1357 Italian Baby Names With Meanings
Embrace the folklore of Italy with our curated assortment of melodious names.
Venice, Tuscany, Rome, Milan – Italy isn't just about great places. It also boasts gorgeous, lilting, and rhythmic Italian baby names. After all, who can resist the beautiful-sounding Carmela or Allesandro? Italian names either have Latin origin or are Italian versions of monikers originating in other countries. Italian names roll off the tongue like a melody and often stand apart due to their distinctiveness. Generally, Italians have firm rules regarding naming. The first son, for instance, is named after the paternal grandfather, whereas the second son is named after the maternal grandfather. As for the females, the first daughter is named after the paternal grandmother, and the second daughter is named after the maternal grandmother. The subsequent children can be named after parents, aunts, uncles, deceased relatives, or saints. This all-pervasive convention has led to many Italian families with children of similar ages having the same names. Typical male and female Italian names end in vowels a, e, i, and o. Some classic examples are Adreano, Adela, Assissi, and Cammie. Many Italian names also have deep biblical roots, often paying homage to revered saints or local patrons. Those named after a saint celebrate twice: their actual birth date and their onomastico – the day in the General Roman Calendar honoring their saint. Certain Italian names are also aligned with the child's birth season. Pasquale or Pasqua herald Easter, while Natale, Natalina, Nicole, or Nicola emerge during Christmas (1). This nomenclatural interplay weaves a rich cultural fabric, fusing faith and temporal cadences. From traditional Evelina to modern Amalia, we have compiled a list of beautiful Italian girl and boy names with meanings. Explore the list to find meaningful monikers that complement your child's personality.
Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
Aberesh | Girl | Derived from medieval form of Albanian in southern Italy communities | |
Abramo | Boy | high father; father of a multitude | |
Abriana | Girl | Female variant of Abraham; Father of multitude | |
Acciai | Boy | One who hold an ax or who works with an ax | |
Achille | Boy | Pain; Lipless; Variant of Achilles | |
Adagio | Unisex | A slow tempo in music | |
Adalgisa | Girl | Noble hostage | |
Adele | Girl | Noble type | |
Adelina | Girl | Noble; Nobility | |
Adelmo | Boy | A hard and preserving noble | |
Adonna | Girl | Lady; Woman | |
Adriana | Unisex | Woman from Hadria | |
Adriano | Boy | A man from Hadria; Dark one; A variant form of Adrian | |
Adrina | Girl | A short form of adriana | |
Aelda | Girl | A warrior; One who fights war | |
Aeliana | Unisex | Heavenly or sunshine | |
Agata | Girl | One who is good at heart and mind; Pure; Kind; Gentle; A nature lover | |
Agnella | Girl | Chaste | |
Agnello | Boy | Lamb | |
Agnesina | Girl | A pure and virginal woman | |
Agostino | Girl | Venerated | |
Agustin | Boy | Dignified; Holy | |
Agustino | Boy | Italian form of Augustinus | |
Agusto | Boy | Venerated; Majestic; Dignified | |
Aida | Girl | Returning; Visitor | |
Airabella | Girl | Beautiful; Ethereal | |
Alcina | Girl | A sorceress who rules over a magical; Strongwilled | |
Aldina | Girl | Old friend who deserves the best in life | |
Aldo | Boy | Noble; Old; Wise | |
Aleanna | Girl | Gift from God | |
Aleia | Girl | Rising; Ascendant | |
Alessandra | Girl | Defender of mankind | |
Alessandria | Girl | Defender of mankind | |
Alessandro | Boy | Defender of mankind | |
Alessi | Unisex | Noble; defender of mankind | |
Alessia | Girl | Defender of mankind | |
Alessio | Boy | Defender; Helper | |
Alexius | Boy | Variant of Alexis; Defender | |
Alf | Boy | Noble; Ready; Inspired; Advice; Old peace; Derived from Alfr; Elf; A variant of name Alfonso and Alfie | |
Alfons | Boy | Variant of Alfonso; Noble; Ready | |
Alfonso | Boy | Ready; Prepared | |
Alfonsus | Boy | Variant of Alfonso; Noble; Ready | |
Alfonzo | Boy | Variant of Alfonso; Noble; Ready | |
Alford | Boy | Variant of Alfred; Old river crossing; Inspired advice; Old peace | |
Alfredo | Boy | Elf counsel | |
Alfric | Boy | Variant of Aelfric; Elf king | |
Alfrid | Boy | Variant of Alfred; Wise counselor; Elf counsel | |
Aliani | Girl | Most beautiful | |
Alice | Girl | Noble; Kind | |
Alisandra | Girl | Protector of mankind | |
Allegra | Girl | Joy; Delight; Joyfulness | |
Allegro | Girl | Brisk; Sprightly | |
Allora | Unisex | Now; Then | |
Alonso | Boy | Ready for battle; Noble | |
Alonza | Girl | One with prompt and practical leadership qualities in personal and professional dealings | |
Alonzo | Boy | An inspirational dashing noble; Ready for battle | |
Alphonso | Boy | A noble prompt person ready for struggle and war | |
Alphonsus | Boy | Noble and ready | |
Alto | Unisex | High; Tall; The second highest vocal range in music | |
Alvar | Boy | Elf warrior | |
Alvino | Boy | White and fair noble friend | |
Amadea | Girl | Loved by God | |
Amadeo | Boy | Love of God; One who loves God | |
