Origin and Meaning of Signora

Lady or Mistress

Origin: Italian - The term 'Signora' is derived from 'signore', which means 'lord' or 'mister', and is used in Italian to denote respect towards women, similar to 'Madam' in English.

• In Italian culture, 'Signora' is often used as a formal title for a married woman, signifying respect and social status.
• The term is commonly used in various regions of Italy and has been adopted in some Spanish-speaking countries due to Italian influence.
• Notable bearers might include fictional characters in Italian literature and cinema, often depicted as strong, elegant women.
• While not traditionally a given name, the formality and elegance of 'Signora' have led to its occasional use as a name, particularly among Italian-American communities.
• Variations include 'Signorina' for unmarried women and 'Signore' for men, illustrating the gendered nature of the title in Italian culture.