Carlino

A carlino is an Italian word with multiple meanings, primarily related to the historical use as a surname, a coin, and by extension, related concepts.

As a Surname: Carlino is a common Italian surname, derived from the personal name Carlo, which is the Italian equivalent of Charles. Surnames in Italy often originated from patronymic names (based on the father's name), nicknames, or occupational designations. Individuals with the surname Carlino may have ancestors named Carlo, or those who were perceived to have characteristics associated with the name.

As a Coin: Carlino historically refers to various silver or gold coins used in Southern Italy, particularly in the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily. The name is derived from King Charles (Carlo in Italian) of Anjou, who ruled Naples in the 13th century and under whose reign these coins were first minted. The carlino coins varied in value and design over time and between different mints, but were generally used as a medium of exchange for everyday transactions. Different types of carlino coins existed, distinguished by their denomination (e.g., carlino d'oro, carlino d'argento).

Figurative Usage: Due to its history as a common currency, carlino can sometimes be used figuratively to refer to a small amount of money or a payment.