1357 Italian Baby Names With Meanings

Italian Baby Names With Meanings

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.

NameGenderMeaning
heart image Chiarina heart image baby boy sign Girl A famous personality
heart image Christian heart image baby boy sign Boy Follower of Jesus Christ
heart image Ciandra heart image baby boy sign Girl Surrounded by light
heart image Ciani heart image baby boy sign Unisex God is gracious
heart image Cianna heart image baby boy sign Girl Praise of the Lord; God is gracious
heart image Ciella heart image baby boy sign Girl Heaven; Sky
heart image Cielo heart image baby boy sign Girl Heaven; The abode of God
heart image Cienna heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is from the land of Siena
heart image Cinzia heart image baby boy sign Girl A mythological goddess named Cynthia who was born on Mount Cynthus
heart image Cio heart image baby boy sign Unisex Chief Information Officer
heart image Ciolla heart image baby boy sign Boy He is layered like an onion
heart image Cipriano heart image baby boy sign Boy One who hails from Cyprus
heart image Cira heart image baby boy sign Girl The sun; The source of energy for mankind
heart image Ciriaco heart image baby boy sign Boy Spanish name for Cyriacus; God
heart image Ciro heart image baby boy sign Boy Young; Lord; Humiliator of enemy
heart image Cirocco heart image baby boy sign Boy The wind from Ancient Egypt; a warm wind from Egypt
heart image Clarice heart image baby boy sign Girl Bright; Clear; Famous
heart image Clarina heart image baby boy sign Girl A thing that is bright and clear
heart image Claudina heart image baby boy sign Girl Something that is feeble; lame
heart image Claudio heart image baby boy sign Boy Differently abled
heart image Clemente heart image baby boy sign Boy Merciful; Lenient; Soft hearted; Loving; Sweet tempered
heart image Clementina heart image baby boy sign Girl Merciful; Gentle
heart image Clemenza heart image baby boy sign Girl Mercy; Clemency
heart image Cleto heart image baby boy sign Boy To call a spirit while praying; Usually done by a Pope
heart image Clorinda heart image baby boy sign Girl In Greek, the meaning of this name is greenery; A place filled with vegetation and plants
heart image Coda heart image baby boy sign Unisex Tail
heart image Coletta heart image baby boy sign Girl Helper and victorious
heart image Colombo heart image baby boy sign Boy Dove, the symbol of peace and happiness
heart image Columbo heart image baby boy sign Boy Dove; A white bird that is used as the symbol of peace
heart image Como heart image baby boy sign Unisex How; Like
heart image Concetta heart image baby boy sign Girl Conception; Pure
heart image Concetto heart image baby boy sign Boy Mother Mary's Immaculate Conception in Her mother's womb
heart image Condoleezza heart image baby boy sign Girl One with sweetness
heart image Consolata heart image baby boy sign Girl The act of consolation;To give solace to a person who is passing through a hard time
heart image Constantia heart image baby boy sign Girl Something that never changes; constant and persistent
heart image Constantina heart image baby boy sign Girl Steadfast
heart image Contessa heart image baby boy sign Girl Royalty; Hailing from a royal bloodline
heart image Coppa heart image baby boy sign Girl A golden coup; A reward
heart image Corda heart image baby boy sign Girl One who makes strings and chords; a regular wearer of ribbons and ties
heart image Corleone heart image baby boy sign Unisex Powerful and influential; associated with a famous crime family
heart image Corrado heart image baby boy sign Boy Brave counsel
heart image Corsica heart image baby boy sign Unisex Rocky island
heart image Cosetta heart image baby boy sign Girl A little thing
heart image Cosimo heart image baby boy sign Boy Universe; Order; Decency
heart image Cosma heart image baby boy sign Boy Italian form of Cosmas meaning order, pattern, decency, or decree
heart image Cristian heart image baby boy sign Boy Christian; Followers of Christ
heart image Cristina heart image baby boy sign Girl Christian; Followers of Christ
heart image Crocifissa heart image baby boy sign Girl Crucifix in Italian; Jesus Christ's crucifixion
heart image Dago heart image baby boy sign Unisex People of Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, or Latin American origin
heart image Dahna heart image baby boy sign Girl Respectful lady
