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Favorite Italian Names

  1. Matilde

    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese version of Matilda, German

    • Description:

      The German Matilda has some European variations that are popular in their native countries. Matilde ranks in Italy's and Portugal's Top 10 for girls, while the French variation Mathilde ranks among the Top 100 girl names in France, Denmark, and Norway.
  2. Martina

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "warlike"

    • Description:

      A feminine form of Martin, this strong and zestful sounding name is popular in Argentina, Chile, Spain, and Italy, where it ranks in the Top 30. Also familiar in Czechia, the UK, Slovakia, and Switzerland, it has never made it big in the US, and fell out of the charts back in the 2000s.

      Ultimately associated with Mars, the Roman god of war and with the 3rd century patron saint of Rome, it has also been borne by two notable tennis players, Martina Navratilova and Martina Hingis.
  3. Eleonora

    • Origin:

      Italian, German, Dutch, and Polish variation of Eleanor

    • Description:

      Makes a serious name frilly and feminine, which, depending on your viewpoint, might be a good or a bad thing. In this case, we vote good.
  4. Carolina

    • Origin:

      Variation of Caroline; also place-name

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      Romantic, and classy, this variation heats up Caroline and modernizes Carol, adding a southern accent. A popular choice in Portugal, Spain, Mexico, and Italy, it recently entered the US Top 500.
  5. Romano

    • Description:

      Romano is a masculine name with Italian and Latin origins, meaning 'Roman' or 'from Rome.' It refers to someone connected to Rome or the Roman Empire, carrying the gravitas of one of history's most influential civilizations. The name remains moderately popular in Italy and Italian diaspora communities worldwide. Romano projects strength, classical heritage, and a timeless quality. The name has variants across European languages, including Roman, Romanus, and Romão. With its strong vowel endings and rhythmic sound, Romano embodies Mediterranean charm while honoring ancient Roman traditions, making it appealing to parents who value historical connections and Italian heritage.
  6. Lucrezia

    • Description:

      Lucrezia is an elegant Italian feminine name with ancient Roman roots. Derived from the Latin family name Lucretius, it's associated with wealth and prosperity. The name gained prominence during the Renaissance, notably through Lucrezia Borgia, daughter of Pope Alexander VI. Despite controversial historical associations, the name embodies grace and nobility. Lucrezia has maintained steady popularity in Italy and is gaining appreciation internationally for its melodious sound and strong character. With nickname options like Luca or Zia, it offers versatility while maintaining its sophisticated essence. The name carries a timeless quality, blending classical heritage with contemporary appeal.
  7. Tiziano

    • Description:

      Tiziano is an Italian masculine name derived from the Roman clan name Titius. It gained notable recognition through the famous Venetian Renaissance painter Tiziano Vecelli, better known as Titian in English. The name carries artistic connotations and reflects cultural heritage and creativity. While common in Italy and other Spanish and Italian-speaking regions, it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. Tiziano has a melodic quality with its four syllables and conveys a sense of sophistication and cultural depth. Parents who choose this name often appreciate its artistic associations and distinctive Italian flair.
  8. Ambra

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "amber"

    • Description:

      An Italian word name and an international form of Amber, this gemstone name is popular in its native Italy, where it ranked in the Top 30 in a recent year. Easily associated with the golden-orange fossilized stone, Ambra feels slightly fresher than Amber, a little more like Alba, Anna, and Amara than the '80s favorite, Amber.
  9. Lidia

    • Origin:

      Portuguese, Spanish, Polish, Romanian, from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "woman from Lydia"

    • Description:

      A spelling variant of Lydia used in parts of Southern & Eastern Europe.
  10. Remo

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Remus, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Virtually unknown in the U.S., yet with its jaunty o ending and similarity to the stylish (yet unrelated) Remy, Remo may find some new followers.
  11. Federico

    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Frederick, German

    • Meaning:

      "peaceful ruler"

    • Description:

      If Frederick feels too heavy, the Spanish and Italian has more energy. It's a long-term Top 20 name in Italy, and has neat nicknames like Fredo in Italian and Fede in Spanish. Famous bearers include the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca and the Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini. Further back in history, it was the name of a fifth-century Visigoth leader, the brother of Theodoric II.
  12. Gioia

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "joy"

    • Description:

      Prettier than Joy and just beginning to be used here.
  13. Caterina

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Katherine

    • Description:

      If your ancestry is Italian, you may want to consider this elegant twist on a classic.
  14. Giulio

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Julius

    • Description:

      Giulio is a Top 50 name in Italy, and we think Giulio is a good candidate to follow, especially now that Giovanni and Gianni are in up in the US charts. It's an interesting alternative to popular cousins Julian and Julius. And of course the most famous Giulio of all is the Emperor, Giulio Cesare.
  15. Alessandro

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Alexander

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      For anyone seeking a more unusual version of Alexander, this is a real winner.
  16. Flavio

    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish variation of Flavius, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "yellow, blond"

    • Description:

      Flavio is derived from Flavius, a surname used in Ancient Rome. These family names, or cognomens, were given to distinguish branches of the clan and were chosen based on a characteristic of an important bearer. In this case, the Flavius family patriarch was likely blond-haired.
  17. Ludovico

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Ludwig, German

    • Meaning:

      "famous warrior"

    • Description:

      Ludwig may be out, but Ludovico is very very in, at least in Italy. Undiscovered in the US and other English-speaking countries, Ludovico comes with the short form Ludo. The female form Ludovica is also popular.
  18. Cristiano

    • Origin:

      Italian and Portuguese variation of Christian

    • Description:

      Variation of the popular religious name, boosted by megastar Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.
  19. Filippo

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Philip, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "lover of horses"

    • Description:

      As classic as it comes in Italy — Filippo was once common during the Renaissance, and today remains in the Top 25.
  20. Rinaldo

    • Description:

      Rinaldo is a masculine Italian name derived from the Germanic name Reginald, composed of elements meaning "advice" and "power" or "ruler." This romantic-sounding name gained prominence through Italian Renaissance literature and opera, most notably in Torquato Tasso's epic poem "Jerusalem Delivered" and later in Handel's opera of the same name. With its melodic quality and noble associations, Rinaldo has maintained steady popularity in Italy and Italian diaspora communities. The name conveys strength and artistic sophistication while maintaining its Italian cultural identity. Though less common internationally than other Italian names like Marco or Antonio, Rinaldo remains recognizable and appreciated for its musical sound and literary connections. Its four syllables create a rhythmic, flowing quality that embodies Italian naming aesthetics.