Italian Names

Actor Sylvester Stallone's iconic surname is beginning to catch the attention of parents having sons, likely owing to the rising in last-names-as-first-names, and because of its cool, stately feel yet cowboy edge. It comes from the Italian word for "stallion", and likely emerged as either an occupational name for someone who bred horses or as a nickname for someone who resembled a stallion. 
 
While it is connected to the iconic acting family, footballer Stallone Limbombe bears it as a given name, while content creator Summer Wilson Fox used it for her son in 2025.

Stallone

Vicenzo is a masculine name derived from the Italian name Vincenzo, which comes from the Latin Vincentius, meaning 'conquering' or 'victorious.' This subtle spelling variation maintains the romantic Italian flair while offering a slightly distinctive alternative. The name carries a rich cultural heritage associated with Italy and has been borne by various notable figures throughout history, including artists and saints. Vicenzo conveys a sense of strength and achievement while maintaining a melodic, approachable quality. Popular in Italian communities worldwide, the name has a timeless appeal that balances traditional roots with contemporary sound. The multicultural nature of Vicenzo makes it attractive to parents seeking a name with European sophistication and meaningful origins.

Vicenzo

Anselmo

A spiritual choice within Christian tradition, Epifanio is associated with the visit of Magi to the infant Christ. Sometimes known as Three Kings' Day in Western Christianity, in Eastern Christian tradition, it is a bigger occasion, that also commemorates the the baptism of Jesus and the first miracle performed by Jesus in Cana.
 
From a more general perspective, Epifanio may be linked to a manifestation of any divine or supernatural being, while in a secular way, it is a moment of sudden revelation and realization, making it a powerful choice whichever way you look at it.
 
Derived from the Greek epiphaneia via the names Epihanes and Epiphanios, it was used most notably in the early 20th century in Spain, and occasionally in the US too.

Epifanio

Gerome is a variant spelling of Jerome, a name with ancient Greek origins derived from 'Hieronymos,' meaning 'sacred name.' This masculine name carries historical significance through Saint Jerome, the 4th-century scholar who translated the Bible into Latin. While less common than Jerome, Gerome maintains the same sophisticated and classical feel. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century but has become increasingly rare in recent decades. Gerome carries an intellectual, scholarly reputation while its distinctive spelling gives it a touch of uniqueness for parents seeking a traditional name with a slight twist.

Gerome

One case where the English version -- Josephine -- is far preferable. 

Giuseppina

Madalene is a variant spelling of Magdalene, which derives from Magdala, the name of a village on the Sea of Galilee mentioned in the Bible. The name is most famously associated with Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus in the New Testament. Madalene has a soft, melodious quality with its flowing syllables and gentle ending. This spelling variation offers a slightly unique twist on the more common Madeline or Magdalene. While never reaching tremendous popularity in English-speaking countries, Madalene has maintained a consistent, if modest, presence throughout the years. The name carries connotations of devotion, faithfulness, and quiet strength, inspired by its biblical connections. Madalene offers vintage appeal with its traditional roots yet feels distinctive in modern times.

Madalene

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.
 One of J.K. Rowling's imaginative Harry Potter name creations, it was attached to Magenta Comstock, an experimental artist whose portrait eyes would follow the viewer around and out of the room. There are also characters named Magenta in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and on the Nickelodeon show Blue's Clues, for an artistic puppy who loves to draw.
 Magenta is a deep purplish-red color, somewhat similar to Fuchsia--an equally original option.

Magenta

Turning Paul or Paol -- whether it's as Paolo, Paolina, or even Paola -- instantly makes it more romantic and appealing.  

Paolina

An old Roman family name that could easily be mispronounced to make it supersevere. 

Severo

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.

Genoveva

Ghita is a feminine name with origins in several cultures. In Arabic, it means 'precious' or 'valuable,' while in Romanian it's a diminutive of Margherita (Margaret), meaning 'pearl.' The name also appears in Moroccan culture. Ghita has a melodic quality with its soft 'gh' sound followed by the crisp 't'. While not widely popular in English-speaking countries, it maintains steady usage in North Africa, parts of the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Its distinctive sound and cross-cultural presence make it appealing to parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name with international flair.

Ghita

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. Increasingly, though, the name Caruso is associated not with the Italian tenor but with Rick Caruso, owner of a major chain of malls.

Caruso

The handsome Italian variant of Caesar, a name synonymous with Julius, leadership, emperors, and salad, Cesare offers a form with plenty of flair. A rising choice in Italy where it recently made the Top 50, it is pronounced with three syllables: CHEH-za-reh (or CHEH-za-ray among English speakers). 
 
The exact etymology of the name is debated, but theories include that it means "hairy" (or more favorably, "long haired") or "to cut". 
 
Notable historic bearers include Cesare Lombroso (considered the founder of modern criminology, though also a eugenicist) and Cesare Borgia (a cardinal, nobleman, and illegitimate son to Pope Alexander VI, also considered the inspiration behind Machiavelli's The Prince). 
 
More recently, it has been worn by footballer Cesare Casadei.

Cesare

Derived from the Greek elpis Elpidio is a hopeful name, associated with a 4th century saint said to have lived in a cave in Cappadocia for more than 20 years and whose relics are said to have said the village from siege. 
 
Familiar in Brazil, the Philipines, and Spain in the early 20th century, the name may also be spelled as Elpídio in Portuguese. Notable bearers included Sweetwater drummer, Elpidio Cobian, footballer Elpídio Pereira da Silva Filho, and former president of The Philippines, Elpidio Quirino.
 
Pronounced as elh-PEE-dyo in Italian and ehl-PEE-dhyo (dh as in the sound at the beginning of then) in Spanish, the sounds may be less appealing in English, but the stylish El- beginning and hopeful meaning gives it charm.

Elpidio

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

Laguna

Letizia is a pretty Latin variation of Letitia; it's one of those <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/505/italian-names-for-girls">Italian names for girls</a> that makes the more familiar version feel less prissy and more appealing. Letizia was the first name of Napoleon's mother.

Letizia

Lucrezia is an elegant Italian feminine name with ancient Roman roots. Derived from the Latin family name Lucretius, it's associated with wealth and prosperity. The name gained prominence during the Renaissance, notably through Lucrezia Borgia, daughter of Pope Alexander VI. Despite controversial historical associations, the name embodies grace and nobility. Lucrezia has maintained steady popularity in Italy and is gaining appreciation internationally for its melodious sound and strong character. With nickname options like Luca or Zia, it offers versatility while maintaining its sophisticated essence. The name carries a timeless quality, blending classical heritage with contemporary appeal.

Lucrezia

Ottavio

With its stylish -o ending and similarity to the likes of Remy, Rio, and Leo, this Italian name could make an appealing and distinctive choice. A variation of Remus, it is associated with Roman mythology, Remus being one of the founders of the city of Rome, alongside his twin brother Romulus — who later killed him. While the exact meaning of the name is unknown, "twin" has been suggested.
 
Familiar in Switzerland, Remo might work for those who enjoy gentler names, and by those who love mythology but want something more subtle — and less Harry Potter connected too.

Remo

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 16)

Italian Names for Girls and Boys