Italian Names

A short and sweet diminutive that has the fashionable -i ending.

Carmi

Coralia was the name of a dancing mermaid in a 19th century ballet.  As Cora — which has another root and means maiden — rises, so may elaborations and related names such as Coralie, Coraline, and Coralia.

Coralia

Fashionably Continental and much fresher than Dominique, though it's been used since the Middle Ages. Dominica can be spelled any number of ways, from Dominika to Domenica, but we prefer this version.
 Dominica is also a Caribbean Island, making this a place name as well as a classic girl name.
 Hipper cousin Domino was a Bond Girl, a character played by Keira Knightley, and the name chosen for her daughter by British designer India Hicks. Dominy is an interesting unisex spin.

Dominica

This Italian surname makes an unlikely choice, but it has seen some use owing to its status as a saint's name. It was borne by Maria Teresa Goretti, who is remembered for forgiving her murderer on her deathbed. She died in 1902 at the age of eleven after she was stabbed for refusing a man's advances.
 
The name itself derives from the Italian form of Gregory, Gregorio, and could therefore share its Greek meaning of "watchful, alert, vigilant". 
 
Appearing in the US charts for girls since 2003, following the release of the movie, Maria Goretti, it has been given to at least 37 girls since then. It has also been used in Rwanda, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Uganda, and Ireland.
 
In 2026, it was also used as the name of a January storm, this time named by the French forecaster, Meteo France.

Goretti

Like many a popular name, Ornella is a theatrical creation. Italian playwright Gabriele d'Annunzio created this name for his dramatic heroine in the 1904 play La Figlia di Iorio. Ornella is a feminization of the orno or ornello, which is the Italian word for the Fraxinus Ornus, a type of tree which produces such sweet sap that it was compared to biblical manna. 


Ornella

Softer and more romantic than Octavia, this is a name once used when it wasn't uncommon for families to have eight children. A possible substitute for the epidemically popular Olivia.

Ottavia

Italianate variation of Cosette, from Victor Hugo's Les Misérables.

Cosetta

This version softens, feminizes, and glamorizes the long-time favorite. A fresh way to honor Grandma Betty. Elizabetta is a variation.


Elisabetta

Fiammetta, from the Italian word for flame, has both femininity and fire. Fiammetta could make a good alternative to more conventional Italian girls' names like Giovanna. 
 Fiammetta has some romantic, if not fiery, references. It was the pseudonym of Boccaccio's beloved in the Decameron and other works (the subject of a famous Pre-Raphaelite painting by Dante Gabriel Rossetti); and another Fiammetta was a famous courtesan and lover of Cesar Borgia. Currently there is an Italian model named Fiammetta Cicogna.

Fiammetta

Bold and elegant, Fiorenza is an Italian form of Florence, which was used as the name of the Tuscan city in the Middle Ages. Appearing in the title of a 1907 play but Thomas Mann, it has been notably borne by marine ecologist, Fiorenza Micheli, mezzo-soprano singer Fiorenza Cossotto, actress Fiorenza Pieri, and TV personality and music artist Fiorenza Cocozza. A nickname possibility is the sparky Fio. 

Fiorenza

From Hebrew, Oria is a variation of Oriya, created by combining Ori meaning "light" with yah indicating God. From Italian, it is a variation of the Latin Aurea, a golden Saint name, once popular in Spain.

Oria

Genoviva is a feminine name that appears to be a variant or elaboration of Genoveva, which itself derives from the Germanic name Genovefa (most famously borne by Saint Genoveva, the patroness of Paris). The name's elements likely stem from Germanic roots meaning "woman of the race" or "woman of the tribe." Genoviva has a romantic, elaborate quality with its flowing syllables and classical feeling. The name carries cultural connections to various European traditions, particularly Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian naming patterns. While uncommon in most English-speaking countries, it has an exotic, melodic appeal that might attract parents seeking a distinctive name with historical resonance. The additional syllable distinguishes it from the more common Genoveva, giving it a unique rhythmic quality.

Genoviva

A romantic, flowy form of Genevieve with extra flair and the cute nickname Effie to boot.

Genoveffa

A cool and breezy nature name with a stylish sound, used by Volkswagen for one of its cars.

Scirocco

Beautiful Italian island, but as a baby name too redolent of sardines. 

Sardinia

Genevra is a feminine name with roots in the Latin name Juniperus, meaning "juniper tree." It's a variation of Geneva and Ginevra, sharing etymology with the name Jennifer. This elegant name combines classic heritage with a distinctive flair. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Genevra maintains an air of sophistication and timeless appeal. The name carries connections to Lake Geneva in Switzerland and has literary associations through various historical texts. Its rarity makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with traditional roots but without being overly popular. Genevra offers the friendly nickname options of Gen, Nevra, or Evie.

Genevra

Rarely heard outside Italy, could make an interesting import. 

Sancia

Roseta is a feminine name with Latin and Romance language origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Rosa (meaning "rose"). This charming variation carries the same floral associations as its root name, symbolizing beauty, love, and femininity. Roseta has been used in Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese-speaking communities, though it remains less common than the standard Rosa or Rosita. The name has a warm, vintage quality that evokes images of Mediterranean sunshine and old-world charm. While never achieving widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, Roseta offers a distinctive alternative to more familiar Rose variations while maintaining the beloved floral connection and gentle, feminine sound.

Roseta

Gelsomina

Rosemund is a feminine name of Germanic origin combining the elements 'hros' (horse) and 'mund' (protection), though modern associations connect it more with roses. The name evolved through Old English and Middle English forms, and is sometimes spelled Rosamund. Historically, it gained recognition in medieval England through figures like Fair Rosamund, the mistress of King Henry II. While never extremely common, Rosemund enjoyed modest popularity during the Victorian era when flower names were fashionable. Today, it represents a distinctive alternative to more common Rose-derived names, offering vintage charm with literary connections. The name balances refined elegance with subtle romance, appealing to parents seeking a traditional yet uncommon choice.

Rosemund

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 17)

Italian Names for Girls and Boys