Gennaro

Gennaro is a male given name of Italian origin. It is the Italian form of Januarius, derived from the Latin Januarius, meaning “of January.” In Italy the name is particularly common in the southern regions and among Italian communities abroad.

The name is closely tied to Saint Januarius (San Gennaro), the patron saint of Naples. The city observes his feast day on September 19, and the veneration surrounding San Gennaro remains an important element of Neapolitan religious and cultural life. A well-known aspect of this tradition is the Miracle of San Gennaro, a religious belief that a vial containing the saint’s blood liquefies on certain occasions, drawing attention and reverence from locals and visitors alike.

In addition to its use as a given name, Gennaro also appears as a surname within Italian-speaking communities. The name has spread internationally through migration, giving rise to various notable individuals in sports, cuisine, and the arts.

Notable people with the given name Gennaro include Gennaro Gattuso, a former Italian footballer and manager known for his career in Serie A with clubs such as AC Milan and Napoli, and Gennaro Contaldo, an Italian chef and mentor to public figures like Jamie Oliver. The name also has Spanish-language variant Genaro, used in Spanish-speaking countries and communities.