heart image Dalani heart image baby boy sign Unisex Feel at ease; To feel comfort
heart image Damaria heart image baby boy sign Unisex Divine; Beloved
heart image Damario heart image baby boy sign Boy The loved one
heart image Damiano heart image baby boy sign Boy One who tames
heart image Dangela heart image baby boy sign Boy An Angel
heart image Dangelo heart image baby boy sign Boy Divine messenger
heart image Daniel heart image baby boy sign Boy God is my judge
heart image Daniele heart image baby boy sign Girl God is a judge
heart image Daniella heart image baby boy sign Girl God is my judge
heart image Dante heart image baby boy sign Boy Steadfast; Enduring
heart image Dantes heart image baby boy sign Unisex Enduring or steadfast
heart image Danti heart image baby boy sign Boy The divine comedy
heart image Daralice heart image baby boy sign Girl Very noble
heart image Dario heart image baby boy sign Boy Possessing goodness; Italian variant of Darius
heart image Daunte heart image baby boy sign Boy The one who is everlasting
heart image Davide heart image baby boy sign Boy A humanitarian and broad minded person
heart image Davinci heart image baby boy sign Unisex From Vinci
heart image Deangelo heart image baby boy sign Boy Born bold and beautiful; Angel
heart image Debora heart image baby boy sign Girl From the Old Testament; A bee
heart image Delfina heart image baby boy sign Girl Name of a Saint; One from Delphi
heart image Delfino heart image baby boy sign Boy Dolphin, playful, social
heart image Delle heart image baby boy sign Unisex Of the or from the family region
heart image Deluca heart image baby boy sign Unisex Of Luca; A person from Lucania
heart image Demetra heart image baby boy sign Girl Mythological Goddess of harvest
heart image Demonte heart image baby boy sign Boy One who is coming from heaven; mountain
heart image Dianora heart image baby boy sign Girl A divine person; Advanced
heart image Diego heart image baby boy sign Boy Substitute; Supplanter
heart image Dimaggio heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong and resolute
heart image Dino heart image baby boy sign Boy A little sword
heart image Doda heart image baby boy sign Girl A person who is reserved, dignified, and well-loved
heart image Dodinc heart image baby boy sign Boy Boys who are born on Sundays; Saints
heart image Dolce heart image baby boy sign Unisex Sweet or pleasant
heart image Domani heart image baby boy sign Unisex Tomorrow; One who does advanced planning
heart image Domenica heart image baby boy sign Girl One who belongs to God
heart image Domenico heart image baby boy sign Boy The Almighty lord
heart image Dominica heart image baby boy sign Girl Of the Lord
heart image Donat heart image baby boy sign Boy They are the ones who are like gifts and are strangers
heart image Donata heart image baby boy sign Girl Given by God
heart image Donatas heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is being given a hand; helping nature
heart image Donatella heart image baby boy sign Girl Beautiful gift of God
heart image Donatello heart image baby boy sign Boy Gift of God; To give
heart image Donato heart image baby boy sign Boy Given by God
heart image Donelle heart image baby boy sign Girl Lady.
heart image Donielle heart image baby boy sign Girl A lady who is very respectful and honored
heart image Donita heart image baby boy sign Girl World mighty
heart image Donna heart image baby boy sign Girl Lady; Woman
heart image Dontay heart image baby boy sign Boy Lasting; Enduring; One who has spiritual leadership
heart image Donte heart image baby boy sign Boy Enduring
heart image Dorabella heart image baby boy sign Girl Beautiful gift
heart image Ducati heart image baby boy sign Unisex Motorcycle manufacturing company

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.

captivating italian baby names and their meanings (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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

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.
  1. The bellissima style of Italian names.
    https://casa-belvedere.org/the-bellissimo-style-of-italian-names/
  2. Double-barrelled name law in Italy – a work in progress.
    https://www.ibanet.org/double-barrelled-name-law-italy
  3. Liturgical Calendar.
    http://www.gcatholic.org/calendar/2023/General-A-en.htm
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