Italian Names

Thadeo is a masculine name with ancient roots, representing a Latin variation of the Greek name Thaddeus or Thaddaeus. The original Aramaic name 'Tadday' means 'heart' or 'courageous.' This name appears in Christian tradition as one of Jesus's apostles, also known as Jude in some accounts. The Spanish and Italian variation Thadeo adds a melodic, Mediterranean quality to the name while maintaining its historical significance. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it enjoys more popularity in Hispanic and Latin American communities. Thadeo projects strength and character while offering the friendly nickname options of Theo or Tad. The name carries both religious significance and a timeless quality that transcends trends.

Thadeo

Ravenna is a lovely, untouristed Italian place-name just waiting to be discovered. Renowned for its fantastic Byzantine mosaics, it's a city that has a rich historic and artistic heritage.
 Part of the early Roman Republic, Ravenna was where Julius Caesar gathered his forces before crossing the Rubicon. It was the site of Dante's funeral and burial, Ravenna having been mentioned in his Inferno. Other poets with a connection: Lord Byron, who lived there, and Oscar Wilde who wrote a poem called Ravenna, as did Herman Hesse.

Ravenna

Damiano is a masculine Italian name derived from the Greek 'Damianos,' ultimately stemming from 'damao' meaning 'to tame' or 'to subdue.' With classical roots, it's the Italian form of Damian, a name associated with Saint Damian, a physician who, with his twin brother Cosmas, became the patron saint of doctors. Popular throughout Italy and gaining recognition internationally, Damiano carries a strong, sophisticated European sensibility. The name experienced modest usage in the United States among Italian-American communities and has seen occasional spikes in interest with Italian cultural influences. With its melodic three-syllable pronunciation and distinctive ending, Damiano offers a more elaborate alternative to the simpler Damian. The name suggests strength, refinement, and cultural heritage, appealing to parents seeking a name with both historical depth and contemporary appeal.

Damiano

The name of the great Renaissance astronomer and mathematician, Galileo would make a distinctive hero-name for the son of parents involved in those fields. Deriving from Latin and Hebrew, it refers to someone from Galilee, a Biblical place name associated with Jesus's miracles in the New Testament. 
 
While many might consider it best reserved to the middle spot, it could lead to nickname Leo — and was given to more than 30 babies in a recent year.

Galileo

An Italian spin on the current European darling Leon, though the final e makes it a tad feminine to the American sensibility.

Leone

One of several Latin names starting with E that would work and play well with others in any family. 

Enrico

Fabrizio

Derived from the German Irmhild, Imelda is a warm and pretty name with a battle-worthy feel and meaning. A saintly choice, borne by Imelda Lambertini, a 14th-century Italian Catholic said to have died of joy following her First Communion, the name may have caught on as an alternative to Matilda, Imogen, Isabella, and Esmeralda, if not for its infamous association with Imelda Marcos, the wife of Philippine dictator, Ferdinand Marcos.
 
Out of style in the US since the 70s, is it time to reconsider this name? A way to nicknames Immy, Mel, Idgie, Ella, and Mela, more positive associations include actress Imelda Staunton and singer Imelda May.

Imelda

As parents go searching for alternatives to the unstoppable Mateo/Matteo duo, Mattia stands out as a worthy option. Same handsome, alluring feel, for a fraction of the popularity. Buy now!

Mattia

LiAngelo entered the lexicon thanks to basketball player LiAngelo Ball, the middle son in the Ball basketball family. Prior to this association, the name was extremely rare. It can be thought of as a combination of Li, technically a Chinese name meaning lotus or connection, and classic Italian name Angelo, meaning angel. A handful of baby boys were named LiAngelo in the US last year.

Liangelo

Filomena

Maddalena is the Italian form of Magdalene, a name with biblical significance referring to Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus's most devoted followers. The name derives from Magdala, a village on the Sea of Galilee, with the place name meaning "tower" in Aramaic. Maddalena has been consistently popular in Italy through the centuries, appearing in art, literature, and music, including Prokoviev's opera "Maddalena." The name carries a lyrical, romantic quality with its flowing syllables and musical Italian pronunciation. While less common in English-speaking countries, it appeals to parents seeking a name with religious significance, European flair, and feminine elegance. The nickname Madda or Lena offers versatility for a child bearing this classical name.

Maddalena

Cielo

A more romantic form of old school Clement, which ranks in the Top 100 boy names in Chile. Clemente, like Clement, derives from the Late Latin name Clemens, the name of 14 popes and several saints.

Clemente

The name of the great Italian Renaissance sculptor known as Donatello (but born DONATO), is one that could easily emigrate to modern America, just like sister DONATELLA.

Donatello

A much more dynamic nickname than Nicky for any of the Nic-names. Part of a growing trend of boyish nicknames for girls - alongside Stevie and Lou - Nico has cheerful, snappy sounds, and a fresh, sassy image.
 
Nico was used for 37 baby girls in the US last year, and twin sister Niko for another 17 -- though that's still far fewer than the 2700 baby boys who were given one of those two names.
 
The single-named German Nico (born Christa) was the iconic 1960s singer with Andy Warhol's Velvet Underground. Nico was chosen by Thandiwe Newton for her daughter.

Nico

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

Caterina

A pretty smoosh name predominantly used by Italian Catholics.

 The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).

Annamaria

Onetime superstar name (Number 4 in the seventies) that's now in steep decline. Today's feminine is more likely to be some form of Michaela...or Makayla. 

Michele

The name of a 5th century saint and hermit of Sicily, Calogero is perhaps more famously associated with the Italian-French singer Calogero Maurici, known mononymously by his distinctive first name. Meaning "beautiful elder", it is derived from Greek, via the Roman Calogerus and, it may appeal to those who want to honor an important older person in their lives.
 
The central protagonist of the 60s movie, A Bronx Tale, it featured in the French charts in the 50s and 60s peaking at #242, while in Italy, it last appeared in the Top 200 in 2009.

Calogero

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 11)

Italian Names for Girls and Boys