615+ Italian Names for Girls and Boys
- Claretta
Description:
Claretta is a feminine name with Italian roots, functioning as a diminutive form of Clara or Claire. Derived from the Latin 'clarus,' meaning 'bright,' 'clear,' or 'famous,' Claretta carries the essence of light and distinction. This charming variation adds a touch of delicate elegance to the more common Clara. While never achieving widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, Claretta has maintained a steady presence in Italy and among Italian-American families. The name reached its peak recognition in the mid-20th century but remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a melodic Italian name with a clear, bright meaning. Claretta balances uniqueness with classic origins.
- Esidoro
Description:
Esidoro is a masculine name that represents a variant spelling of Isidoro, the Italian and Spanish form of Isidore. The name derives from the Greek 'Isidoros,' combining 'Isis' (the Egyptian goddess) and 'doron' meaning 'gift,' thus translating to 'gift of Isis.' Saint Isidore of Seville, a renowned 7th-century scholar, has contributed to the name's historical significance. Esidoro is considerably rare, offering a distinctive alternative to the more common spelling. The name carries a melodic quality with its alternating consonants and vowels, creating a rhythmic flow. Its classical roots give it gravitas while maintaining accessibility in pronunciation.
- Herberto
Description:
Herberto is a masculine name representing the Spanish and Portuguese form of Herbert, which derives from Germanic elements 'hari' meaning 'army' and 'beraht' meaning 'bright.' This multicultural variant carries the strength of its Germanic origins while offering a melodic Mediterranean quality through its ending. Most popular in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, Herberto has never achieved widespread use in English-speaking regions, maintaining its exotic appeal. The name experienced modest popularity in the early to mid-20th century in Latin American countries but has become less common in recent decades. Herberto conveys a distinguished, somewhat formal character while offering the friendly nickname options of Herbie or Berto. The name's international quality makes it an interesting choice for parents seeking a name with cross-cultural appeal and historical depth.
- Ricciardo
Description:
Ricciardo is a masculine Italian name derived from Germanic elements meaning "powerful" and "brave" or "hardy." It's the Italian form of Richard, which came to Italy during medieval times. The name carries a musical quality with its rolling Italian pronunciation, making it particularly melodious. Ricciardo gained cultural recognition through Rossini's opera character Ricciardo in "Ricciardo e Zoraide" and through references in Dante's works. In modern times, Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo has brought some international recognition to the surname version. While common in Italy historically, the name is less frequently used for newborns today. Outside Italy, Ricciardo remains rare, offering Italian heritage families an authentic option with historical depth. The name projects strength and masculinity while maintaining the lyrical quality characteristic of Italian names.
- Tristano
Description:
Tristano is the Italian form of Tristan, a name with Celtic origins meaning 'tumult' or 'outcry.' Steeped in romantic tradition, Tristano evokes the legendary tale of Tristan and Isolde, bringing associations of passionate love and tragic romance. This melodic name has a sophisticated European flair that appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet historical. While more common in Italy and other Mediterranean countries, Tristano remains relatively rare in English-speaking regions. The name's musical quality and romantic literary connections make it appealing for parents drawn to names with artistic and cultural depth.
- Gaetana
Origin:
Italian place-nameDescription:
Gaeta is a southern Italian region; this makes a sunny first name.
- Placido
Origin:
Italian and SpanishMeaning:
"serene"Description:
Placido was commonly used by early Christians to convey their serenity in the faith, and it was borne by several minor saints.
- Tosca
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"from Tuscany"Description:
Tosca is one operatic heroine that has never taken off as a baby name -- there were no babies named Tosca in the US last year -- but it's the name of entrepreneur Elon Musk's sister so may benefit from some referred publicity.
- Pepe
Origin:
Spanish variation of JosÉDescription:
Le Pew. We don't think so, although it's a megacommon nickname name in Latino countries.
- Geremia
Origin:
Italian variation of Jeremiah, HebrewMeaning:
"appointed by God"Description:
Italian form of Jeremiah, commonly used among Medieval Italian Jews.
- Cameo
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
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.
