1885 Italian Baby Names With Rich Roots
Embrace the folklore of Italy with our curated assortment of melodious names.
Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
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.
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Browse Baby Names By Gender
Browse Baby Names By Alphabet
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Girl |
Peace; Olive tree | |
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|
Girl |
Whole; Universal | |
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|
Girl |
Free person; Petite | |
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|
Girl |
God is my oath | |
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|
Girl |
Mine; Dear; Darling; Wished-for child; Sea of bitterness; Beloved; Rebelliousness | |
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|
Girl |
Religious attendant; Priest's helper | |
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|
Girl |
God is gracious | |
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|
Girl |
Wisdom | |
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|
Girl |
Gracious; Dear; Soldier; Miracles | |
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|
Girl |
Light; Bright; Honor; Dignity; Victorious | |
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|
Girl |
Rival; Laborious; Eager | |
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|
Boy |
Bringer of light; From Lucania; Light | |
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|
Girl |
Life | |
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|
Boy |
Twin | |
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|
Girl |
God has given the answer; Sun | |
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|
Girl |
Torch; Shining light | |
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|
Girl |
Noble; Kind; Nobility | |
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|
Girl |
Strong; Vigourous; Healthy | |
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|
Girl |
Beautiful; God is my oath | |
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|
Girl |
Christmas day; Born on Christmas day; Of or concerning birth | |
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|
Girl |
Man; Independent woman | |
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|
Boy |
Brave lion; Hard; Brave; Hardy | |
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|
Girl |
To breathe; To live; Mother of life; Full of life | |
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|
Girl |
Lily; Purity; Innocence | |
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|
Girl |
Name of God; Flower | |
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|
Girl |
Rainbow; Bringer of Joy; Irish flower; Colored part of the eye | |
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|
Boy |
God is gracious | |
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|
Boy |
Teacher; Saint; Supplanter | |
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|
Girl |
My God has answered; Sun; Light of favor | |
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|
Girl |
Blind | |
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|
Boy |
From Laurentum; Laurel | |
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|
Girl |
Light | |
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|
Boy |
Ruler of an estate or a house; Victorious | |
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|
Girl |
Most holy; Silver; Melody | |
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|
Girl |
To be strong or brave | |
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|
Boy |
God's gift | |
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|
Boy |
Rival; Industrious | |
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|
Girl |
Jewel; Precious stone; Gem | |
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|
Girl |
Lady; Princess; Noblewoman | |
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|
Boy |
Rival; Eager | |
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|
Boy |
God's spear; Friend of deer | |
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|
Girl |
Faith; Summer; Valor; Foreign | |
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|
Girl |
Star of the sea; Grace | |
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|
Girl |
Butterfly | |
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|
Boy |
Victory of the people | |
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|
Girl |
God is my judge | |
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|
Boy |
Flourishing; Long-lived; Wealthy; Famous; Eloquent; Gifted | |
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|
Boy |
Army ruler; Power of the army | |
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|
Girl |
God is gracious | |
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|
Girl |
To tie; To bind | |
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|
Girl |
Weary; Cow; Rose; Downy bearded; Bearer of good news | |
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|
Girl |
Religious attendant; Priest's helper | |
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|
Boy |
Steadfast; Enduring | |
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|
Boy |
God is with us | |
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|
Girl |
Fire; Fish; Ancient city of Nineveh; Little girl; God is gracious; Strong | |
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|
Girl |
Dark; Bright; Shining; Peaceful; A lady with dusk hair; First ray of the sun | |
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|
Girl |
Lion; Noble; Melody | |
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|
Boy |
Warlike; Mars; Male | |
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|
Boy |
From Rome; Roman; Bright; Clear | |
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|
Girl |
Serene; Tranquil; Clear; Mermaid | |
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|
Boy |
God is gracious | |
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|
Girl |
Patient; Persevering; From the river Severn | |
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|
Boy |
Dedicated to Mars; Roman God of war; Warlike | |
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|
Girl |
Defender of mankind | |
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|
Girl |
Light; Illumination | |
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|
Girl |
My God has answered; To twine around; Lily flower; Bound by vines; Glowing lady | |
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|
Boy |
Lion; Eagle; Brave; Most holy; Sun-like; Visible; Generous; Chief; Superior | |
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|
Boy |
Little saint | |
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|
Girl |
My God is an oath; My God is fullness | |
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|
Girl |
Rhythm; Flow; Falling | |
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|
Girl |
French; Free one | |
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|
Girl |
Queen | |
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|
Girl |
One who is lively | |
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|
Girl |
She who brings victory; True image | |
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|
Girl |
Song; Melody; Gold | |
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|
Girl |
Helper; Defender | |
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|
Girl |
Garden; God's vineyard; Plantation; Mountain | |
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|
Girl |
White; Pure; Fair-colored | |
|
|
Boy |
Bean farmer | |
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|
Girl |
Hope; Moist; Tender; Delicate | |
|
|
Boy |
Behold, a son | |
|
|
Boy |
Bringer of light; Marshy | |
|
|
Girl |
Rival; Laborious; Eager | |
|
|
Boy |
Young boy; Son; Glorious | |
|
|
Boy |
Rest; Repose; Rook; Crow; Battle cry; Roar | |
|
|
Girl |
Freeholder; Free woman | |
|
|
Boy |
Noble; Ready for battle | |
|
|
Girl |
Golden; Gilded; The golden one | |
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|
Girl |
Born again; Rebirth; Brave lion | |
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|
Girl |
Honorable; Noble; Aryan; Song; Melody | |
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|
Girl |
A virgin; Maid | |
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|
Boy |
Soldier; Army man | |
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|
Girl |
Priceless; First born; Flower | |
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|
Boy |
Brave; Strong | |
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|
Girl |
Voyager; Blessed one | |
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|
Boy |
Famous ruler | |
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|
Girl |
Praise; Glory; Immortal glory; Fame | |
|
|
Girl |
Peace; Bold journey; Daring | |
|
|
Boy |
Lion-like person | |
|
|
Boy |
Counsel; Advice; Wolf | |
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.
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.
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.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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.
https://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.
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