1357 Italian Baby Names With Meanings

italian-baby-names-with-meanings

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
heart image Aberesh Baby Girl Sign Girl Derived from medieval form of Albanian in southern Italy communities
heart image Abramo Baby Boy Sign Boy high father; father of a multitude
heart image Abriana Baby Girl Sign Girl Female variant of Abraham; Father of multitude
heart image Acciai Baby Boy Sign Boy One who hold an ax or who works with an ax
heart image Achille Baby Boy Sign Boy Pain; Lipless; Variant of Achilles
heart image Adagio Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A slow tempo in music
heart image Adalgisa Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble hostage
heart image Adele Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble type
heart image Adelina Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble; Nobility
heart image Adelmo Baby Boy Sign Boy A hard and preserving noble
heart image Adonna Baby Girl Sign Girl Lady; Woman
heart image Adriana Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Woman from Hadria
heart image Adriano Baby Boy Sign Boy A man from Hadria; Dark one; A variant form of Adrian
heart image Adrina Baby Girl Sign Girl A short form of adriana
heart image Aelda Baby Girl Sign Girl A warrior; One who fights war
heart image Aeliana Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Heavenly or sunshine
heart image Agata Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is good at heart and mind; Pure; Kind; Gentle; A nature lover
heart image Agnella Baby Girl Sign Girl Chaste
heart image Agnello Baby Boy Sign Boy Lamb
heart image Agnesina Baby Girl Sign Girl A pure and virginal woman
heart image Agostino Baby Girl Sign Girl Venerated
heart image Agustin Baby Boy Sign Boy Dignified; Holy
heart image Agustino Baby Boy Sign Boy Italian form of Augustinus
heart image Agusto Baby Boy Sign Boy Venerated; Majestic; Dignified
heart image Aida Baby Girl Sign Girl Returning; Visitor
heart image Airabella Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful; Ethereal
heart image Alcina Baby Girl Sign Girl A sorceress who rules over a magical; Strongwilled
heart image Aldina Baby Girl Sign Girl Old friend who deserves the best in life
heart image Aldo Baby Boy Sign Boy Noble; Old; Wise
heart image Aleanna Baby Girl Sign Girl Gift from God
heart image Aleia Baby Girl Sign Girl Rising; Ascendant
heart image Alessandra Baby Girl Sign Girl Defender of mankind
heart image Alessandria Baby Girl Sign Girl Defender of mankind
heart image Alessandro Baby Boy Sign Boy Defender of mankind
heart image Alessi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Noble; defender of mankind
heart image Alessia Baby Girl Sign Girl Defender of mankind
heart image Alessio Baby Boy Sign Boy Defender; Helper
heart image Alexius Baby Boy Sign Boy Variant of Alexis; Defender
heart image Alf Baby Boy Sign Boy Noble; Ready; Inspired; Advice; Old peace; Derived from Alfr; Elf; A variant of name Alfonso and Alfie
heart image Alfons Baby Boy Sign Boy Variant of Alfonso; Noble; Ready
heart image Alfonso Baby Boy Sign Boy Ready; Prepared
heart image Alfonsus Baby Boy Sign Boy Variant of Alfonso; Noble; Ready
heart image Alfonzo Baby Boy Sign Boy Variant of Alfonso; Noble; Ready
heart image Alford Baby Boy Sign Boy Variant of Alfred; Old river crossing; Inspired advice; Old peace
heart image Alfredo Baby Boy Sign Boy Elf counsel
heart image Alfric Baby Boy Sign Boy Variant of Aelfric; Elf king
heart image Alfrid Baby Boy Sign Boy Variant of Alfred; Wise counselor; Elf counsel
heart image Aliani Baby Girl Sign Girl Most beautiful
heart image Alice Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble; Kind
heart image Alisandra Baby Girl Sign Girl Protector of mankind
heart image Allegra Baby Girl Sign Girl Joy; Delight; Joyfulness
heart image Allegro Baby Girl Sign Girl Brisk; Sprightly
heart image Allora Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Now; Then
heart image Alonso Baby Boy Sign Boy Ready for battle; Noble
heart image Alonza Baby Girl Sign Girl One with prompt and practical leadership qualities in personal and professional dealings
heart image Alonzo Baby Boy Sign Boy An inspirational dashing noble; Ready for battle
heart image Alphonso Baby Boy Sign Boy A noble prompt person ready for struggle and war
heart image Alphonsus Baby Boy Sign Boy Noble and ready
heart image Alto Unisex Baby Sign Unisex High; Tall; The second highest vocal range in music
heart image Alvar Baby Boy Sign Boy Elf warrior
heart image Alvino Baby Boy Sign Boy White and fair noble friend
heart image Amadea Baby Girl Sign Girl Loved by God
heart image Amadeo Baby Boy Sign Boy Love of God; One who loves God
heart image Amalia Baby Girl Sign Girl To work; Industrious
heart image Amando Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is loved by God and well liked by others
heart image Amanta Unisex Baby Sign Unisex To express, Versatile and creative
heart image Amara Baby Boy Sign Boy Immortal being; Blessed with eternal life; Grace and gracious
heart image Amaranta Baby Girl Sign Girl Unfading; Never-ending
heart image Amaretta Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sweet; Beloved; Precious
heart image Amata Baby Girl Sign Girl Immortal
heart image Amato Baby Boy Sign Boy Beloved of all; Dearest
heart image Ambra Baby Girl Sign Girl Amber; A precious jewel; A jewel quality fossilized resin; Ruler of the jewels
heart image Ambrogio Baby Boy Sign Boy Immortal; Divine
heart image Ambrosi Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is immortal
heart image Amedeo Baby Boy Sign Boy The one who loves God deeply
heart image Amer Baby Boy Sign Boy Variant of Amir and Amerigo; Ruler; Prince; Emir; Commander
heart image Americo Baby Boy Sign Boy Variant of Amerigo; Ruler; Powerful; Rich
heart image Amerigo Baby Boy Sign Boy Ruler; Powerful
heart image Amidala Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful flower
heart image Amiliana Baby Girl Sign Girl Beloved, hardworking, determined, graceful
heart image Amintore Baby Boy Sign Boy Protector; Defender
heart image Amoray Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Beautiful child
heart image Amore Baby Girl Sign Girl Love, passion, affection
heart image Amoreena Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Beloved, passionate, enchanting
heart image Amori Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Love
heart image Analia Baby Girl Sign Girl Gracious; Merciful; Favor
heart image Anastasio Baby Boy Sign Boy Resurrection; A variant form of the name Anastasius
heart image Anatolio Baby Boy Sign Boy A break; Beautiful sunrise
heart image Andrea Baby Girl Sign Girl Defender of mankind
heart image Anella Baby Girl Sign Girl Light; Brightness
heart image Anelle Baby Girl Sign Girl Grace
heart image Anete Baby Girl Sign Girl Holy; Pious; Kind; Hunger; Lamb; One
heart image Angela Baby Girl Sign Girl Messenger; Angel
heart image Angelica Baby Girl Sign Girl Messenger of God; Angelic
heart image Angelina Baby Girl Sign Girl Messenger of God; Angelic
heart image Angelita Baby Girl Sign Girl Messenger; Angels of God
heart image Angelo Baby Boy Sign Boy Messenger; Angel
heart image Aninata Baby Girl Sign Girl Graceful young girl
heart image Anji Baby Girl Sign Girl One who blesses; Blessing
heart image Anna Baby Boy Sign Boy Grace; Favor
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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.

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

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

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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

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  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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