Italian Names for Girls

If you’re a fan of the annual animated Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, you’ll recognize the name of Rudolph’s beautiful doe sweetheart, pronounced cla-REES—uncomfortably close to the Silence of the Lambs pronunciation.  Clarice was the name of the wife of Lorenzo de' Medici, and Clarice Cliff was a famed British ceramics artist. Though a Top 300 name from 1906 to 1934, modern parents might prefer the more delicate Clarissa.



Clarice

This melodious name has been consistently popular in Italy for decades, where it ranks among the top choices for baby girls. Giorgia gained international attention partly through Italian singer Giorgia Todrani, known professionally by her first name only, and Italy's prime minister Giorgia Meloni. 

The name combines classic roots with a modern, fresh sound that resonates with contemporary parents. In Italy, Giorgia is appreciated for its cultural connection, phonetic elegance, and the balance it strikes between tradition and modernity. The name has a warm, approachable quality while maintaining a touch of sophistication. 

Pronunciation is exactly like the English form Georgia. Like Gianna and Giada, the Giorgia form might find more fans in the US.

Giorgia

Giulietta is the Italian diminutive form of Giulia, which derives from the Latin name Julia. This feminine name carries a distinctly romantic and melodious quality, perhaps best known internationally through Shakespeare's tragic heroine Juliet (Giulietta in Italian versions). The name gained cultural significance through Fellini's film 'Giulietta degli Spiriti' and the Alfa Romeo Giulietta sports car. While consistently used in Italy, it remains relatively uncommon internationally, offering a sophisticated alternative to the more widely used Julie or Juliet with its distinctly Italian flair and elegant pronunciation.

Giulietta

Sicily is a lilting Italian place-name that sounds like the elegant British Cicely -- which you might consider a plus or a minus. 

Sicily

Associated with the ancient Rosetta stone, this is also the pretty Italian pet form of Rosa. 

Rosetta

Silvana is a feminine form of the Ancient Roman Silvanus, sharing the same woodsy meaning. A mix of elegance and energy, Silvana may appeal to those who enjoy Sylvie, Sylvia, Savannah, and Solana. 

Silvana

We are hearing more of such heavenly names as Celeste and Celia, which opens the door to the range of lovely variations rarely heard before.  Celestina is one of them, though given the more accessible options, it may be gilding the lily.

Celestina

Simona is a feminine name of Italian and Eastern European origin, serving as the feminine form of Simon, which derives from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning 'he has heard.' This elegant name has remained consistently popular in Italy, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and other European countries. In Italy, it gained particular recognition through famous bearers like Olympic swimmer Simona Quadarella. While less common in English-speaking countries, Simona offers a sophisticated international alternative to the more familiar Simone. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing vowel sounds and soft consonants. Simona projects both strength and femininity, combining classical roots with a contemporary feel. Its cross-cultural appeal makes it accessible across various languages while maintaining its distinctive character.

Simona

A very popular name for girls in Japan, though it is a unisex choice. It can mean "severe, cold", but also "dignified", "ethics" and "phosphorus", depending on the kanji used. It is notably used for the Vocaloid Rin Kagamine. 
 
Rin may also be considered a Korean name, meaning "clear" or "neighbour", a Japanese and Korean form of the Chinese Lin ("jade") or of the English and Welsh Lynn ("lake", "pretty"), or a short form of Katherine, Katrin, Katrina, or similar.

In music, the term allegro means "quickly, lively tempo," which makes this quintessential Bohemian ballet dancer's name all the more appealing. Allegra is one of the most distinctive yet accessible <a href="https://nameberry.com/search/girls-names/a">girl names starting with A</a>.
 One of the most creative sounding of names, Allegra has been associated with the American prima ballerina Allegra Kent, and has been chosen as a first or middle name for their daughters by poets George Gordon, Lord Byron and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, as well as by R. Buckminster Fuller and Donatella Versace.
Caveat: There is that current connection to the allergy medication.

