

5. Dina Caruso (née Carino) - An American actress who starred in films such as The Firm, 8 Million Ways to Die, and The Specialist. She has also appeared on television shows like Miami Vice, The A-Team, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

Genealogical research on the last name Carino

The surname Carino originates from Italy and has roots in several regions including Calabria, Campania, and Sicily. The name is derived from the Latin word "cara" meaning dear or beloved. In the 16th century, many Carinos emigrated from Southern Italy to other parts of Europe and later to America due to economic hardship and political instability. Notable Carinos include Francesco Saverio Carino, an Italian painter who was active in the 18th and 19th centuries, and Salvatore Carino, a renowned American surgeon. The Carino family tree has expanded globally with various branches established in countries such as Argentina, Australia, Canada, and the United States. Genealogical research on the Carino surname continues to uncover more details about its history and dispersal.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Carino"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 10 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends