Fellini
/feˈlliːni/noun
Fellini is an Italian surname, most famously associated with filmmaker Federico Fellini.
Did you know?Federico Fellini’s surname gave English the adjective “Felliniesque,” describing dreamlike, surreal, theatrical imagery that blurs fantasy and reality.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Antiquity
Latin
felis
“Cat; the source of later scientific and Romance words connected with felines.”
Late Latin
Latin
felinus
“Feline or cat-like; formed from felis, “cat.””
Medieval Italian
Italian
felino
“Feline or relating to a cat.”
Medieval–Early Modern Period
Italian
Fellino
“A personal or family-name form probably associated with felino; the precise history of the surname is uncertain.”
Modern Italian
Italian
Fellini
“An Italian family name, borne famously by director Federico Fellini.”
20th Century
English
Fellini
“A proper noun referring especially to Federico Fellini or his distinctive cinematic style.”