Italian Word Names

Alea is a genuine girls' name as a sleeker variation of Aleah, a name with both Arabic and Persian roots that means exalted or God's being. But in Italian, Alea means risk or hazard, so it can also be considered an Italian word name...but a risky one.

Popular in its native Italy, Giada has been quietly and stylishly used in English-speaking countries for several years now. Television cook Giada De Laurentiis made this a possibility — then semi-subtly self-referenced when she named her daughter Jade.

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.

A highly unusual Italian word-name that is nevertheless attractive and easy to pronounce and spell.

The o ending and the positive meaning in many languages makes this a winner, and with the feminine Vera making a surprise return, and the new love for the letter 'V', this becomes a name that has definite possibilities.

An attractive Italian color and rock word name that doesn't sound anything like its meaning.

Could be a short form of Sylvia, Olivia, or any other similar name. Or a vivid Italian word name.

Musical term with a lot of energy.

Short and slight, with great potential now that names like Ava, Ida and Orla are popular. Ora Beach is a tourist destination on Seram Island, Indonesia.

Zio is a pet form for names ending with 'zio', such as Maurizio, Marzio and Tiburzio. As a full name in Italian, though it wouldl be like naming your son Uncle Uncle.

A spin on Calia or Calla, with a lot of fashionable sounds.

A modernization of the Hebrew Rivka, which doesn't sound so modern anymore.

An underused member of the Lily group of names. The spelling makes it clear you want it to rhyme with Willa.

Consistently popular Latina gem name; good choice for those who can't shake Pearl's grandmotherly vibe.

Primo is number one among the Latin birth-order names--Octavius et al--and the one most likely to be used in these days of smaller families. It has that jaunty 'o' ending and Italian flavor that many modern parents like so much. And what little boy wouldn't appreciate being prime?

Fiery sound and uplifting meaning, but it's also among the Top 100 dog names. Spelled Fiyero, it's the hero of the book and musical "Wicked."

Fiery names are blazing hot right now, and this one would fit right in.

Laguna Beach is a famous California spot -- though there's "goonie" teasing potential.

While this is an ancient male name, it's too similar to modern girls' choices like Mia and Pia to work for a boy today.