Italian Names
- Alessandro
Origin:
Italian variation of AlexanderMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
For anyone seeking a more unusual version of Alexander, this is a real winner.
- Alessia
Origin:
Italian variation of AlexisMeaning:
"defending warrior"Description:
Young Canadian pop singer Alessia Cara has given this spicy-sounding name a new lease on life, propelling it into the Top 1000 in 2016. It was one of the fastest rising girl names of the year in 2016, then again in 2023. As a form of Alexander, Alessia could make a wonderful honor for any of Alexander's variants—Alexandra, Alexis—or as an alternative to Alexa, now best known as Amazon's AI voice.
- Alessio
Origin:
Italian variation of AlexisMeaning:
"defender"Description:
Alessio, simpler than the related Alessandro, would be a welcome settler here.
- Alice
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"noble"Description:
Alice is a classic literary name that's both strong and sweet, ranking in the US Top 100 and popular throughout the western world. Alice is derived from the Old French name Aalis, a diminutive of Adelais that itself came from the Germanic name Adalhaidis, which is composed of the Proto-Germanic elements aþala, meaning "noble," and haidu, "kind, appearance, type."
- Andrea
Origin:
Italian variation of Andrew, GreekMeaning:
"strong and manly"Description:
Andrea may be a gender neutral name in its native Italy and other European countries, but in the US it's 98 percent a girls' name, with only about 20 males to more than 1800 baby girl given that name in the most recent year counted.
- Anna
Origin:
Variation of Hannah, HebrewMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Anna has become the dominant form of the Ann family, offering a touch of the international to English speakers and a bit more style than the oversimplified Ann or Anne.
- Chiara
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"light, clear"Description:
Chiara is a lovely and romantic Italian name that's familiar but not widely used here: a real winner. You might consider Chiara instead of Claire, Clara, Cara, or even Keira.
- Daniele
Description:
Daniele is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, representing the Italian, French, and Portuguese version of Daniel, meaning 'God is my judge.' While primarily used for boys in these European cultures, it's important to note that in English-speaking countries, this spelling might be confused with the feminine 'Danielle.' The name carries biblical significance through the prophet Daniel, known for wisdom and dream interpretation. With its melodic three-syllable pronunciation (dah-nee-EH-leh), it offers a sophisticated European flair to the classic name. Daniele remains consistently popular in Italy and has moderate usage in other Mediterranean and Latin countries. Its international character makes it appealing for families with Italian or European heritage or those seeking a name that works well across different languages.
- Elena
Origin:
Spanish, Italian, German, Greek variation of HelenMeaning:
"bright, shining light"Description:
Elena is at its most popular point ever in the US, thanks to its cross-cultural appeal and the overall popularity of El- names. It's more international than Ellen or Eleanor, but still accessible.
- Elia
Origin:
Italian variation of Elijah, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah is God"Description:
A multicultural appellation, found in Hebrew, Italian, and Zuni, this likable name made famous by director Elia Kazan's only problem is the feminine a ending. But then again, that never hurt Joshua.
- Elisa
Origin:
Spanish and Italian, diminutive of ElizabethDescription:
Elisa is one of the most appealing of this contingent of Elizabeth-related names. In the US, Eliza is much more stylish these days, but Elisa is very popular internationally — especially in Europe and Latin America.
- Emma
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"universal"Description:
Emma has now been among the top girl names in the United States for several years, claiming the Number 1 crown in 2008 and again from 2015 to 2018 before dropping back to second place.
- Erica
Origin:
Norse, feminine form of EricMeaning:
"eternal ruler"Description:
The straightforward Erica is a Norse feminization that was long associated with the complex, mega-popular character Erica Kane, played by Susan Lucci for decades on the soap opera All My Children. Used in Scandinavia since the early eighteenth century, where it was usually spelled Erika, it was in the Top 50 girls' list in the USA in the 1970s and eighties.
- Federico
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of FrederickDescription:
If Frederick feels too heavy, the Spanish and Italian has more energy. It's a long-term Top 20 name in Italy, and has neat nicknames like Fredo in Italian and Fede in Spanish. Famous bearers include the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca and the Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini. Further back in history, it was the name of a fifth-century Visigoth leader, the brother of Theodoric II.
- Francesco
Origin:
Italian variation of FrancisDescription:
Thanks to the inspiration of Pope Francis, Francesco has galloped to the front of the line to become the Number One boys' name in Italy. As Francesca has become a familiar and popular form of the name for girls in the wider world, so does the handsome Francesco have that potential for boys.
- Gabriele
Description:
Gabriele is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, derived from the name Gabriel, which means 'God is my strength' or 'God's able-bodied one.' While Gabriel is common in English-speaking countries, Gabriele represents the traditional Italian, German, and Central European masculine form. In Italy particularly, Gabriele has maintained consistent popularity for boys. The name carries historical significance through notable bearers like Italian poet Gabriele D'Annunzio. Internationally, the pronunciation varies slightly, typically 'gah-bree-EH-leh' in Italian and 'gah-bree-EH-luh' in German contexts. Gabriele offers a sophisticated European alternative to Gabriel while maintaining the same powerful meaning and biblical connection to the archangel Gabriel, messenger of God.
