Widespread and very frequent throughout Italy. The base is the name Bruno, already common in the Early Middle Ages, which presents two different processes of formation although it derives from the same etymon. It can directly continue the Germanic personal name Bruno; but more often it continues the nickname bruno, given in relation to the colour of the hair and beard, or of the skin. Other more recent surnames may also derive from the place names Bruni (Cuneo) and Bruno (Milan, Asti).