Cappuccino: Where did the name come from?

The term “cappuccino” comes from the Italian word “cappuccio,” which means “hood” or “cap.” The “ino” suffix makes it diminutive, so “cappuccino” essentially means “small cap.” This name was likely chosen because of the hood-like layer of milk foam that tops the drink, resembling a small cap or hood.

However, there’s another interesting historical and cultural association that may have contributed to the naming of the cappuccino. The color of the coffee mixed with frothed milk was similar to the color of the robes worn by Capuchin friars, a major branch of the Franciscan order of Catholic friars, known in Italian as “Cappuccini” due to their distinctive brown hoods. The name of this order, in turn, comes from the same root as “cappuccio,” as their name also refers to the hooded robes they wear.

The modern form of the cappuccino drink, with its equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk, started to become popular in Italy in the early 20th century, around the time that espresso machines were becoming more common. The name “cappuccino” was first used for coffee in the 1930s in Italy, and it was so named because the color of the coffee resembled the color of the Capuchin friars’ robes.

It’s important to note that while the cappuccino has a specific preparation method and ratio of ingredients in Italy and in specialty coffee shops around the world, in many places, a “cappuccino” might simply refer to any coffee drink with a significant amount of frothed milk on top.