- Giovanni
Origin:
Italian variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Giovanni is a venerable Italian classic that suddenly sounds fresh and cool. Ubiquitous in Italy, it has countless notable namesakes, from writer Boccaccio to designer Versace (nn Gianni).
- Gregorio
Origin:
Italian variation of GregoryMeaning:
"vigilant, a watchman"Description:
More dramatic, worldly, and energetic spin on Gregory.
- Greta
Origin:
German, diminutive of MargaretheMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
Greta is an Old World name long tied to the iconic Garbo, but now synonymous with environmental activism.
- Guido
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"guide, leader"Description:
Guido was very popular in Renaissance Italy, with many namesakes including painter Fra Angelico (born Guido di Pietro) and mathematician Guido Fubini. Guy Fawkes, of gunpowder plot fame, sometimes used this version. Nowadays it's unfairly overlooked, but in the current trend for snappy international names ending in -o, this cultured gem deserves more use.
- Irene
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"peace"Description:
Serene Irene, the name of the Greek goddess of peace and one of the most familiar Greek goddess names, was hugely popular in ancient Rome and again in the United States a hundred years ago.
- Laura
Origin:
English from LatinMeaning:
"from Laurentum or bay laurel"Description:
Laura is a hauntingly evocative perennial, never trendy, never dated, feminine without being fussy, with literary links stretching back to Dante. All this makes Laura a more solid choice than any of its more decorative counterparts and one of the most classic girl names starting with L.
- Linda
Origin:
Spanish, Portuguese and Italian word name meaning "pretty"Meaning:
"pretty"Description:
Linda will live forever in baby name history for toppling Mary from its four hundred year reign as Number 1. Queen of Names in 1947, Linda has fallen even further in favor than Mary today.
- Luca
Origin:
Italian variation of Luke and LucasMeaning:
"man from Lucania"Description:
The related Lucas and Luke are both hugely popular boy names in the US and internationally, and now Luca has joined them on boys' popularity lists around the world.
- Marco
Origin:
Italian and Spanish form of MarkMeaning:
"warlike"Description:
Simple and universal, Marco is a Latin classic that would make a much livelier namesake for an Uncle Mark. It was used for her son by actress Jill Hennessy and goes well with surnames of any nationality.
- Margherita
Description:
Margherita is the Italian form of Margaret, a feminine name derived from the Greek word 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' This elegant variation carries the same core meaning while featuring the distinctive Italian pronunciation and spelling. The name has historical significance in Italy, with Saint Margherita of Cortona being a respected religious figure. Margherita has remained consistently used in Italy and Italian communities worldwide. Beyond its connection to the precious gem, the name gained additional cultural recognition through Queen Margherita of Italy (for whom the Margherita pizza was reportedly named). The name carries connotations of elegance, value, and classic beauty, appealing to parents seeking a name with Italian heritage and timeless charm.
- Marta
Origin:
Italian, Spanish, Scandinavian, SlavicMeaning:
"lady"Description:
Sharper and steelier than Martha, but with the same underused vintage appeal.
- Martina
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"warlike"Description:
A feminine form of Martin, this strong and zestful sounding name is popular in Argentina, Chile, Spain, and Italy, where it ranks in the Top 30. Also familiar in Czechia, the UK, Slovakia, and Switzerland, it has never made it big in the US, and fell out of the charts back in the 2000s.
Ultimately associated with Mars, the Roman god of war and with the 3rd century patron saint of Rome, it has also been borne by two notable tennis players, Martina Navratilova and Martina Hingis.
- Olivia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"olive tree"Description:
Olivia, a lovely Shakespearean name with an admirable balance of strength and femininity, is the Number 1 name for baby girls in the US and one of the top girls' names around the world.
- Pietro
Origin:
Italian variation of PeterDescription:
Yet another winning international form of Peter.
- Sara
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"princess"Description:
Sara, the streamlined form of Sarah, makes this ancient name feel more modern, but perhaps a bit lighter weight.
- Silvia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"from the woods"Description:
This original form of the name -- the more familiar Sylvia spelling came later -- seems more modern now.
- Sofia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"wisdom"Description:
Sofia is a variation of the Greek name Sophia, which was derived directly from sophia, the Greek word for wisdom. It was the name of a Roman saint—the mother of Faith, Hope, and Charity—and queens of Russia and Spain.
- Stefano
Origin:
Italian variation of StephenMeaning:
"garland, crown"Description:
As commonly heard in Rome, Italy, as Steve is in Rome, New York. With the accent on the first syllable, Stefano has a lot of charm.
- Viola
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"violet"Description:
Viola has plenty of positive elements going for it: the rhythm of the musical instrument, the association with the flower, the trending 'Vi' beginning and its leading role in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. With a touch of international flair, it also avoids the violent/Violet some parents have.