The given name Nino originates from the Italian language and has its roots in the Latin word "ninus," meaning "little." It was initially a diminutive or pet name derived from other Italian names like Giovanni, Antonino, or Genoveffa. The name Nino gained popularity in Italy during the Middle Ages, particularly between the 12th and 15th centuries.

In ancient Roman history, the name Nino was associated with Ninus, the legendary founder and first king of the ancient city of Nineveh, which was part of the Assyrian Empire. This association can be traced back to the 1st century AD work "Bibliotheca Historica" by Diodorus Siculus, a Greek historian.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nino can be found in the literary work "Il Decamerone" by the Italian author Giovanni Boccaccio, written in the 14th century. In this work, Nino is mentioned as a character's name.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Nino. One of the most famous was Nino Picci (1899-1973), an Italian singer and actor who was a prominent figure in the early days of Italian cinema. Another well-known Nino was Nino Manfredi (1921-2004), an Italian actor, director, and screenwriter known for his roles in numerous Italian comedies.

In the world of sports, Nino Bixio (1875-1940) was an Italian cyclist who won the Giro d'Italia in 1914 and is considered one of the pioneers of Italian cycling. Nino Ferrer (1934-1998) was a French-Italian singer and songwriter who achieved significant success in both countries with his unique blend of genres.

Nino Rota (1911-1979) was an acclaimed Italian composer known for his film scores, including the iconic music for "The Godfather" and other collaborations with director Federico Fellini. His contributions to cinema and music have left an indelible mark on Italian cultural heritage.