Boys and Girls Names by Romy Marylou Amber

Used in Italy and Spain, but in non-Latin countries could be confused with Valencia.

This is the Italian way to say Venice -- Ven-ETZ-ee-a -- but you might also opt for the softer Venetia or Venice itself.

Vince is not a short form that often stands alone on the birth certificate, the way Jack or even Joe does, but it has certain credibility as the name always used for football great Vince Lombardi. And as a diminutive for Vincent, it's a far sight better than Vinnie or Vinny or even Vin.

Virginia is a hundred years past its peak of the 1920s, but according to Nameberry's own Hundred Year Rule, that means it's due for a comeback. Indeed, Virginia's long downward slide leveled off and reversed over the past 15 years, which means we'll be hearing more little girls called Virgie -- not the easiest nickname to bear, but still a cute old-fashioned choice.

Old World Italian name that might become fashionable in a so-far-out-it's-in way, like Enzo and Rocco. Main recommendation: It's among the rare boy names that mean life.