1885 Italian Baby Names With Rich Roots

Embrace the folklore of Italy with our curated assortment of melodious names.

Written by Angela Alex, MA Specialty: Baby NamesExperience: 2 years

Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her combined interest in history and the science of language has taught her the skills to understand how language and its use have changed over time.

Read full bio of Angela Alex

Edited by Srija Chanda Burman, MA, PG Dip. Specialty: Relationships, Baby NamesExperience: 3 years

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG Diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in editing ranges across niches, including academics, human psychology, and child development.

Read full bio of Srija Chanda Burman

Fact-checked by Ratika Pai, M.Com Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 6 years

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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Last Updated on Nov 12, 2024

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.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Olivia	Girl	Peace; Olive tree
Emma	Girl	Whole; Universal
Charlotte	Girl	Free person; Petite
Isabella	Girl	God is my oath
Mia	Girl	Mine; Dear; Darling; Wished-for child; Sea of bitterness; Beloved; Rebelliousness
Camila	Girl	Religious attendant; Priest's helper
Gianna	Girl	God is gracious
Sofia	Girl	Wisdom
Mila	Girl	Gracious; Dear; Soldier; Miracles
Nora	Girl	Light; Bright; Honor; Dignity; Victorious

Emilia	Girl	Rival; Laborious; Eager
Luca	Boy	Bringer of light; From Lucania; Light
Zoe	Girl	Life
Thomas	Boy	Twin
Eliana	Girl	God has given the answer; Sun
Elena	Girl	Torch; Shining light
Alice	Girl	Noble; Kind; Nobility
Valentina	Girl	Strong; Vigourous; Healthy
Bella	Girl	Beautiful; God is my oath
Natalia	Girl	Christmas day; Born on Christmas day; Of or concerning birth

Caroline	Girl	Man; Independent woman
Leonardo	Boy	Brave lion; Hard; Brave; Hardy
Eva	Girl	To breathe; To live; Mother of life; Full of life
Liliana	Girl	Lily; Purity; Innocence
Samantha	Girl	Name of God; Flower
Iris	Girl	Rainbow; Bringer of Joy; Irish flower; Colored part of the eye
Giovanni	Boy	God is gracious
Diego	Boy	Teacher; Saint; Supplanter
Elliana	Girl	My God has answered; Sun; Light of favor
Cecilia	Girl	Blind

Lorenzo	Boy	From Laurentum; Laurel
Lucia	Girl	Light
Enzo	Boy	Ruler of an estate or a house; Victorious
Arianna	Girl	Most holy; Silver; Melody
Valeria	Girl	To be strong or brave
Matteo	Boy	God's gift
Emiliano	Boy	Rival; Industrious
Gemma	Girl	Jewel; Precious stone; Gem
Sara	Girl	Lady; Princess; Noblewoman
Emilio	Boy	Rival; Eager

Oscar	Boy	God's spear; Friend of deer
Vera	Girl	Faith; Summer; Valor; Foreign
Mariana	Girl	Star of the sea; Grace
Vanessa	Girl	Butterfly
Nico	Boy	Victory of the people
Daniela	Girl	God is my judge
Omar	Boy	Flourishing; Long-lived; Wealthy; Famous; Eloquent; Gifted
Walter	Boy	Army ruler; Power of the army
Gia	Girl	God is gracious
Rebecca	Girl	To tie; To bind

Lia	Girl	Weary; Cow; Rose; Downy bearded; Bearer of good news
Camilla	Girl	Religious attendant; Priest's helper
Dante	Boy	Steadfast; Enduring
Manuel	Boy	God is with us
Nina	Girl	Fire; Fish; Ancient city of Nineveh; Little girl; God is gracious; Strong
Kiara	Girl	Dark; Bright; Shining; Peaceful; A lady with dusk hair; First ray of the sun
Ariyah	Girl	Lion; Noble; Melody
Mario	Boy	Warlike; Mars; Male
Romeo	Boy	From Rome; Roman; Bright; Clear
Serena	Girl	Serene; Tranquil; Clear; Mermaid

Gianni	Boy	God is gracious
Sabrina	Girl	Patient; Persevering; From the river Severn
Marco	Boy	Dedicated to Mars; Roman God of war; Warlike
Alessandra	Girl	Defender of mankind
Luciana	Girl	Light; Illumination
Liana	Girl	My God has answered; To twine around; Lily flower; Bound by vines; Glowing lady
Ari	Boy	Lion; Eagle; Brave; Most holy; Sun-like; Visible; Generous; Chief; Superior
Santino	Boy	Little saint
Elisa	Girl	My God is an oath; My God is fullness
Cadence	Girl	Rhythm; Flow; Falling

Francesca	Girl	French; Free one
Regina	Girl	Queen
Viviana	Girl	One who is lively
Veronica	Girl	She who brings victory; True image
Ariah	Girl	Song; Melody; Gold
Alessia	Girl	Helper; Defender
Carmen	Girl	Garden; God's vineyard; Plantation; Mountain
Bianca	Girl	White; Pure; Fair-colored
Fabian	Boy	Bean farmer
Nadia	Girl	Hope; Moist; Tender; Delicate

Ruben	Boy	Behold, a son
Lucca	Boy	Bringer of light; Marshy
Emelia	Girl	Rival; Laborious; Eager
Sonny	Boy	Young boy; Son; Glorious
Rocco	Boy	Rest; Repose; Rook; Crow; Battle cry; Roar
Carolina	Girl	Freeholder; Free woman
Alonzo	Boy	Noble; Ready for battle
Aurelia	Girl	Golden; Gilded; The golden one
Renata	Girl	Born again; Rebirth; Brave lion
Ariya	Girl	Honorable; Noble; Aryan; Song; Melody

Virginia	Girl	A virgin; Maid
Armando	Boy	Soldier; Army man
Antonella	Girl	Priceless; First born; Flower
Valentino	Boy	Brave; Strong
Beatrice	Girl	Voyager; Blessed one
Rodrigo	Boy	Famous ruler
Gloria	Girl	Praise; Glory; Immortal glory; Fame
Fernanda	Girl	Peace; Bold journey; Daring
Leandro	Boy	Lion-like person
Raul	Boy	Counsel; Advice; Wolf

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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.

captivating italian baby names and their meanings (infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

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.