Etymology. The lake's name in Latin is Larius, Italianized as Lario, but this name is rarely used; it is usually called Lago di Como (literally "lake of Como").

In Italian, the name is Lago di Como. The name "Como" is derived from the city located at the lake's southern tip, which the Romans called Comum. Etymologically, it is believed to have roots in the Celtic word cumba, meaning "hollow" or "valley", which accurately describes the lake's geographical setting nestled between steep alpine mountains. Before it was known as Lake Como, the Romans called it Larius Lacus, a name that persists in the literary term "Lario." Today, while the name effectively translates to "Lake of the Valley," it is synonymous with luxury and natural beauty. The Italian name reflects the deep connection between the water and the historic urban center that has served as a gateway to the region for thousands of years.