Rizzo: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: RIZ-oh
Origin: Italy
gender-female

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Jul 01, 2025 · 1 min read
Region Origin: Italian
Meaning: Rizzo means "curly-haired" or "curly."

The name Rizzo, typically associated with a masculine gender, carries a distinctive flair and cultural resonance. It is a name that has gained recognition, particularly in the entertainment industry, largely due to its use as a memorable character name in popular media. One of the most notable instances is in the musical "Grease," where the character Betty Rizzo, portrayed by Stockard Channing, became an iconic figure. Although primarily a surname of Italian origin, meaning "curly-haired," Rizzo has found its place as a given name, often conveying a sense of individuality and charisma. In contemporary culture, it continues to evoke a sense of boldness and uniqueness, qualities that are often admired and sought after in personal naming choices.

Rizzo Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Rizzo is currently #46145 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Girl: Rizzo is currently #26466 on Kiindred Girl Names

Popularity Trend Chart

Source: Social Security Administration

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