- Pietra
Description:
Pietra is a feminine name of Italian origin, meaning "rock" or "stone." It's the female form of Pietro (the Italian version of Peter), which ultimately derives from the Greek "petros" meaning "stone." In Portuguese-speaking countries, the name is also used with the same stone-related meaning. Pietra combines strength and elegance with its flowing two-syllable structure and graceful ending. The name has gained moderate popularity in Italy and Brazil, though it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. Pietra appeals to parents drawn to Italian names with clear meanings and cultural connections, offering a sophisticated European alternative to more common names like Petra or Piper.
- Titian
Origin:
Italian artist name, also colorDescription:
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.
- Beronia
Description:
Beronia is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be related to the ancient Iberian tribe called the Berones who lived in what is now northern Spain, giving the name historical and geographical significance. Alternatively, it could be connected to the Latin name Veronius or the Greek name Beronice (a form of Berenice, meaning "bringing victory"). Beronia has a romantic, classical sound reminiscent of names from antiquity. The name remains quite rare in modern usage, making it an uncommon choice that carries an air of distinction and uniqueness. Its flowing syllables and feminine ending give it an elegant quality that evokes images of classical beauty and perhaps a connection to Mediterranean heritage.
- Ferrando
Description:
Ferrando is a masculine name of Spanish and Italian origin, representing a variant of Ferdinand, which derives from Germanic elements meaning 'journey' and 'brave.' This name carries the weight of European royal history, as Ferdinand was the name of several Spanish and Holy Roman Empire monarchs. Ferrando offers a melodious, romantic alternative to the more formal Ferdinand, with its flowing rhythm and open ending. Uncommon in the United States, it maintains popularity in Spanish and Italian-speaking regions. The name conveys strength, nobility, and a cosmopolitan sensibility, appealing to parents seeking names with historical depth and international flair. Its distinctive sound makes it memorable without being difficult to pronounce.
- Bautiste
Description:
Bautiste is a masculine name derived from the Latin 'baptista,' meaning 'baptist' or 'one who baptizes.' It's a variant of Baptiste, which is particularly associated with French and Spanish language traditions. The name carries strong religious connotations, referencing John the Baptist from Christian tradition. Bautiste has a sophisticated European flair with its distinctive spelling and pronunciation. While Baptiste is more common, the Bautiste variant remains relatively rare, offering a slightly more unusual option while maintaining recognizable roots. The name has a dignified quality and cultural depth that might appeal to parents seeking a name with religious significance and international character, though it may require occasional spelling clarification in English-speaking contexts.
- Heriberto
Description:
Heriberto is a Spanish and Portuguese masculine name derived from the Germanic name Herbert, composed of the elements 'heri' meaning 'army' and 'beraht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous.' The name traveled to Spanish-speaking countries during medieval times and has remained in use particularly in Latin America and Spain. Heriberto carries connotations of strength and nobility, offering a distinctive Latin alternative to the more common Herbert. The name has moderate popularity in Hispanic communities but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. Names with similar roots include Roberto and Alberto, though Heriberto maintains its own unique cultural identity and melodic quality.
- Araldo
Description:
Araldo is a masculine Italian name with Germanic roots, derived from 'hari' meaning 'army' and 'wald' meaning 'ruler' or 'power.' Essentially sharing etymology with Harold, Araldo represents the Italian adaptation of this ancient name. Historically, an 'araldo' in Italian refers to a herald or messenger, particularly in medieval contexts. While never among the most common Italian names, Araldo has maintained consistent usage throughout Italy, particularly in northern regions. The name carries a noble, somewhat antique quality that evokes images of Renaissance courts and classical Italian culture. Outside Italy, Araldo remains quite rare, offering distinctive heritage connections for Italian diaspora families. Its strong vowel sounds and rolling 'r' give it a melodic, distinctly Italian character.
- Luciella
Description:
Luciella is a feminine name that serves as an elegant elaboration of Lucia, ultimately derived from the Latin 'lux' meaning 'light.' This delicate name combines the luminous quality of its root with feminine suffixes, creating a name that sounds both classic and uncommon. Popular primarily in Italian-speaking regions and among families with Italian heritage, Luciella offers the cute nicknames Lucy or Ella while maintaining a more distinctive formal option. The name evokes images of radiance and brightness while carrying the graceful, flowing quality characteristic of Italian feminine names. Though relatively rare in English-speaking countries, Luciella represents a beautiful alternative to more common light-themed names like Lucy, Lucia, or Lucille.
- Amato
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"loved"Description:
Saint's name that emanates amore.