Allegra

Carlotta has a large measure of finger-snapping charm and substance — despite being a not too pleasant character in The Little Mermaid. Carlotta is also the diva/prima donna in The Phantom of the Opera, and there was an Empress Carlotta of Mexico.
 Carlotta (spelled with one 'T' in Spanish), has not been heard much since the 1960s — which might add to its appeal to someone looking for a more international spin on Charlotte.

Carlotta

Ravenna is a lovely, untouristed Italian place-name just waiting to be discovered. Renowned for its fantastic Byzantine mosaics, it's a city that has a rich historic and artistic heritage.
 Part of the early Roman Republic, Ravenna was where Julius Caesar gathered his forces before crossing the Rubicon. It was the site of Dante's funeral and burial, Ravenna having been mentioned in his Inferno. Other poets with a connection: Lord Byron, who lived there, and Oscar Wilde who wrote a poem called Ravenna, as did Herman Hesse.

Ravenna

Derived from the German Irmhild, Imelda is a warm and pretty name with a battle-worthy feel and meaning. A saintly choice, borne by Imelda Lambertini, a 14th-century Italian Catholic said to have died of joy following her First Communion, the name may have caught on as an alternative to Matilda, Imogen, Isabella, and Esmeralda, if not for its infamous association with Imelda Marcos, the wife of Philippine dictator, Ferdinand Marcos.
 
Out of style in the US since the 70s, is it time to reconsider this name? A way to nicknames Immy, Mel, Idgie, Ella, and Mela, more positive associations include actress Imelda Staunton and singer Imelda May.

Imelda

Filomena

Maddalena is the Italian form of Magdalene, a name with biblical significance referring to Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus's most devoted followers. The name derives from Magdala, a village on the Sea of Galilee, with the place name meaning "tower" in Aramaic. Maddalena has been consistently popular in Italy through the centuries, appearing in art, literature, and music, including Prokoviev's opera "Maddalena." The name carries a lyrical, romantic quality with its flowing syllables and musical Italian pronunciation. While less common in English-speaking countries, it appeals to parents seeking a name with religious significance, European flair, and feminine elegance. The nickname Madda or Lena offers versatility for a child bearing this classical name.

Maddalena

A much more dynamic nickname than Nicky for any of the Nic-names. Part of a growing trend of boyish nicknames for girls - alongside Stevie and Lou - Nico has cheerful, snappy sounds, and a fresh, sassy image.
 
Nico was used for 37 baby girls in the US last year, and twin sister Niko for another 17 -- though that's still far fewer than the 2700 baby boys who were given one of those two names.
 
The single-named German Nico (born Christa) was the iconic 1960s singer with Andy Warhol's Velvet Underground. Nico was chosen by Thandiwe Newton for her daughter.

Nico

If your ancestry is Italian, you may want to consider this elegant twist on a classic. 

Caterina

A pretty smoosh name predominantly used by Italian Catholics.

 The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).

Annamaria

Onetime superstar name (Number 4 in the seventies) that's now in steep decline. Today's feminine is more likely to be some form of Michaela...or Makayla. 

Michele

The Italian and Sicilian name for the Island of Sicily, named for the ancient tribe, the Sicels. Sometimes used as an alternative form of Cecilia ("blind"), its connection to the place gives it a sunny, arty, and beachy feel.

Sicilia

Italian girl names almost invariably have several syllables and end in the letter "A," both fashionable in many countries today. This makes many Italian girls’ names — Mirabella, Serenella, Alessandra — sound downright luxurious. In the US, the most popular Italian names for girls include Isabella, Mia, and Arianna.

 in the US include Angelina, Elena, Gabriella, Luna, Liliana, Amara, Sienna, and Lucia. 

 include Sofia, Ginevra — the Italian variation of Guinevere — Chiara, Noemi, and Alessia.

Female forms of classic Italian male names

 such as Gianna and Giovanna are being used more widely in America. Italian names are a staple of opera houses around the world and for this reason, Italian names for girls are known far beyond Rome and Milan.

Browse our full list of Italian baby girl names here. The names are ordered according to their current popularity on Nameberry.

Italian girl names including top and unique names for girls of Italian origin, with meaning and popularity. (Page 6)

300+ Italian Girl Names