Italian Names

A playful and unexpected possibility, Presto may appeal to those who like Banjo and Lyric along with Rio, Pablo, and Arlo.
 
The name comes from a variety of sources, including an Old English surname meaning "brushwood headland"; from the Italian word presto describing a piece of music with a fast tempo; and as a Cornish form of Preston ("priest town"), in the style of Jago, Pascoe, or Kitto.
 
In English, it may be best linked to the idiom "hey presto", an exclamation used both on stage by magicians performing tricks and in general conversation when something good happens quickly and suddenly, as if by magic.

Presto

Ravello is an Italian town on the Amalfi Coast. It's a popular travel destination and was a favorite spot for many notable creatives, including Virginia Woolf, Greta Garbo, and Tennessee Williams. 
 
With its cool -o ending, sharp V sound, and slight similarity to Rafael, Ravello could work as a bold but not outrageous choice. In fact, two celebrities have already picked it: Woody Harrelson used it as the middle name of his daughter Makani in 2006, and British reality TV star Lucy Mecklenburgh gave it as a middle to her son Roman in 2020. 
 
The exact meaning of the name is unknown, but theories include that it emerged from the Latin rebello meaning "revolt" or "wage war" or from the Italian rivellino (likely derived from Latin), referring to a type of fortification also known as a ravelin.

Ravello

Straightforward but very unusual choice, deriving from a place-name in Italy. Renon is a city in South Tyrol. Its German name is Ritten, possibly associated with either the German word for a knight or a mounted warrior or with the Germanic element ragin meaning "counsel, advice", connecting it to Reynold, Rinaldo, Reynaud, and Reinhardt.

Renon

With its stylish -o ending, the Italian surname sounds enough like Rita or Rio that it may appeal as a first name. It is in fact movie-inspired choice, taken from the classic musical Grease where it's borne by the sarcastic leader of the Pink Ladies, Betty Rizzo "Rizzo".
 
More commonly appearing in the last name spot, Rizzo derives from the Italian word riccio meaning "curly-haired", making this a fun nickname for a curly-haired Larissa, Maritza, Reese, Rosalie, or similar. 
 
As a given name, it has been sporadically used for a small number of boys over the years, but 2024 saw it appear in the US stats for girls for the first time, when 5 babies were named Rizzo.

Rizzo

Given to a small handful of boys each year since 2016, Italian surname Rizzo could make an unexpected and sparky choice for a boy. Similar in sound to Reese, Rio, and Rico, parents may have been inspired by baseball player, Anthony Rizzo.
 
Derived from the word riccio, Rizzo means "curly-haired", it was given to 8 boys (and 5 girls) in 2024.

A cool, confident choice, that feels both modern and ancient, Rocca is an Italian name with a number of possible meanings. Chosen by actor Josh Duhamel and model Audra Mari for their daughter in 2026, it is also used as a surname and as the name of a crater on the moon.
 
Pronounced RAW-ka or ROHK-uh in Italian and English respectively, you could interpret Rocca as an Italian word name with the strong, sturdy meanings of "fortress, stronghold" or "rock". Alternatively, it may be a feminine form of Rocco, associating it with the patron saint of the sick and with the debated meanings of "rook", "crook", "rest" and "roar"
 
Similar in sound to the English "rocker", it may be viewed as a sassy, rock-and-roll choice, or a fuller name for nickname Rocki.

Rocca

A rock-and-roll version of Coco that could definitely be a possibility for contemporary girls, Rocco is a Italian name, derived from German. Borne St. Rocco, the patron saint of the sick, Rocco's origins are slightly murky though "rook, crow" from the Germanic hruoh, "rest" from hrok and "to roar" from rohōn have all been offered as possibilities.
 
With Rocki, Rocky, and Morocco being chosen for girls, you might be surprised to learn it has yet to enter the US stats.

Rocco

Agnola is a feminine name of Italian origin, likely derived as a variation of Agnese (Agnes), which comes from the Greek word 'hagnos' meaning 'pure' or 'chaste.' This relatively uncommon name carries an old-world Italian charm with its melodic three-syllable structure. Historically, Agnola would have been more prevalent in Italian-speaking regions, particularly in earlier centuries, though it never achieved widespread popularity. The name has connections to Saint Agnes, an early Christian martyr, giving it religious significance in Catholic traditions. Today, Agnola remains a rare choice that might appeal to parents seeking an authentic Italian name with historical depth but little contemporary usage. Its distinctiveness and flowing sound make it an elegant option for those with Italian heritage or appreciation for Italian naming traditions.

Agnola

Agnesina is a feminine name that serves as a diminutive or elaborate form of Agnes. It originated from the Greek name 'Hagne,' meaning 'pure' or 'holy.' This elegant variation adds a melodic quality to the traditional Agnes, with the '-ina' suffix creating a more delicate impression. While Agnes has maintained consistent popularity throughout history, Agnesina remains relatively uncommon, offering a distinctive alternative that preserves the classical roots while adding a touch of uniqueness. The name carries the same virtuous connotations as Agnes, historically associated with innocence and virtue. Agnesina may be found occasionally in Italian communities or among families seeking a more ornate version of the traditional Agnes.

Agnesina

While its feminine counterpart Rosetta is far more popular, this botanical boy name is an established choice, with a touch of poetic flair and an obvious nature-connection. Joining the likes of Florian and Viorel as a flower name for a boy, it is used very occasionally in Italy and the Philippines (and sometimes as a girl name too!)


