NINO

Nino is a masculine given name of Italian origin. It is commonly used as a standalone name and also serves as a diminutive for longer names such as Antonino, Antonio, or Giovanni. In Italian usage, Nino is an affectionate, informal form that has also become established as an independent given name beyond its original nicknaming function.

In addition to its Italian usage, Nino is a female given name in Georgia, reflecting different linguistic traditions. The name also appears in other cultures as a nickname or, occasionally, as a surname.

Notable people with the name include the Italian composer Nino Rota, renowned for film scores such as those for The Godfather; the fashion designer Nino Cerruti, founder of the Cerruti house; the boxer Nino Benvenuti; and the racing driver Nino Vaccarella. The Swiss hockey player Nino Niederreiter and the Georgian politician Nino Burjanadze are also bearers of the name. Georgian writer Nino Haratischwili is another prominent figure with the name.

See also: Niño, a Spanish word meaning boy, which is etymologically unrelated to the Italian name, and El Niño, the climate phenomenon.