Secondo

Secondo is the Italian form of the Ancient Roman name Secundus. It derives directly from the Latin word secundus meaning "second." In Roman naming conventions, Secundus was a praenomen (given name) indicating birth order, often given to a second-born son. The name was carried by early Christian saints, including a 2nd-century martyr from Asti, Italy, tying it to both Roman and early Christian heritage.

Usage in Switzerland

In modern Switzerland, Secondo (feminine Seconda) has taken on a sociopolitical meaning. It refers to the second-generation children of immigrants—particularly those from Italy and Spain who arrived in the 1960s–1970s—who were born and raised in Switzerland. Often naturalized citizens, these individuals balance dual cultural identities. The term is generally considered positive and is used self-referentially within the community.

Related Names

Beyond Secundus itself, the name appears in Spanish as Segundo. These forms share the same Latin root and birth-order significance. While more common in historical contexts, the name persists in Italy and Spanish-speaking countries, sometimes as a distinguished naming tradition.

• Meaning: “second”
• Origin: Latin
• Type: given name (Roman praenomen)
• Usage regions: Italy (as a given name), Switzerland (as a term for second-generation immigrants)