Rosetto

Agnella is a delicate feminine name with Latin roots, functioning as a diminutive form of Agnes. The name Agnes itself derives from the Greek word 'hagnos' meaning 'pure' or 'holy.' Agnella essentially translates to 'little lamb' or 'little pure one,' carrying connotations of innocence and gentleness. Popular during medieval times in European countries, particularly Italy, Agnella later fell into obscurity. While uncommon in modern English-speaking countries, it retains usage in parts of Europe and among families honoring traditional naming patterns. The name offers a rare vintage option with religious undertones and a soft, melodic sound. For parents seeking names with historical depth but minimal contemporary usage, Agnella provides an elegant alternative to more common Agnes variations.

Agnella

The Italian variation of the Ancient Roman name, Scipio, Scipione was predominantly used during the Italian renaissance period. Meaning "walking stick" or "staff" in Latin, it is associated with the Roman general Scipio Africanus, known as a conqueror of Africa in ancient times. 
 
The Scipione form has a number of famous bearers, including historian and philosopher Scipione Ammirato, mathematician Scipione de Ferro, and the geologist Scipione Breislak. Also worn by a number of cardinals and bishops, the Italian prince Scipione Borghese, and a 20th century painter known mononymously as Scipione, it has musical ties too, being the title of an opera by George Frideric Handel.

Scipione

Anete is a feminine name with multiple European origins, primarily found in Latvia, Estonia, and other Baltic regions. It's a variation of Annette, which itself is a diminutive form of Anne or Anna. These names ultimately derive from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' In Latvia, Anete has been consistently used throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, though it's not among the most common names. The pronunciation varies slightly by region, typically as ah-NET-eh or AH-net-eh. Anete combines a classic, timeless quality with a distinctive European flair that distinguishes it from more common Anna derivatives. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it offers an elegant alternative for parents seeking a name with international roots and a gentle, feminine sound.

Anete

Agnesca is a feminine name that serves as an elaborate variant of Agnes. With Latin and Greek roots, it ultimately derives from 'hagnos,' meaning 'pure' or 'holy.' This ornate version extends the traditional Agnes with a Slavic-influenced suffix, creating a more distinctive and melodious form. Popular primarily in Eastern European countries, particularly Poland and neighboring regions, Agnesca combines classical origins with a softer, more elaborate sound. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it offers an intriguing alternative for parents drawn to vintage names but seeking something less common than Agnes. The name carries associations with innocence, virtue, and religious devotion, reflecting its etymological connection to purity.

Agnesca

A literary name with a fairy-tale feel, Sirenetta appears in the 1921 prose poem, Notturno, written by Italian poet Gabriele D'Annozio when he was recovering from an eye injury. Translating to "little mermaid" in Italian, La Sirenetta is used in Italy as the name of the 1837 Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale and the Disney movies inspired by it. 
 
The name has been used extremely rarely, with just five people recorded to have had the name back in 2014.

Sirenetta

A zippy Italian choice, derived from a Sabine-Latin family name whose meaning is unknown, Tazio is a relation of Tatiano and Tatiana. Other sources suggest it might also be used as a short form of the names of Eustazio ("stable"), Lutazio ("a wrestling") and Anastasio ("resurrection") or possibly, though rarely, as a variant of Taddeo ("gift of god").
 
The name maybe pronounced in different ways: tatt-syo if it's taken as a stand-alone option, or tah-zee-o, if used as a short form.
 Notable bearers of the name include racing driver Tazio Nuvolari and footballer Tazio Roversi.

Tazio

An elaboration of Teodora, ultimately derived from the Greek Theodoros, Teodorina is a rare choice, but used more notably in Brazil, Bulgaria, Romania, Italy, and Columbia. Pronounced as teh-o-DO-ree-na in Romanian, teh-o-DHO-ree-na in Spanish and teh-o-DAW-ree-na in Italian, a notable bearer is actress Teodorina Bello.


Teodorina

A rarer variant of Viridiana, this name is a frilly yet strong sounding choice that may appeal as verdant option for a spring or summer baby. It could also intrigue those who want a rarer alternative to Virginia or Diana. 
 
The name is linked to Saint Veridiana, the patron saint of snakes lived as an anchoress, walled in to a small cell where she spoke to visitors through a window. She is often portrayed as preaching to snakes, owing to a legend that two snakes crawled into her cell in the later years of her life, something that she kept secret to increase her religious mortification.
 
Other notable bearers include content creator and truck driver Veridiana Henning and agronomist and expert on citrus diseases Veridiana Victoria Rosetti.

Veridiana

An Italian brand name, associated with the scooter company, Vespa means "wasp" in Italian and Latin and was picked based on the iconic shape of the scooter. As a given name, it may be chosen for the stylish brand connection, or it may be used as a spelling alternative to Vesper, a Latin name meaning "evening star". 

Vespa

Spirited and cool, Zeco is used as a short form of Francesco, Francisco, Frederico, and Franco, along with José and José Carlos. It's plausible however that it could be used for Zechariah too.
 
Other theories however suggest the name relates to Zeno, an Italian name derived from that of the highest Greek God, Zeus, or to Željko, a Croatian, Serbian, and Slovene name meaning "desire".

Zeco

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 35)

Italian Names for Girls and Boys