615+ Italian Names for Girls and Boys

Cool bearlike option, though Orson might be easier to embrace.

Orson is being rediscovered and Orsino is every bit as attractive.

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.

Felix is rising in the chart for boys, and its feminine variations are sure to follow. The best knows these days, thanks to the TV character, is Felicity, but there's also Felicia and Felice. Like Lucia, Felice is a name with different pronunciations depending on where it's used. The Italians pronounce it fa-LEECH-ay, but the Americanized version is feh-LEESE.

Jaquetta is a feminine name with medieval French origins, serving as a diminutive form of Jacques (the French equivalent of James). The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Jacob, meaning 'supplanter.' Jaquetta emerged in medieval Europe, particularly in aristocratic families, with notable bearers including Jacquetta of Luxembourg, mother of Elizabeth Woodville (queen consort to Edward IV of England). The name features various spelling variations including Jacquetta and Jaketta. While never extremely common, Jaquetta experienced modest usage in the United States during the mid-to-late 20th century. The name carries an air of nobility and historical elegance, offering a distinctive alternative to more common feminine forms of James such as Jamie or Jamesina.

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

Timeo is a Top 100 name in France but is virtually unknown in the English-speaking world. Appearing briefly in the New Testament and related to Timon, a Shakespearean name, Timeo is a valid possibility for parents looking for an unusual name with cross-cultural cred.

This evocative term for a stone or shell carved in relief could make a striking first name for a girl, though she would have a starring role in her story, rather than a cameo.

Alvino is a masculine name with Italian and Spanish roots, derived from the Latin 'albus' meaning 'white' or 'bright.' It's a variation of Alvin, with the Italian/Spanish suffix giving it a more melodic quality. Alvino carries connotations of clarity, purity, and brightness. While relatively uncommon in the United States, the name has maintained steady usage in Hispanic and Italian communities. Historically, the name gained some recognition through Alvino Rey, a pioneer of electric guitar and big band music in the 20th century. Alvino offers parents a distinctive yet accessible option with a pleasant sound and positive meaning, blending classic origins with a slightly exotic feel for English speakers.

Names ending with O are popular, but this one is almost unheard-of. Faro has the advantages of being easy to spell and pronounce (unless it's confused with Pharaoh), and a bright meaning. Ultimately it comes from Pharos, the island where the great Lighthouse of Alexandria was built, and there's a district and city in Portugal called Faro. Be aware: it's also the name of a gambling card game, highly popular in the nineteenth century before poker took over.

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.

Isabetta is a charming spin on both the Elizabeth and Isabella families and a new way to go if you love the originals but want something more, well, original. Isabetta Rose is the name chosen by Amber and Rob Mariano for their daughter. If you're searching for Italian names for girls that make an easy transition to the English-speaking world, this should be high on your list.

The rare name Genoveva might be thought of as a variation of the French names Genevieve or Geneva, which have different roots and meanings. An unusual, pretty choice.

Quirky Italian baby name that works for any gender.

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.

Naples-born Enrico Caruso was one of the greatest opera singers of all time. Recordings of his powerful singing voice are still in circulation today, nearly 100 years after his death.

This Latinized form of a name that's well used in Italy and Spain is sometimes heard, oddly enough, in Ireland.

Though Beatrice has the lovely Italian pronunciation bay-uh-TREE-chay, Bice has the problematic BEE-chay -- a bit too close to a word that would cause playground probs in the US. Italian cross-country skier Bice Vanzetta won two bronze medals at the Winter Olympics of 1992 and 2994.

Giordano is an Italian masculine name derived from the Latin name Jordanus, meaning 'flowing down' or 'descending,' referring to the Jordan River. It gained prominence in Italy during the Renaissance period, with notable bearers including the philosopher Giordano Bruno. The name combines historical gravitas with melodic Italian charm. While consistently used in Italy throughout the centuries, it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it an air of distinction and uniqueness. Giordano has maintained steady popularity in Italy, where it's appreciated for its strong sound and cultural heritage.