Italian Names that Start With E

  1. Elio
    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "sun"
    • Description:

      Elio is a sunny and spirited Italian and Spanish name that makes a great crossover prospect, which could catch on as Enzo has. Elio is also currently popular in France, ranking in the Top 250.
  2. Elena
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian, German, Greek variation of Helen
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Enzo
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Henry, also diminutive of Vincenzo and Lorenzo
    • Description:

      You may be surprised to know that Enzo is now a Top 100 boy name in the US, where it has been climbing straight uphill since the turn of this century.
  4. Emilia
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Emil, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "rival"
    • Description:

      Emilia is the feminine form of the Roman clan name Aemilius, which derived from the Latin aemulus, meaning "rival." In Shakespeare’s Othello, Emilia is the wife of Iago and confidante of Desdemona. Amelia, although homonymous, has a different root and meaning.
  5. Emilio
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian variation of Emil
    • Meaning:

      "rival"
    • Description:

      Dashing and suave, with a hint of poetry and gentleness, Emilio is an appealing and international choice. A solid favorite in Italy, it is also on the rise in the US, France, Austria, and the UK.
  6. Eliseo
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Elisha
    • Meaning:

      "God is my salvation"
    • Description:

      This Latinate name would have no problem fitting into an American classroom. It has made frequent appearances in the US Top 1000 over the last several decades. Borne by several Spanish saints, it boasts both a rhythmic sound and popular o-ending.
  7. Emiliano
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Emil
    • Meaning:

      "rival"
    • Description:

      Emiliano is an appealing Latinate version of Emil, with the same gentle sounds but additional flair. Popular in Chile and Mexico, where it ranks in the Top 20, Emiliano is also a rising name in the US.
  8. Elia
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Elijah, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  9. Eleanora
    • Origin:

      Latinate form of Eleanor, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      Eleanor is back, Nora is back, and, as predicted, Eleanora is back too, as of 2023.
  10. Eleonora
    • Origin:

      Italian, German, Dutch, and Polish variation of Eleanor
    • Description:

      Makes a serious name frilly and feminine, which, depending on your viewpoint, might be a good or a bad thing. In this case, we vote good.
  11. Elisa
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian, diminutive of Elizabeth
    • Description:

      Elisa may be one of the most appealing of this contingent of names, but the Elizabeth variations that start with A are heading up, the E versions down. Eliza is much more stylish these days than Elisa.
  12. Eloisa
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Eloise
    • Meaning:

      "healthy; wide"
    • Description:

      Eloisa captures a lovely name back from the spoiled little girl at the Plaza. Historical romance writer Eloisa James has helped make this antique name sound fresh and sassy again.
  13. Elmo
    • Origin:

      Italian from German
    • Meaning:

      "protector"
    • Description:

      Elmo, like fellow Sesame Street characters Kermit and Grover, has a hard time being taken seriously. (It isn't easy being red either.)
  14. Edda
    • Origin:

      Norse
    • Meaning:

      "poetry"
    • Description:

      This Old Norse girl name has a lovely meaning and a familiar yet distinctive sound.
  15. Elettra
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Latin Electra
    • Meaning:

      "shining, bright"
    • Description:

      Less electric and melodramatic, more serene, than Electra. Isabella Rossellini's daughter (and Ingrid Bernman's granddaughter) is named Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann.
  16. Ettore
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Hector
    • Meaning:

      "holds fast"
    • Description:

      Has a lot more charm than the ancient Hector.
  17. Emiliana
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Emily
    • Meaning:

      "rival"
    • Description:

      The enormous popularity of Emily and Emma means that parents will be looking further afield for substitutes -- and this is one of the prettiest.

  18. Enzio
    • Emanuele
      • Origin:

        Italian variation of Emmanuel, Hebrew
      • Meaning:

        "God is with us"
      • Description:

        A fresh, Italianized take on the Hebrew classic Emmanuel. But beware of the similarities to the feminine name Emmanuelle.
    • Elisabetta
      • Origin:

        Italian variation of Elizabeth
      • Meaning:

        "pledged to God"
      • Description:

        This version softens, feminizes, and glamorizes the long-time favorite. A fresh way to honor Grandma Betty. Elizabetta is a variation.