615+ Italian Names for Girls and Boys

  1. Giorgio
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of George
    • Meaning:

      "farmer"
    • Description:

      Giorgio as is rich in meaning and history as George, but with more Italian flair. It's a consistent Top 50 hit in Italy, and with Italian boy names like Gianni and Lorenzo rising through the charts, could be another one to add to the mix.

      The best-known modern bearer is fashion designer Giorgio Armani.

  2. Elettra
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Electra, from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "amber, shining, bright"
    • Description:

      Less electric and more serene than Electra which comes with a lot of tragic and psychoanalytical baggage, Elettra is the Italian form that ranks in the Top 200 in the Italian charts. Nicknames Etta, Lettie, and Elle make this doubly appealing.
  3. Carmela
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Carmel
    • Meaning:

      "garden"
    • Description:

      Carmela has been most famous recently as the name of Tony Soprano's TV wife, played by Edie Falco. The spellings Carmela and Carmella are both used in Latin cultures including Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, and are used nearly equally in the US, given to a total of about 300 baby girls last year.
  4. Marta
    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, Scandinavian, Slavic
    • Meaning:

      "lady"
    • Description:

      Sharper and steelier than Martha, but with the same underused vintage appeal.
  5. Vivia
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Vivian
    • Meaning:

      "life"
    • Description:

      Vivia, the fresh Italian version of newly popular name, streamlines and even vivifies the original.
  6. Po
    • Origin:

      Italian river name
    • Description:

      A river (in Italy), a writer (Bronson), a Teletubby: the Bo of the new millennium.
  7. Ettore
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Hector
    • Meaning:

      "holds fast"
    • Description:

      Has a lot more charm than the ancient Hector.
  8. Rina
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Caterina or other names ending in -rina
    • Description:

      A pan-European short form often used as a name in its own right, Rina is sister to names like Mina and Lena, popular at the end of the 19th century and showing their pretty if slight faces again. In the Netherlands, Rina itself is sometimes shortened to Rineke, as Tina may become Tineke.
  9. Zeta
    • Origin:

      Variation of Zita or Greek letter name
    • Description:

      The sixth letter of the Greek alphabet, popularized by Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones -- Zeta was her grandmother's first name. Zeta can also refer to the letter Z, the last in the Roman alphabet, or be a spelling variation of Zita, a name with several possible origins and meanings.
  10. Bosco
    • Origin:

      Italian saint name
    • Description:

      Also, unfortunately, better known as a chocolate syrup. Borden and Bosco could play well together.
  11. Milana
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "from Milan"
    • Description:

      This makes Milan sound like less of a place, more of a name.
  12. Faro
    • Origin:

      Italian word name
    • Meaning:

      "lighthouse"
    • Description:

      Names ending with O are popular, but this one is almost unheard-of. Faro has the advantages of being easy to spell and pronounce (unless it's confused with Pharaoh), and a bright meaning. Ultimately it comes from Pharos, the island where the great Lighthouse of Alexandria was built, and there's a district and city in Portugal called Faro. Be aware: it's also the name of a gambling card game, highly popular in the nineteenth century before poker took over.
  13. Teodora
    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Slovene and Serbian form of Theodora
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      Teodora is an extremely attractive and international choice, with several equally attractive, user-friendly nicknames. Appealing short forms might include Tea, Dora, or Dory for English speakers, however, classic diminutives include the Spanish, Italian, Serbian and Portuguese Dora, the Bulgarian Todorka, and the Swedish Thea.
  14. Brando
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Brand
    • Meaning:

      "firebrand, sword"
    • Description:

      Screen legend Marlon's surname has loads more swagger than his first. A little Brando might have to endure references to his famous namesake, though his peers may just assume its linked to popular Brandon, with the stylish -o ending of Milo, Arlo, and Hugo.
  15. Lucrezia
    • Description:

      Lucrezia is an elegant Italian feminine name with ancient Roman roots. Derived from the Latin family name Lucretius, it's associated with wealth and prosperity. The name gained prominence during the Renaissance, notably through Lucrezia Borgia, daughter of Pope Alexander VI. Despite controversial historical associations, the name embodies grace and nobility. Lucrezia has maintained steady popularity in Italy and is gaining appreciation internationally for its melodious sound and strong character. With nickname options like Luca or Zia, it offers versatility while maintaining its sophisticated essence. The name carries a timeless quality, blending classical heritage with contemporary appeal.
  16. Esidore
    • Description:

      Esidore is a masculine name that appears to be a variant of Isidore, which derives from the Greek name Isidoros, meaning 'gift of Isis' (referencing the ancient Egyptian goddess). This uncommon variation maintains the historical and scholarly associations of Isidore, a name borne by several saints including the 7th-century St. Isidore of Seville, who is considered the patron saint of the internet and computers due to his encyclopedic knowledge. The alteration of the initial vowel gives Esidore a distinctive quality while preserving its classical roots. Though rare in contemporary usage, Esidore offers parents an option with historical depth, intellectual associations, and an unusual yet accessible sound profile that bridges ancient tradition with uniqueness.

  17. Dominica
    • Origin:

      Italian, feminine variation of Dominic
    • Meaning:

      "belonging to the Lord"
    • Description:

      Fashionably Continental and much fresher than Dominique, though it's been used since the Middle Ages. Dominica can be spelled any number of ways, from Dominika to Domenica, but we prefer this version.
  18. Dino
    • Origin:

      Italian, diminutive of any name ending in -dino
    • Description:

      Italian heritage name. It's sweet and simple, but has fallen almost out of use since its heyday in the 1960s.
  19. Damiano
    • Description:

      Damiano is a masculine Italian name derived from the Greek 'Damianos,' ultimately stemming from 'damao' meaning 'to tame' or 'to subdue.' With classical roots, it's the Italian form of Damian, a name associated with Saint Damian, a physician who, with his twin brother Cosmas, became the patron saint of doctors. Popular throughout Italy and gaining recognition internationally, Damiano carries a strong, sophisticated European sensibility. The name experienced modest usage in the United States among Italian-American communities and has seen occasional spikes in interest with Italian cultural influences. With its melodic three-syllable pronunciation and distinctive ending, Damiano offers a more elaborate alternative to the simpler Damian. The name suggests strength, refinement, and cultural heritage, appealing to parents seeking a name with both historical depth and contemporary appeal.
  20. Armando
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian and Portuguese form of Herman, German
    • Meaning:

      "soldier"
    • Description:

      Armando takes the flat-footed Herman and makes it romantic. This is another of the Latin names we expect to be seeing more of.