Gennaro

Gennaro is a male first name that became popular in the 1970s and is considered the Italian variant of the Roman surname Januarius. The name was originally given to boys born in January.

What does the name Gennaro mean?

The name Gennaro translates to 'the one born in January' or 'the doorkeeper'. This is related to the Latin word Iānus, which encompasses terms like 'arcade', 'covered passage', 'door', or 'entrance'. Gennaro may also be a derivative of Janus, the ancient Roman god of doors and entrances, which were seen as symbols of new beginnings in antiquity. Saint Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples, was an Italian monk who suffered martyrdom during the persecutions by Emperor Diocletian in the early 4th century. Variants of the name include Gennarino, Januario, and Jenaro, while feminine forms such as Januaria, January, Jenara, and Gennara exist. The name can also appear as a surname.

Where does the name Gennaro come from?

The origin of the name Gennaro is Latin, meaning 'the one born in January'. The Latin etymology refers to Iānus or Iānŭārĭus, which means 'arcade', 'covered passage', 'door', or 'entrance'. The language is Italian.

How do you pronounce Gennaro?

Gennaro is pronounced in three syllables and rhythmically: 'Gen-na-ro' [dʒenˈnaːʁo] or [ɡenˈnaːʁo]. The double consonant provides a distinct emphasis in the middle, while the open 'a' gives the name a warm tone. The ending '-ro' sounds round and melodic, giving Gennaro a spirited and sonorous character – lively and rich in tradition.

When is the name day of Gennaro?

The name day for Gennaro is celebrated on July 11 and September 19.

Popularity

In Germany, Gennaro is among the more common first names, currently ranking 1,751st on the list of the most popular male first names. Its best ranking was in 2011, when it reached 999th place. Over the last ten years, Gennaro has been chosen as a first name about 190 times, placing it 1,629th in the corresponding ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 1,679th. Worldwide, Gennaro shows varying popularity in different countries.

Nicknames & pet names

Genna / Gennarino / Genni / Gero / Jenny / Naro / Ringhio / Rino

Famous people

• Gennaro Astarita (Italian composer)
• Gennaro Basile (American painter)
• Gennaro Chierchia (linguist from Italy)
• Gennaro de Angelis (Italian football player)
• Gennaro Delvecchio (Italian footballer)
• Gennaro Di Napoli (American long-distance runner)
• Gennaro Esposito (footballer from Italy)
• Gennaro Favai (artist from Italy)
• Gennaro Fragiello (Italian footballer)
• Gennaro Frontino (footballer from Italy)
• Gennaro Gattuso (Italian football player)
• Gennaro Giametta (painter from Italy)
• Gennaro Ivan Gattuso (Italian football player)
• Gennaro Manna (Italian composer)
• Gennaro Monaco (Italian football player)
• Gennaro Pardo (Italian painter)
• Gennaro Portanova (theologian)
• Gennaro Rosso (musician (electronic))
• Gennaro Ruggiero (Italian footballer)
• Gennaro Sabatino (Italian motorcycle racer)