Italian Place Names for Babies

Why has it taken so long for us to discover Italy? The name, that is.

The name of this historic European city is more distinct than Paris and London but sounds similar enough to the rising Romy and well-established Ramona and Rosemary that it doesn't feel totally out there. Currently in the US Top 1000 for boys, Rome has been quietly used as a girl name since the 2000s and in 2023, it was given to around 60 girls. While it is therefore nine times more popular as a masculine name, it has plenty of unisex potential.

This name of one of the most romantic cities in the world could easily find its way onto an American baby girl's birth certificate.

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.

This name of one of the most romantic cities in the world could easily find its way onto an American baby boy's birth certificate. You could also think of it as a fun, atlas-inspired twist on Denis.

A city in Italy, or simply a feminized spelling of Barry.

Genova, also known in English as Genoa, is a major port in Liguria, Italy. Its attractive sound — combining elements of Genevieve and Nova — means it has occasionally appeared on the baby name charts, though it is very rare.

Pilgrimage site in Italy.

A city in Italy, or simply an alternative spelling of Barry.