615+ Italian Names for Girls and Boys

Derived from Italian bello "beautiful" and vedere "view", Belvedere is a dramatic name that was used for a cartoon hound dog in George Webster Crenshaw's comic strip by the same name, which ran from 1962 to 1995.

A creative choice, suggesting the Venetian Renaissance painter (born Tiziano), and the brownish orange red hue that was featured on his palette. But try explaining to the boys in seventh grade that it's pronounced tee-shun.

Yet another winning international form of Peter.

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.

A Beretta is a gun, so named because of the Italian firearms manufacturer that makes it. And now Beretta is also a badass baby name, used in the middle for daughter Breeze by Bristol Palin baby daddy Levi Johnston. What a Tripp.

Cesare is the Italian form of Caesar, a name with ancient Roman origins. The name derives from Latin, possibly meaning "hairy" or, more likely, from the verb "caedere" meaning "to cut," referring to birth by caesarean section. Julius Caesar is the most famous historical bearer, whose name became synonymous with leadership and imperial power, eventually becoming a title for Roman emperors. Cesare has been used in Italy for centuries, with notable bearers including Renaissance figure Cesare Borgia and artist Cesare Maccari. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it maintains steady usage in Italy. The name carries connotations of strength, authority, and classical sophistication, pronounced cheh-ZAH-ray in Italian, giving it a melodious, romantic quality.

Stalwart Italian classic, completely at home in this country.

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.

As commonly heard in Rome, Italy, as Steve is in Rome, New York. With the accent on the first syllable, Stefano has a lot of charm.

Stylish and dramatic, a la Donatella Versace.

Agata is an Agatha form widely used throughout Europe. And the hard t may be more appealing to your ear than the th sound.

No-no appelation of a child saint and martyr whose name is a term for the nervous condition known as Saint Vitus' Dance. Its one recommending feature is that it's among the elite group Boy names that mean life.

Elegant and worldly.

The Spanish and Italian variation of the sophisticated French Delphine is also the word for "dolphin". A popular choice in Uruguay and Argentina, the name is rarely used in the US.

Laguna Beach is a famous California spot -- though there's "goonie" teasing potential.

Letizia is a pretty Latin variation of Letitia; it's one of those Italian names for girls that makes the more familiar version feel less prissy and more appealing. Letizia was the first name of Napoleon's mother.

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.

Magenta is a vivid Crayola color name, that could make a vivid, colorful choice. It was named in 1859 after the Napoleonic Battle of Magenta, a town in Northern Italy.

Alfredo, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese variation of Alfred, is most familiar as the romantic lead in Verdi's evergreen opera La Traviata. On a less romantic note, Alfredo is also the name of a pasta sauce.

Spirited Italian form of Octavius