Italian Names

Unusual <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/506/italian-names-for-boys">Italian name for boys</a> that relates both to the vividly stylish Viv names such as Vivienne and Viveca, and to the Italian musician Vivaldi.

Vivaldo

Editta is a feminine name with Italian origins, derived from the Germanic name 'Edita' meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune.' It's the Italian variant of Edith, which comes from the Old English elements 'ēad' (wealth, prosperity) and 'gȳð' (battle, conflict). This elegant name carries historical significance while maintaining a melodic quality with its double 't' and ending vowel, characteristic of Italian naming traditions. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Editta has maintained modest usage in Italy and among Italian-American families. The name evokes images of classic femininity with a touch of artistic flair, perhaps influenced by notable bearers like Italian-American photographer Editta Sherman, known as 'The Duchess of Carnegie Hall.'

Editta

Edetta is a feminine name of uncertain origin, possibly a diminutive or variation of Edith or Odette. This rare and distinctive name carries a vintage charm with its soft sounds and feminine ending. Edith, from which it may derive, has Germanic roots meaning "wealth, fortune, or war," while Odette has French origins meaning "wealthy." Edetta combines melodic qualities with an air of sophistication and uniqueness. Though uncommon in contemporary usage, it might appeal to parents seeking a distinctive alternative to more popular names with similar sounds. The name has a timeless quality that bridges traditional and modern naming sensibilities.

Edetta

William is a stylish classic right now, and while translating many classic names into Italian makes them instantly cooler and more attractive, this is one exception: Guglielmo presents pronunciation problems for the English speaker, suggesting the less-than-cool word "googley" followed by the even-less-cool-than-that Elmo.
 
While the actual pronunciation is Goo-LYEL-mo, in this case we advise that you stick with William.

Guglielmo

Everything sounds better with an Italian accent.  Elisabetta is the more common Italian form.

Elizabetta

A kindly, virtue-adjacent name, it appears in Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, borne by the peacemaker friend who persuades Romeo to go to the party where he meets Juliet. Alas. A bold choice but with familiar nicknames Ben, Lio, and Bo.

Benvolio

Dicembre is a feminine name derived from the Italian word for 'December,' the twelfth month of the year. This romantic language-inspired name brings to mind winter festivities, holiday celebrations, and the closing of the year. While month names like April, May, June, and August have been popular in English-speaking countries, Dicembre offers a more exotic alternative with its Italian flair. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its four syllables and soft ending. Though uncommon in most countries, Dicembre might appeal to parents with Italian heritage or those seeking a distinctive calendar-inspired name. It could be especially meaningful for a child born in December, creating a personal connection to their birth month with an elegant, international twist.

Dicembre

The usual form of Eleonara is Eleanora, with each syllable pronounced, but transposing, adding, or subtracting a vowel or syllable here or there works fine and adds to the international, feminine spin on a solid name.

Eleonara

An attractive enough name, but for die-hard Star Wars fans only.

Amidala

Both rhythmic and serene, Serenella is one of the <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/505/italian-names-for-girls">Italian names for girls</a> virtually unknown in the US but definitely usable. An unusual route to Ella as a short form?

Serenella

Simone as a masculine name originates from the Hebrew name Simon, meaning 'he who hears' or 'God has heard.' While Simone is primarily recognized as a feminine name in English-speaking countries, it maintains masculine usage in French and Italian cultures. As a male name, Simone has a sophisticated European flair, carrying associations with intellectualism and artistic sensibility. Notable bearers include Italian fashion designer Simone Porte Jacquemus and numerous Italian athletes and artists. The name's cross-cultural gender associations can create an interesting talking point for male bearers in English-speaking regions, where they might occasionally need to clarify its masculine usage in their cultural context.

Simone

Cinzia is a feminine Italian name derived from Cynthia, which ultimately comes from Greek mythology where it was an epithet of Artemis, the goddess of the moon, who was born on Mount Cynthus. This elegant name carries the cultural richness of Italian heritage while maintaining connections to ancient mythological roots. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Cinzia is more familiar in Italy and Italian communities worldwide. It offers a melodic, sophisticated alternative to the more common Cynthia, with its distinctive 'z' sound adding a unique flair. The name suggests refinement, creativity, and cultural sophistication.

