Settimio is the Italian form of the Roman family name Septimius, which itself derives from the Latin praenomen Septimus, meaning "seventh" in Latin. The name originally denoted a seventh-born child or was given to a child born in the seventh month, reflecting a common Roman naming convention for ordinal numbers.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The Roman family name Septimius gained prominence through the Severan dynasty, most notably Emperor Septimius Severus (146–211 AD), the founder of the Severan dynasty who ruled the Roman Empire from 193 to 211. He was born in Leptis Magna (modern Libya) and was renowned as a successful military commander and administrator. The name also belonged to a 4th-century Christian saint and martyr, Saint Septimius of Larici, who was venerated in the early Church.
In Italian onomastics, Settimio has been consistently used as a masculine given name, though it remains relatively rare compared to other classic Italian names. It preserves a direct link to Roman antiquity and Latin Christian tradition.
Notable Bearers
Notable individuals named Settimio include several Italian Roman Catholic clergy: Settimio Borsari (died 1594), bishop; Settimio Ferrazzetta (1924–1999), bishop who served in Guinea-Bissau; and Settimio Todisco (1924–2025), archbishop. Non-ecclesiastical figures include amateur tennis player Settimio Annella, fighter pilot Settimio Daltri, water polo player Settimio Onorante, settler Settimio Sbardellotto (1877–1915), Italian General Settimio Piacentini (1859–1921), film director and screenwriter Settimio Presutto (born 1938), politician Settimio Spagnesi, and racing cyclist Settimio Simonini (1913–1986). Historian Settimio Laganà (born 1950) and anthropologist and economist Settemio (sic) Rienzi also bear the name or its variants.
Related Forms
The feminine form, Settimia, was borne by composer and singer Settimia Caccini (1591–ca. 1638). The name Septimius was also used during the Roman Empire as a cognomen or rarely as a given name after the praenomen fell out of common use.
- Meaning: "seventh" (from Latin septimus)
- Origin: Latin (Roman)
- Type: Given name (derived from Roman family name)
- Usage Regions: Italy primarily
Sources: Wikipedia — Settimio