615+ Italian Names for Girls and Boys

  1. Gian
    • Origin:

      Italian, diminutive of Giovanni
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Gian sounds (almost) like John, so there's some potential for confusion, but the spelling makes it unmistakeably Italian. It could be a solution if longer names like Gianni and Gianluca aren't your style.
  2. Valentio
    • Description:

      Valentio appears to be a variant of Valentine or Valentino, names that derive from the Latin 'Valentinus,' meaning strong, healthy, or powerful. This masculine name carries the romantic associations of its root while offering a slightly different ending that gives it a distinctive quality. Though uncommon in official records, Valentio combines Italian stylistic elements with the historical gravitas of the Valentine name family. The name might appeal to parents seeking a romantic, somewhat dramatic name with Latin flair but wanting something less common than Valentino. Valentio has a melodious flow with its four syllables and creates associations with love and strength, given its connection to the ancient Roman Saint Valentine and the resulting Valentine's Day traditions.

  3. Ilario
    • Origin:

      Latin from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "cheerful, happy"
    • Description:

      Ilario's merry, jovial sound reflects a shared root with the word hilarious.
  4. Silvano
    • Origin:

      Italian form of Silvanus
    • Meaning:

      "wood, forest"
    • Description:

      Silvanus was the Roman god of the forests and is also an alternate name in the New Testament for Silas. Relatives include Silvio, Silvius, and Sylvia.
  5. Mafalda
    • Origin:

      Italian and Portuguese variation of Matilda
    • Description:

      Mafalda is nearly unknown in the English-speaking world, despite an appearance in Harry Potter. Indeed, it does have a witchy feel. Matilda itself is preferable, or her French form Mathilde, Spanish Matilde, or abbreviation Maud.
  6. Maddalena
    • Description:

      Maddalena is the Italian form of Magdalene, a name with biblical significance referring to Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus's most devoted followers. The name derives from Magdala, a village on the Sea of Galilee, with the place name meaning "tower" in Aramaic. Maddalena has been consistently popular in Italy through the centuries, appearing in art, literature, and music, including Prokoviev's opera "Maddalena." The name carries a lyrical, romantic quality with its flowing syllables and musical Italian pronunciation. While less common in English-speaking countries, it appeals to parents seeking a name with religious significance, European flair, and feminine elegance. The nickname Madda or Lena offers versatility for a child bearing this classical name.
  7. Armani
    • Origin:

      Italian surname derived from Herman or Arman, German or Persian
    • Meaning:

      "soldier; wish,hope"
    • Description:

      One of the designer baby names -- Chanel and Gucci are others -- that have appeared in this era of branding everything from your purse to your offspring. It helps that the name is similar to more established choices, such as Amani, Marnie, Amy, and Aria.
  8. Taddeo
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Thaddeus
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      A particularly charming spin on the original, as is theSpanish name Tadeo. It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016.
  9. Rafaele
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Raphael
    • Meaning:

      "God has healed"
    • Description:

      More commonly spelled with two 'f's, Raffaele is every bit as attractive as the original, and could make a dashing choice.
  10. Maximo
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Maximus, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "greatest"
    • Description:

      With the ubiquitous Max heard at every playground across the US, international versions have been gaining traction in an attempt to provide a fresh avenue to the highly sought nickname. This Spanish iteration has been in the US Top 1000 since the early 2000s and is currently trending upwards.
  11. Guido
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "guide, leader"
    • Description:

      Guido was very popular in Renaissance Italy, with many namesakes including painter Fra Angelico (born Guido di Pietro) and mathematician Guido Fubini. Guy Fawkes, of gunpowder plot fame, sometimes used this version. Nowadays it's unfairly overlooked, but in the current trend for snappy international names ending in -o, this cultured gem deserves more use.
  12. Enrico
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Henry
    • Description:

      One of several Latin names starting with E that would work and play well with others in any family.
  13. Cecilio
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian
    • Meaning:

      "blind"
    • Description:

      Cecilio is derived from Caecilius, an Ancient Roman surname that was likely originally bestowed upon someone who was blind.
  14. Laguna
    • Origin:

      Italian place-name
    • Meaning:

      "pond, lake"
    • Description:

      Laguna Beach is a famous California spot -- though there's "goonie" teasing potential.
  15. Italia
    • Origin:

      Italian place-name
    • Description:

      Authentic, melodic place-name for the adventurous, chosen by rapper LL Cool J for his daughter and given to nearly 80 baby girls in the US last year. Italia of course is what the Italians call Italy.
  16. Paola
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Paula
    • Meaning:

      "small"
    • Description:

      Paola is the Latinate version of Paula. Its intriguing sound could make it more appealing than the English standard.
  17. Pasquale
    • Description:

      Pasquale is a traditional Italian masculine name with rich historical and religious significance. Derived from the Latin 'paschalis' meaning 'relating to Easter,' it was historically given to boys born during the Easter season. The name has deep roots in Italian culture, particularly in southern Italy and Sicily, where it remains moderately common. In Italian-American communities, Pasquale has been a familiar presence since the waves of Italian immigration in the early 20th century, often affectionately shortened to 'Pat' or 'Patsy.' The name carries connotations of faith, tradition, and cultural heritage. While less common among newer generations, Pasquale offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with Mediterranean charm and historical depth. Its characteristic Italian ending gives it a melodic, warm quality when pronounced correctly.
  18. Agata
    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Polish, Slovene, Russian, Croatian, Serbian variation of Agatha
    • Description:

      Agata is an Agatha form widely used throughout Europe. And the hard t may be more appealing to your ear than the th sound.
  19. Gennaro
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "January"
    • Description:

      This name of the patron saint of Naples would make an apt choice for a New Year's baby, or one with Neapolitan roots.
  20. Benvolio
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "good wisher; peacemaker, benevolent"
    • Description:

      A kindly, virtue-adjacent name, it appears in Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, borne by the peacemaker friend who persuades Romeo to go to the party where he meets Juliet. Alas. A bold choice but with familiar nicknames Ben, Lio, and Bo.