Cinzia

Most often heard as an Italian surname, this might be an unusual yet musical option. While it's not among the traditional <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/505/italian-names-for-girls">Italian names for girls</a>, it can fill that role.

Campana

A rare and refined name, which could make for a surprising route to cute nickname Connie.

Constantia

Concettina is a feminine name of Italian origin, functioning as an affectionate diminutive of Concetta. The root name Concetta derives from the Italian word 'concetto' meaning 'concept' or 'idea,' and is associated with the Roman Catholic feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. The suffix '-ina' adds a sense of endearment and smallness to the original name. Concettina is primarily used in Italian families and communities, particularly those with southern Italian heritage such as Sicily and Naples. While less common in contemporary naming, it was more prevalent among Italian-American families in the early to mid-20th century. The name carries cultural connections to Italian heritage, Catholicism, and traditional naming patterns that honor religious concepts.

Concettina

Clarina is a feminine name with Latin origins, serving as an elaborate form of Clara, meaning 'clear, bright, or famous.' This melodic name combines the strength of its initial consonant blend with a delicate, flowing ending. Historically used in Italy and other Romance language regions, Clarina carries an air of classical elegance with its rhythmic four-syllable structure. While never reaching widespread popularity, the name has maintained consistent, if uncommon, usage throughout the centuries. Clarina offers the familiar nicknames Clara, Clare, or Rina. The name suggests qualities of clarity, brilliance, and luminosity from its Latin roots. For parents seeking a feminine name with historical depth that remains distinctive, Clarina provides a melodious option with cross-cultural appeal.

Clarina

Calvino is a masculine name of Italian origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Calvo or deriving from the Latin name Calvinus, meaning 'bald.' The name gained literary recognition through renowned Italian author Italo Calvino. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it enjoys more usage in Italy and some Spanish-speaking regions. Calvino combines classical roots with a melodious Italian flair, characterized by its flowing three-syllable structure and distinctive '-ino' ending. The name carries an intellectual, artistic association due to its literary connection, appealing to parents seeking a sophisticated name with European heritage and cultural depth.

Calvino

Gideone is a masculine name that represents an elaborate variation of Gideon, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'feller' or 'hewer.' In the Bible, Gideon was a military leader, judge, and prophet who led the Israelites against the Midianites. The added '-e' suffix gives Gideone a melodic quality and suggests Italian or Mediterranean influence. While much rarer than the traditional Gideon, Gideone offers families a way to honor the biblical heritage while providing a more distinctive sound. The name conveys strength and leadership qualities while maintaining a certain softness through its flowing pronunciation. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Gideone might appeal to parents seeking a name with religious significance but with a unique twist.

Gideone

Leonello is a masculine Italian name that serves as a diminutive form of Leone, meaning "lion." It has origins in ancient Roman culture, where lions symbolized strength and courage. The name carries a distinguished quality with its romantic Italian flair and historical connections. Leonello was particularly popular among noble families during the Italian Renaissance, with notable bearers including Leonello d'Este, a 15th-century Italian nobleman and arts patron. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries today, Leonello maintains modest usage in Italy and among families with Italian heritage who appreciate its classical roots and strong meaning.

Leonello

Nataniele is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, serving as a variant of Nathaniel, which means 'gift of God' or 'God has given.' This particular spelling shows Italian or Portuguese influence, adding a melodic quality with the final 'e' that softens the traditional form. While not widely used globally, it maintains popularity in parts of Latin America, Italy, and Portuguese-speaking regions. The name carries biblical significance as Nathaniel appears in the Gospel of John as one of Jesus's disciples, described as a man 'in whom there is no deceit.' Nataniele offers a distinctive international twist on the more common Nathaniel while preserving its spiritual meaning and heritage. Its four-syllable pronunciation gives it a rhythmic, flowing quality.

Nataniele

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 28)

Italian Names for Girls and Boys