615+ Italian Names for Girls and Boys
- Vicenza
Origin:
Italian place-nameDescription:
This name of an architecturally glorious Italian city makes a romantic and evocative possibility.
- Silva
Description:
Silva is a feminine name with ancient roots, derived from Latin meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' This nature-inspired name evokes images of trees, greenery, and natural beauty. Silva has cross-cultural appeal, appearing in various forms throughout Romance languages, particularly in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking regions where it's also a common surname. In Eastern European traditions, particularly Slavic countries, similar variations exist. The name carries an elegant simplicity while connecting to the natural world. While not among the most common given names in English-speaking countries, Silva maintains steady usage internationally. Its brevity, ease of pronunciation, and meaningful connection to nature make it appealing to contemporary parents seeking a name that is both distinctive and grounded in traditional roots.
- Ercole
Description:
Ercole is the Italian form of Hercules, the legendary hero from Greco-Roman mythology known for his extraordinary strength and courage. The name derives from the Greek 'Herakles,' which means 'glory of Hera' – ironically referring to the goddess who persecuted him in mythology. Ercole has been used in Italy since the Renaissance period when classical names experienced a revival. While not extremely common, it has maintained steady usage in Italian-speaking regions. The name carries connotations of exceptional strength, endurance, and heroic qualities. Ercole has a distinctive, powerful sound with its strong 'er' beginning and flowing Italian ending, making it both classical and memorable.
- Ghita
Description:
Ghita is a feminine name with origins in several cultures. In Arabic, it means 'precious' or 'valuable,' while in Romanian it's a diminutive of Margherita (Margaret), meaning 'pearl.' The name also appears in Moroccan culture. Ghita has a melodic quality with its soft 'gh' sound followed by the crisp 't'. While not widely popular in English-speaking countries, it maintains steady usage in North Africa, parts of the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Its distinctive sound and cross-cultural presence make it appealing to parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name with international flair.
- Gelsomina
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"jasmine"Description:
The Italian form of Jasmine and Yasmin.
- Eleonara
Origin:
Italian, German, Dutch, and Polish version of EleanorMeaning:
"bright, shining one"Description:
The usual form of Eleonara is Eleanora, with each syllable pronounced, but transposing, adding, or subtracting a vowel or syllable here or there works fine and adds to the international, feminine spin on a solid name.
- Pietra
Description:
Pietra is a feminine name of Italian origin, meaning "rock" or "stone." It's the female form of Pietro (the Italian version of Peter), which ultimately derives from the Greek "petros" meaning "stone." In Portuguese-speaking countries, the name is also used with the same stone-related meaning. Pietra combines strength and elegance with its flowing two-syllable structure and graceful ending. The name has gained moderate popularity in Italy and Brazil, though it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. Pietra appeals to parents drawn to Italian names with clear meanings and cultural connections, offering a sophisticated European alternative to more common names like Petra or Piper.
- Romano
Description:
Romano is a masculine name with Italian and Latin origins, meaning 'Roman' or 'from Rome.' It refers to someone connected to Rome or the Roman Empire, carrying the gravitas of one of history's most influential civilizations. The name remains moderately popular in Italy and Italian diaspora communities worldwide. Romano projects strength, classical heritage, and a timeless quality. The name has variants across European languages, including Roman, Romanus, and Romão. With its strong vowel endings and rhythmic sound, Romano embodies Mediterranean charm while honoring ancient Roman traditions, making it appealing to parents who value historical connections and Italian heritage.
- Giosia
Description:
Giosia is a masculine name of Italian origin, serving as the Italian form of Josiah, which derives from Hebrew and means 'God supports' or 'God heals.' This uncommon variant preserves the biblical connections of Josiah while offering a distinctly Italian pronunciation and character. The name has remained relatively rare even within Italy, making it an exceptionally unique choice internationally. Giosia combines religious heritage with a melodic Italian quality, featuring the characteristic 'gio' beginning found in many Italian names like Giovanni and Giorgio. While not widely used, it may appeal to parents seeking a name with biblical foundations and Italian cultural connections, particularly those with Italian heritage looking to honor their ancestry with a distinctive yet meaningful choice.
- Severino
Description:
Severino is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the Roman family name Severus, meaning 'stern,' 'serious,' or 'severe.' It functions as a diminutive or elaborated form of Severo. Particularly common in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking countries, Severino carries a dignified, classical quality while the -ino suffix adds a touch of warmth to its otherwise serious etymology. The name has maintained moderate popularity in Southern European and Latin American regions, though it has never been widely used in English-speaking countries. Severino offers cross-cultural appeal with its recognizable Latin roots and melodic three-syllable pattern. Its connection to ancient Roman heritage gives the name a timeless quality alongside its distinctive character.
