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 Duran heart image baby boy sign Boy A firm and enduring human being
heart image Durant heart image baby boy sign Boy An unbending person; Enduring one
heart image Durante heart image baby boy sign Boy One who is inaccessible
heart image Ealda heart image baby boy sign Girl Majestic creatures who rule
heart image Eama heart image baby boy sign Girl One who comprises of the whole universe
heart image Edda heart image baby boy sign Girl One with a clear vision; Great grandmother inheritance
heart image Edgardo heart image baby boy sign Boy A wealthy man who is known for riches
heart image Editta heart image baby boy sign Girl A rich gift; a very efficient present
heart image Edmonda heart image baby boy sign Girl The clean one who is like a guardian
heart image Edmondo heart image baby boy sign Boy A highly successful and productive being
heart image Edoardo heart image baby boy sign Boy Rich guardian; they are responsible and efficient
heart image Eduardo heart image baby boy sign Boy The holder of rich property
heart image Edvige heart image baby boy sign Girl Contention and strife
heart image Edwaldo heart image baby boy sign Boy A loving and prosperous guardian
heart image Egidio heart image baby boy sign Boy A shield bearer; name of a brave kid
heart image Eidita heart image baby boy sign Girl Wealthy; joyous and responsible person
heart image Elara heart image baby boy sign Girl Spear-shaft; Hazelnut
heart image Elda heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is born warrior
heart image Eleanora heart image baby boy sign Girl Light which is shining and bright
heart image Elena heart image baby boy sign Girl Bright one
heart image Elenore heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is filled with light and bright
heart image Eleonora heart image baby boy sign Girl Shining bright light coming from above
heart image Elettra heart image baby boy sign Girl A healer who really likes to cure people
heart image Eleua heart image baby boy sign Girl The one who is intelligent and is majestic
heart image Elia heart image baby boy sign Girl My God is Yahweh
heart image Eligio heart image baby boy sign Boy A very private yet interesting person
heart image Elio heart image baby boy sign Boy The sun
heart image Eliodoro heart image baby boy sign Boy They are the gift sent from Sun
heart image Elisa heart image baby boy sign Girl My God is an oath; My God is fullness
heart image Elisabetha heart image baby boy sign Girl A bountiful God figure on Earth
heart image Elisabetta heart image baby boy sign Girl God is bountiful and helpful
heart image Eliseo heart image baby boy sign Boy God is salvation
heart image Elmo heart image baby boy sign Boy Beloved; Helmet; Protection
heart image Eloisa heart image baby boy sign Girl Healthy; Wide
heart image Elpidio heart image baby boy sign Boy Hope
heart image Elvera heart image baby boy sign Girl White; Truth
heart image Emanuele heart image baby boy sign Boy God is with us
heart image Emberto heart image baby boy sign Boy One who is a bright warrior
heart image Emerlinda heart image baby boy sign Girl The whole universe is soft or tender
heart image Emidio heart image baby boy sign Boy Of Saint Emegdius
heart image Emilia heart image baby boy sign Girl Rival; To emulate; Excel
heart image Emiliana heart image baby boy sign Girl Someone who wants to excel
heart image Emiliano heart image baby boy sign Boy Someone who is industrious and has the zeal to work hard
heart image Emilio heart image baby boy sign Boy Someone who tries to emulate; A rival
heart image Emily heart image baby boy sign Girl Hardworking; Dilligent; Industrious person
heart image Emma heart image baby boy sign Girl Whole; Universal
heart image Ennio heart image baby boy sign Boy A famous poet during Roman civilization.
heart image Enric heart image baby boy sign Boy The head of the household
heart image Enrica heart image baby boy sign Girl A ruler of her house
heart image Enrico heart image baby boy sign Boy One who rules the home
heart image Enrique heart image baby boy sign Boy Ruler of an estate; Home ruler
heart image Enriquez heart image baby boy sign Boy A person who owns large estates and rules them
heart image Enza heart image baby boy sign Girl Consecrated; Abundance
heart image Enzio heart image baby boy sign Boy A ruler at home
heart image Enzo heart image baby boy sign Boy Ruler of an estate or a house
heart image Erald heart image baby boy sign Boy Rule
heart image Erasto heart image baby boy sign Boy Beloved; Highly loving
heart image Ercole heart image baby boy sign Boy Gift
heart image Ermanno heart image baby boy sign Boy A mighty defender
heart image Ermelinda heart image baby boy sign Girl Soft; Whole; Universal
heart image Ermelinde heart image baby boy sign Girl Something which is soft and tender; Whole; Universal
heart image Erminio heart image baby boy sign Boy The Greek God for speed and good luck.
heart image Ersilia heart image baby boy sign Girl A Roman mythological figure
heart image Esta heart image baby boy sign Girl Someone from the east
heart image Este heart image baby boy sign Boy An Italian word meaning someone from the East
heart image Ettore heart image baby boy sign Boy Someone steadfast
heart image Etzio heart image baby boy sign Boy Eagle
heart image Eufemia heart image baby boy sign Girl To speak; To declare; Words of good omen
heart image Eufemme heart image baby boy sign Girl Good omen
heart image Eufemmia heart image baby boy sign Girl Good omen
heart image Eugenio heart image baby boy sign Boy Nobility; High born
heart image Euilaun heart image baby boy sign Boy Nobility; High born
heart image Eustachio heart image baby boy sign Boy A very famous saint
heart image Evaluna heart image baby boy sign Girl Life of the moon; Living moon
heart image Evangelista heart image baby boy sign Unisex Bringer of good news; Gospel writer
heart image Ezio heart image baby boy sign Boy One who is like an eagle
heart image Fabia heart image baby boy sign Girl A woman who is a bean farmer
heart image Fabian heart image baby boy sign Boy Bean farmer; Noble
heart image Fabiana heart image baby boy sign Girl A little woman who farms beans
heart image Fabiano heart image baby boy sign Boy A man who grows beans
heart image Fabio heart image baby boy sign Boy Bean
heart image Fabricio heart image baby boy sign Boy A man who is very crafty
heart image Fabrizia heart image baby boy sign Girl A woman with crafty hands
heart image Fabrizio heart image baby boy sign Boy Craftsman
heart image Fantino heart image baby boy sign Boy A form of Fantinus; A baby boy
heart image Farfalla heart image baby boy sign Girl She is like a butterfly
heart image Fausta heart image baby boy sign Girl A lucky one
heart image Faustine heart image baby boy sign Girl A fortunate woman
heart image Faustino heart image baby boy sign Boy A little lucky man
heart image Fausto heart image baby boy sign Boy Man of luck
heart image Favio heart image baby boy sign Boy A man of wisdom and understanding
heart image Faviola heart image baby boy sign Girl A woman of wisdom and bravery
heart image Fedele heart image baby boy sign Boy A faithful man
heart image Fedella heart image baby boy sign Girl A woman who is faithful and true
heart image Federica heart image baby boy sign Girl A Queen who rules peacefuly
heart image Federico heart image baby boy sign Boy A ruler who rules in peace
heart image Federigo heart image baby boy sign Boy One whose ruling brings peace
heart image Feli heart image baby boy sign Unisex Lucky; Happy
heart image Felice heart image baby boy sign Girl A fortunate and happy lady
heart image Feliciana heart image baby boy sign Girl A fortunate lady

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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