Amalia | Girl | To work; Industrious | |
Amando | Boy | One who is loved by God and well liked by others | |
Amanta | Unisex | To express, Versatile and creative | |
Amara | Boy | Immortal being; Blessed with eternal life; Grace and gracious | |
Amaranta | Girl | Unfading; Never-ending | |
Amaretta | Unisex | Sweet; Beloved; Precious | |
Amata | Girl | Immortal | |
Amato | Boy | Beloved of all; Dearest | |
Ambra | Girl | Amber; A precious jewel; A jewel quality fossilized resin; Ruler of the jewels | |
Ambrogio | Boy | Immortal; Divine | |
Ambrosi | Boy | He who is immortal | |
Amedeo | Boy | The one who loves God deeply | |
Amer | Boy | Variant of Amir and Amerigo; Ruler; Prince; Emir; Commander | |
Americo | Boy | Variant of Amerigo; Ruler; Powerful; Rich | |
Amerigo | Boy | Ruler; Powerful | |
Amidala | Girl | Beautiful flower | |
Amiliana | Girl | Beloved, hardworking, determined, graceful | |
Amintore | Boy | Protector; Defender | |
Amoray | Unisex | Beautiful child | |
Amore | Girl | Love, passion, affection | |
Amoreena | Unisex | Beloved, passionate, enchanting | |
Amori | Unisex | Love | |
Analia | Girl | Gracious; Merciful; Favor | |
Anastasio | Boy | Resurrection; A variant form of the name Anastasius | |
Anatolio | Boy | A break; Beautiful sunrise | |
Andrea | Girl | Defender of mankind | |
Anella | Girl | Light; Brightness | |
Anelle | Girl | Grace | |
Anete | Girl | Holy; Pious; Kind; Hunger; Lamb; One | |
Angela | Girl | Messenger; Angel | |
Angelica | Girl | Messenger of God; Angelic | |
Angelina | Girl | Messenger of God; Angelic | |
Angelita | Girl | Messenger; Angels of God | |
Angelo | Boy | Messenger; Angel | |
Aninata | Girl | Graceful young girl | |
Anji | Girl | One who blesses; Blessing | |
Anna | Boy | Grace; Favor | |
Italian baby names blend Latin roots and international adaptations, often stemming from biblical sources. These names hold deep connections to saints and follow strict naming conventions. Consequently, it's common for Italian children of similar ages to share names. In light of this, we have presented an array of charming Italian girl and boy names with their meanings in the above list. Scroll through the list to find a suitable name that effortlessly projects your faith and aspirations behind selecting a name for your child.
Infographic: Irresistible Italian Names To Grace Your Baby
Italian baby names are tantalizing, giving your child a hint of Mediterranean refinement. Our infographic presents a diverse array of charming Italian names. Each name is accompanied by its profound significance, helping you better appreciate the name.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do Italian baby names reflect the country's culture, history, and religious and spiritual significance?
Many Italian baby names are based on or inspired by Catholic figures and saints or influential characters in Italian culture and history. This connection to culture and history helps preserve and continue the legacy of such names. Some names inspired by saints include Laura, Marco, Roberto, Rocco, and Viviana. Names based on prominent artists are Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raffaello, and Giovanni.
2. What are some unique Italian baby names not commonly heard outside of Italy?
Some unique Italian names that are not very popular outside of Italy are Agnella, the feminine form of Agnello meaning 'lamb'; Ambra, a variant of amber which refers to the yellow gemstone; and Fausta, the feminine form of Faustus meaning 'auspicious,' or 'lucky.'
3. Are there any traditional Italian baby naming conventions?
Italian baby names usually consist of a given name (nome) followed by a surname (cognome). Traditionally, babies inherit their father's family name, but an Italian court has ruled that both parents' surnames can be inherited [2]. It is common for a portion of the name to come from a name day, a day to celebrate their baptismal name shared with a Biblical character or saint. These name days are determined by the General Roman Calendar [3].
4. What are some famous or notable people with Italian names and what do their names mean?
Leonardo, a name borne by the world-renowned painter and scientist Leonardo da Vinci, means 'brave lion.' Dante Alighieri was a philosopher, poet, and writer; his name means 'enduring.' Giacomo, a name borne by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini known for his operas. The name is a variant of Jacob which means 'he who supplants.'
5. What nicknames or pet names can be derived from Italian baby names?
Sandro, Ale, Alex, and Andy are pet forms of the name Alessandro. Cat, Cate, Cathy, and Rina are some nicknames for Caterina. Nicknames for Isabella are Isa, Bella, Isabel, Belle, Libbie, Libby, Sabella, and Ibbie.
References
- The bellissima style of Italian names.
https://casa-belvedere.org/the-bellissimo-style-of-italian-names/ - Double-barrelled name law in Italy – a work in progress.
https://www.ibanet.org/double-barrelled-name-law-italy - Liturgical Calendar.
http://www.gcatholic.org/calendar/2023/General-A-en.htm
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.