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