Italian Names

A city in Italy, or simply a feminized spelling of Barry.

Bari

A modern version of the dated Betty.  You might want to consider varying Elizabeth, too, to the Italian Elisabetta.

Betta

A newly minted compound name, blending popular Bella with the mystical Nyx, Bellanyx has the whimsical meaning of "magical night". An alternative (sound-wise) to Bellatrix or Beatrix perhaps, it would make a cool name for a character. 

Bellanyx

A poetic and arty diminutive of Bruno, Brunello appears in the Italian epic Orlando by Boiardo and Ariosto (written in the 15th and 16th centuries respectively). A way to nicknames Bru, Bo, Nello, and Bruno itself, it is also the name of the rather fancy wine, Brunello di Montalcino.

Brunello

A variation of the strong and rugged Brunhild (and Brynhildr), Brunilda might feel a little more streamline, a little more like Bruna and Matilda. It saw a small but substantial amount of use in the US in the middle of the 20th century, peaking in 1959 when 50 girls received the name.
 
Puerto Rican ballet dancer, teacher and choreographer was a notable bearer and may have helped make the name more familiar when she toured as a founding member of the Joffrey Ballet and Harkness Ballet companies.

Brunilda

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.

Beronia

Bernardetta is the feminine Italian and Polish form of Bernard, a name of Germanic origin combining "bern" (bear) and "hard" (brave, strong), thus meaning "brave as a bear" or "strong, hardy bear." This elaborate feminine version is most famously associated with Saint Bernadette Soubirous, the 19th-century French girl who reported visions of the Virgin Mary at Lourdes. While the shorter forms Bernadette or Bernarda are more common internationally, Bernardetta maintains popularity particularly in Italy and Poland. The name carries connotations of strength, resilience, and spiritual devotion, reflecting its powerful etymology and religious associations.

Bernardetta

Bellezza

Though Beatrice has the lovely Italian pronunciation bay-uh-TREE-chay, Bice has the problematic BEE-chay -- a bit too close to a word that would cause playground probs in the US.  Italian cross-country skier Bice Vanzetta won two bronze medals at the Winter Olympics of 1992 and 2994.

Bice

Barbarella is a feminine name that gained recognition primarily through the 1968 science fiction film of the same name featuring Jane Fonda. It's an elaboration of Barbara, which comes from Greek meaning 'foreign woman' or 'stranger.' The '-ella' suffix adds a diminutive, affectionate quality. Barbarella carries a distinctly retro, space-age vibe that evokes the 1960s era of futurism and innovative style. While uncommon as a given name, it possesses a playful, bold character that sets it apart. Those named Barbarella might appreciate the name's associations with a strong, adventurous female character and its unique pop culture legacy combining femininity with futuristic flair.

Barbarella

A playful name with an animal meaning, Catello derives from the Roman Catellus, ultimately from the Latin catulus. While it is typically translated to mean "puppy", it is sometimes used to refer to young animals in general too.
 
The name is predominantly used in its native Italy, notable bearers being Olympic rower Catello Amarante I, 8th century saint and bishop, Catello di Castellammare, and footballer Catello Cimmino.

Catello

More familiarly spelled as Katia, this C spelling offers a gentler looking option that may be more intuitive if the given name is spelled as Caterina. Sometimes written as Cátia in Portuguese, this name is a familiar choice in Brazil. 

Catia

Lilting and handsome, Celino can be used as a short form of Marcelino, or as the Spanish and Italian variant of the Ancient Roman name Caelinus. A rare choice that saw moderate use in Brazil in the 1940s and 50s, it is much less popular than its feminine counterpart, Celina, or its longer form Marcelino. 
 
If considered a variation of Caelinus, the name can mean "heavens" or "heavenly". As a short form of Marcelino, it is connected to Mars, the Roman god of war, giving it the more figurative meaning "little warrior".
 
The pronunciation of the name varies, depending on language and location. In Italian, it would be heard as cheh-LEE-no, while in European Spanish, it's theh-LEE-no. In Latin American, however, seh-LEE-no is most common, and likely how English speakers would say it too.

Celino

A playful yet elegant form of Cesare (CHEH-za-reh), a rising choice in Italy and a variation of the Latin Caesar. 

Cesarino

Notably borne by musician Chieli Minucci, Chieli is a rare Italian name, taken from the word cielo, making it a celestial choice.

Chieli

A short and jaunty nickname form of elegant Anacleto, this name ultimately derives from Ancient Greek, from which it means "invoked". It may appeal to those who like Clay, Leo, Leto, Lando, and Cato.

Cleto

Batista as a feminine name is uncommon, as it's more frequently encountered as a masculine name or surname throughout Portuguese and Spanish-speaking regions. Derived from the Latin "baptista," meaning "baptist" or "one who baptizes," it has strong religious connotations connected to John the Baptist in Christian tradition. As a feminine given name, Batista remains extraordinarily rare, though it might be used in some traditional Catholic families. The name carries a strong, authoritative sound with its crisp consonants. While unusual as a first name for girls, it may appeal to parents seeking a name with religious significance or honoring family heritage. The pronunciation is typically bah-TEES-tah in its original language contexts.

Batista

A romantic rarity, derived from the Old German name Chlotichilda, meaning "famous in battle." Saint Clotilde was a Frankish queen, wife of Clovis I, who played a role in the spread of Christianity.

Clotilde

Made famous by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, whose parents fashioned her name from a musical term meaning "with sweetness". 

Condoleezza

Corsica, the picturesque Mediterrean island birthplace of Napoleon, makes an easy switch from atlas to baby name book, with its delicate, feminine ending. Just don't consider neighboring island Sardinia. 

Corsica

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 31)

Italian Names for Girls and Boys