Italian Names

Giulietta is the Italian diminutive form of Giulia, which derives from the Latin name Julia. This feminine name carries a distinctly romantic and melodious quality, perhaps best known internationally through Shakespeare's tragic heroine Juliet (Giulietta in Italian versions). The name gained cultural significance through Fellini's film 'Giulietta degli Spiriti' and the Alfa Romeo Giulietta sports car. While consistently used in Italy, it remains relatively uncommon internationally, offering a sophisticated alternative to the more widely used Julie or Juliet with its distinctly Italian flair and elegant pronunciation.

Giulietta

Sicily is a lilting Italian place-name that sounds like the elegant British Cicely -- which you might consider a plus or a minus. 

Sicily

Saint John Bosco is well-known to Catholic School children, but Bosco is perhaps better known as a chocolate syrup.

Bosco

The name of four popes and several saints: a promising Italian import. 

Eugenio

Associated with the ancient Rosetta stone, this is also the pretty Italian pet form of Rosa. 

Rosetta

Silvana is a feminine form of the Ancient Roman Silvanus, sharing the same woodsy meaning. A mix of elegance and energy, Silvana may appeal to those who enjoy Sylvie, Sylvia, Savannah, and Solana. 

Silvana

While Faust, who sold his soul to the devil, was anything but fortunate, this Latinate variation is more commonly heard and accepted.

Fausto

We are hearing more of such heavenly names as Celeste and Celia, which opens the door to the range of lovely variations rarely heard before.  Celestina is one of them, though given the more accessible options, it may be gilding the lily.

Celestina

Simona is a feminine name of Italian and Eastern European origin, serving as the feminine form of Simon, which derives from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning 'he has heard.' This elegant name has remained consistently popular in Italy, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and other European countries. In Italy, it gained particular recognition through famous bearers like Olympic swimmer Simona Quadarella. While less common in English-speaking countries, Simona offers a sophisticated international alternative to the more familiar Simone. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing vowel sounds and soft consonants. Simona projects both strength and femininity, combining classical roots with a contemporary feel. Its cross-cultural appeal makes it accessible across various languages while maintaining its distinctive character.

Simona

This name of a renowned Apache leader and mystic would be a difficult choice, since it was used as a rallying cry in so many old westerns and by paratroopers jumping out of their planes in World War II. 

Geronimo

A very popular name for girls in Japan, though it is a unisex choice. It can mean "severe, cold", but also "dignified", "ethics" and "phosphorus", depending on the kanji used. It is notably used for the Vocaloid Rin Kagamine. 
 
Rin may also be considered a Korean name, meaning "clear" or "neighbour", a Japanese and Korean form of the Chinese Lin ("jade") or of the English and Welsh Lynn ("lake", "pretty"), or a short form of Katherine, Katrin, Katrina, or similar.

Religious name long common in Italy, as is the diminutive Santino. In the Cornwall region of England, it's a traditional diminutive for Alexander.

Santo

Was there ever a name that rolled more appealingly off the tongue?  Vittorio calls to mind the glory days of Italian cinema, featuring names like Vittorio de Sica and Vittorio Gassman.


Vittorio

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.

Flavio

Old-school Italian names that shortens a wide range of longer names, making it feel much more popular than it is on its own.

Nino

The progenitor of the English name Guy, Gaetano has a lot more gusto. 

Gaetano

In music, the term allegro means "quickly, lively tempo," which makes this quintessential Bohemian ballet dancer's name all the more appealing. Allegra is one of the most distinctive yet accessible <a href="https://nameberry.com/search/girls-names/a">girl names starting with A</a>.
 One of the most creative sounding of names, Allegra has been associated with the American prima ballerina Allegra Kent, and has been chosen as a first or middle name for their daughters by poets George Gordon, Lord Byron and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, as well as by R. Buckminster Fuller and Donatella Versace.
Caveat: There is that current connection to the allergy medication.

Allegra

Arnoldo is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing the Italian and Spanish form of Arnold. The name derives from the elements 'arn' (eagle) and 'wald' (power, rule), meaning 'eagle power' or 'strong as an eagle.' This powerful name has maintained popularity in Hispanic and Italian communities throughout the centuries. Arnoldo carries an air of strength and dignity, with historical connections to medieval European nobility. While less common in English-speaking countries than Arnold, Arnoldo has established presence in Latin American countries and among Hispanic communities worldwide. The name's ending with the melodic 'o' sound gives it a warm, approachable quality while maintaining its masculine strength. Notable bearers include various artists, politicians, and athletes throughout Latin American history.

Arnoldo

Carlotta has a large measure of finger-snapping charm and substance — despite being a not too pleasant character in The Little Mermaid. Carlotta is also the diva/prima donna in The Phantom of the Opera, and there was an Empress Carlotta of Mexico.
 Carlotta (spelled with one 'T' in Spanish), has not been heard much since the 1960s — which might add to its appeal to someone looking for a more international spin on Charlotte.

Carlotta

Piero is elegant, melodic, appealing. Just picture the muted frescoes of Renaissance artist Piero della Francesca.


Piero

Italian names are among the most romantic and melodious in the world. The top Italian baby names in the US today are Isabella for girls and Leonardo for boys.

 include Mia, Aria, Luna, Bella, and Gianna. Along with Leonardo,

 in the US Top 200 include Antonio, Emiliano, Giovanni, and Luca. 

 include Ginevra, Aurora, Francesco, and Alessandro. Contemporary Italian parents also like some non-Italian names for their babies. The German Alice and Emma along with the Hebrew Sara and Noemi are popular for girls. For boys, the Hebrew Nathan and the international favorite Liam are widely-used.

 include descriptions of the person’s character and destiny based on their name, claiming that a child named Donato will be sweet and impressionable, for instance, while Ilaria is optimistic and sociable.



Browse our full list of Italian baby names here.

Italian baby names for boys and girls including popular names and unique names of Italian origin, with meanings and popularity. (Page 10)

Italian Names for Girls and Boys