Italian Names

Maso

Nearly every name takes on a more sensual, worldly quality in its Italian version.

Tomasso

Giuditta

Gianetta is a feminine name of Italian origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Gianna, which itself derives from the Italian version of Jane or Joan (ultimately from Hebrew, meaning 'God is gracious'). This charming, melodic name carries the warmth and expressiveness characteristic of Italian nomenclature, with the '-etta' suffix adding an affectionate, delicate quality. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Gianetta offers an elegant alternative for parents attracted to Italian culture or seeking a distinctive yet recognizable name. The name conveys sophistication with its flowing syllables while maintaining accessibility. In Italy and among Italian-American families, Gianetta might be used as both a formal name and an endearing nickname, embodying both refinement and warmth.

Gianetta

Giordana

Another name for the Mona Lisa, who was married to a Florentine businessman surnamed Giocondo; others say the title referred to her mysterious smile. 

Gioconda

The last name of the twentieth-century Italian painter of quietly expressive still lifes presents an artistic possibility. Can absolutely work for girls too.

Morandi

Rhythmic form of popular name, chosen by actor Stanley Tucci for his son. 

Nicolò

Flora and operatic in style, Giacinta comes from the Greek Hyacinthus, itself derived from the name of the purple hyacinth flower. The Italian relative of Spanish Jacinta, Giacinta is also the name of a saint, noted for her devotion to taking care of the sick and the poor, along with the elderly and prisoners too. 
 
The 19th century operatic soprano and musical salon owner Giacinta Toso is one notable bearer, while another (fictional) Giacinta appears in the James Bond movie, Die Another Day, played by Halle Berry, and better known as Jinx. The name of one of Rochester's mistresses in Charlotte Brontë's novel Jane Eyre, a more contemporary bearer is Princess Giacinta Ruspoli of Cerveteri, Italy.

Giacinta

Attractive Latinate choice, a lively possibility for the child of a journalist. 

Nuncio

Orfeo

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

Orsino

Otello is a masculine Italian name best known as the Italian form of Shakespeare's character Othello. The name gained prominence through Giuseppe Verdi's opera 'Otello,' based on Shakespeare's tragedy. While Shakespeare's character has Moorish origins, the name itself doesn't have clear etymological roots beyond its literary creation. In Italian-speaking regions, Otello has been used as a given name since the popularity of Verdi's opera in the late 19th century. The name carries dramatic and artistic associations, evoking themes of passion, jealousy, and tragic nobility from both Shakespeare's play and Verdi's operatic adaptation. Though never extremely common, Otello appeals to parents with literary or operatic interests and those seeking a distinctively Italian name with cultural depth and artistic resonance.

Otello

Ottone is a masculine name with Italian origins, serving as the Italian form of Otto or Otho. It derives from Germanic roots, meaning 'wealth' or 'prosperity.' Historically significant, Ottone was the name of several Holy Roman Emperors and Italian nobles during the medieval period. The name carries an aristocratic European flair with its melodious Italian pronunciation. Despite its historical prominence, Ottone remains uncommon in contemporary usage, even in Italy. Outside of Italian-speaking regions, it offers a distinctive alternative to more common names like Otto. The name combines classical dignity with melodic Italian phonetics, creating a sophisticated impression while maintaining accessibility.

Ottone

Giralda is an uncommon feminine name with Spanish origins, likely derived from the famous bell tower in Seville, Spain called La Giralda. The tower's name comes from the Spanish word 'girar' meaning 'to rotate,' referencing the weathervane at its top. As a personal name, Giralda carries connotations of elegance, cultural richness, and architectural beauty. It has historic associations with Spanish heritage and may appeal to parents with connections to Spain or those seeking a distinctive name with a romantic, European flavor. Despite its melodic quality and interesting background, Giralda remains quite rare as a given name in most countries, making it a truly unique choice that combines historical significance with a feminine, musical sound.

Giralda

Patrizio is the Italian form of Patrick, derived from the Latin name Patricius, meaning 'nobleman' or 'of patrician rank.' This masculine name has deep historical roots in ancient Rome, where patricians represented the elite ruling class. It gained widespread usage after Saint Patrick, the 5th-century missionary who became the patron saint of Ireland. In Italy, Patrizio remains moderately popular, embodying a sense of dignified heritage and cultural pride. The name carries a sophisticated European flair while maintaining its connection to the more widely recognized Patrick. Men named Patrizio often appreciate their name's distinguished quality and historical significance.

Patrizio

One of the newer geographical site names, it has the advantage of sounding like a real girl's name because of its jen beginning and feminine a ending. 

Genoa

Pellegrino

Pierluigi

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

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 24)

Italian Names for Girls and Boys