Italian Names

Gavino is a masculine Italian name derived from the Latin name Gabinus, which was associated with the ancient city of Gabii near Rome. The name can also be linked to the Latin word 'gavia' meaning 'seagull'. Gavino is particularly popular in Sardinia, Italy, where Saint Gavino, a Roman martyr, is venerated. The name has remained relatively uncommon outside of Italian communities, giving it a distinctive character. In Spanish-speaking regions, especially in parts of Latin America, Gavino appears occasionally as a traditional name. Its pronunciation (gah-VEE-noh) with the stress on the second syllable gives it a melodious quality that many parents appreciate.

Gavino

This name of the patron saint of Naples would make an apt choice for a New Year's baby, or one with Neapolitan roots. 

Gennaro

The Italian and Sicilian name for the Island of Sicily, named for the ancient tribe, the Sicels. Sometimes used as an alternative form of Cecilia ("blind"), its connection to the place gives it a sunny, arty, and beachy feel.

Sicilia

Silvanus was the Roman god of the forests and is also an alternate name in the New Testament for Silas.  Relatives include Silvio, Silvius, and Sylvia.

Silvano

Tommaso is the handsome Italian version of the classic Thomas, still leading directly to short forms Tommy or Tom.

Tommaso

This sweet and underused name is a multicultural choice with a surprising number of meanings. It is used as a diminutive of Lívia and Lídia in Hungary (meaning "envy" and "from Lydia" respectively), as a variation of the Arabic Lila in Hindi (meaning "night"), and as a variant of Lillian, Lillia, and Lily in English, associating it with the flower.
 
It is also a word name in Italy, Sweden, and Denmark, where it means "lilac", "little" and "purple" respectively, adding to the sweet, floral appeal of it.

Lilla

This pretty, international feminization of Matthew was chosen by Mira Sorvino for her daughter, Mattea Angel. 

As the Spanish Mateo and the Italian Matteo become more popular for baby boys throughout Europe, the English-speaking world, and the Americas, Mattea is sure to get wider recognition. And as Theo and Thea have become fashionable names, Teo and Tea are rising too.

Mattea

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. 

Delfina

Rosario comes from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora del Rosario, or "Our Lady of the Rosary", Rosary referring to the vocal and mental prayers in Catholicism, that reflect on the life of Christ and his Mother. 
 
A popular masculine choice in Italy where it ranks in the Top 200, Rosario is a feminine name in Spanish speaking communities, and while the spelling remains the same, there is a slight difference in pronunciation. In the US, Rosario was given to around 30 boys in 2023, and to 70 girls.

Rosario

A name made famous by Marisas Berenson and Tomei, never became as saturated as its cousin Melissa, so still a feasible choice. Marisa is one of those Spanish and <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/505/italian-names-for-girls">Italian names for girls</a> that sounds at once unusual and familiar, which makes it truly an international choice.

 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).

Marisa

A  feminine form of Stephen, with a touch more flair than Stephanie. Popular in Romania, Poland, and Moldova, familiar in Italy, England and Wales, and Czechia, diminutives include the Greek Fani and the Polish Stefcia. 

Stefania

Verona is a scenic place-name with the added attraction of a Shakespearean connection, as in Two Gentlemen of....

Verona

This name of one of the most romantic cities in the world could easily find its way onto an American baby girl's birth certificate. 

Venice

Bruna

An elaborate diminutive of Carmela or Carmel, this name has elegance and sweetness. Derived from Hebrew, it is interpreted as meaning "garden" — or sometimes "garden of God" — and is related to the Marian title "Our Lady of Mount Carmel".  Ranking in the US Top 1000 until the 1970s, popular in France during the 1960s, and it Italy until the mid-2000s, it's an elegant name with brightness and star quality.

Carmelina

Andrea may be a gender neutral name in its native Italy and other European countries, but in the US it's 98 percent a girls' name, with only about 20 males to more than 1800 baby girl given that name in the most recent year counted.

Andrea

Screen legend Marlon's surname has loads more swagger than his first. A little Brando might have to endure references to his famous namesake, though his peers may just assume its linked to popular Brandon, with the stylish -o ending of Milo, Arlo, and Hugo.

Brando

Dramatic and worldly, Cosimo was chosen by singer Beck and his wife, Marissa Ribisi, for their son. Now that Cosima has emerged as a starbaby favorite, twin brother Cosimo could join her.
 Cosimo de Medici was the first of the Medici dynasty to wield power in Florence during much of the Italian Renaissance and was noted for his patronage of the arts. An inspirational name for creative parents.

Cosimo

Though often Anglicized as Phoebe, Phebe has separate roots. It originated as a variation of Afua, an Akan day name, and commonly used among enslaved people in America.

Phebe

Pasquale is a traditional Italian masculine name with rich historical and religious significance. Derived from the Latin 'paschalis' meaning 'relating to Easter,' it was historically given to boys born during the Easter season. The name has deep roots in Italian culture, particularly in southern Italy and Sicily, where it remains moderately common. In Italian-American communities, Pasquale has been a familiar presence since the waves of Italian immigration in the early 20th century, often affectionately shortened to 'Pat' or 'Patsy.' The name carries connotations of faith, tradition, and cultural heritage. While less common among newer generations, Pasquale offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with Mediterranean charm and historical depth. Its characteristic Italian ending gives it a melodic, warm quality when pronounced correctly.

Pasquale

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 12)

Italian Names for Girls and Boys