- Oliviero
Description:
Oliviero is a masculine name of Italian origin, serving as the Italian form of Oliver. The name ultimately derives from the Latin 'olivarius,' meaning 'olive tree planter,' symbolizing peace, fertility, and longevity in Mediterranean cultures. With its melodic four syllables and romantic Italian flair, Oliviero conveys sophistication and cultural richness. While common in Italy and other Italian-speaking regions, it remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries, offering an attractive international option for parents seeking a distinctive yet recognizable name. Oliviero combines traditional roots with an exotic quality that distinguishes it from the increasingly popular Oliver. The name carries an artistic, cosmopolitan character that suggests refinement and cultural appreciation.
- Cellini
Origin:
Italian surnameDescription:
Benvenuto Cellini, the great Italian sculptor and writer -- a true Renaissance man -- could inspire this creative choice.
- Izabella
Origin:
Variation of Isabella, Hungarian, Polish, and EnglishMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
While this might look like a modern spelling of the classic Isabella, it is also the Hungarian and Polish form, pronounced with an EE sound at the beginning. A Top 50 name in Hungary and a Top 200 name in Poland, this form is also popular in Latvia.
- Giosue
Description:
Giosue is a masculine Italian name derived from the Hebrew name Joshua, meaning 'God is salvation' or 'Jehovah saves.' Pronounced joh-ZOO-eh, this name carries biblical significance as Joshua was Moses' successor who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. The name has particular cultural resonance in Italy, where poet Giosuè Carducci (1835-1907), who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1906, brought distinction to the name. While uncommon outside of Italian communities, Giosue offers a melodic alternative to more familiar Joshua variants. The name combines religious heritage with distinctive Italian phonetics, appealing to parents seeking names with both cultural depth and a flowing, romantic quality that's characteristic of Italian naming traditions.
- Guglielmo
Origin:
Italian variation of WilliamDescription:
William is a stylish classic right now, and while translating many classic names into Italian makes them instantly cooler and more attractive, this is one exception: Guglielmo presents pronunciation problems for the English speaker, suggesting the less-than-cool word "googley" followed by the even-less-cool-than-that Elmo.
- Bellezza
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"beauty"Description:
Beauty con brio italiano.
- Elizabetta
Origin:
Italian variation of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Everything sounds better with an Italian accent. Elisabetta is the more common Italian form.
- Rachele
Description:
Rachele is a feminine name representing the Italian form of Rachel. The original Hebrew name Rachel means "ewe" or "female sheep" and appears prominently in the Bible as Jacob's beloved wife. Rachele maintains the same pronunciation as Rachel but with an additional syllable at the end (rah-KEL-eh), giving it a melodious, distinctly Italian flair. Though uncommon in the United States, it remains in use in Italy and among Italian-American families. The name carries the same biblical significance as Rachel while offering a more culturally specific connection to Italian heritage. Rachele combines timeless appeal with a touch of European sophistication, making it attractive to parents seeking a name with both traditional roots and musical quality.
- Gavino
Description:
Gavino is a masculine Italian name derived from the Latin name Gabinus, which was associated with the ancient city of Gabii near Rome. The name can also be linked to the Latin word 'gavia' meaning 'seagull'. Gavino is particularly popular in Sardinia, Italy, where Saint Gavino, a Roman martyr, is venerated. The name has remained relatively uncommon outside of Italian communities, giving it a distinctive character. In Spanish-speaking regions, especially in parts of Latin America, Gavino appears occasionally as a traditional name. Its pronunciation (gah-VEE-noh) with the stress on the second syllable gives it a melodious quality that many parents appreciate.
- Donatelli
Description:
Donatelli is a masculine name of Italian origin, derived from the surname Donatelli or Donatello. It stems from the Latin name 'Donatus,' meaning 'given' or 'gifted,' often in a religious context as 'given by God.' The name carries cultural prestige through its association with the famous Renaissance sculptor Donatello. As a first name, Donatelli is quite rare, offering a distinctive option for parents seeking an Italian name with artistic and historical connections. The name has a melodious, flowing quality typical of Italian names, with its four syllables creating a rhythmic sound. Donatelli presents a bold choice that combines cultural richness with uniqueness while maintaining strong masculine characteristics.