300+ Italian Girl Names

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.

Federica is the Latin version of Frederica, one of those formerly stuffy female names -- think Josephine and Eleanor -- that feels fresh and elegant again. And Federica has more energy without that first r.

A name that relates to Concepcion and the Virgin Mary, but feels a good deal more secular.

Silva is a feminine name with ancient roots, derived from Latin meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' This nature-inspired name evokes images of trees, greenery, and natural beauty. Silva has cross-cultural appeal, appearing in various forms throughout Romance languages, particularly in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking regions where it's also a common surname. In Eastern European traditions, particularly Slavic countries, similar variations exist. The name carries an elegant simplicity while connecting to the natural world. While not among the most common given names in English-speaking countries, Silva maintains steady usage internationally. Its brevity, ease of pronunciation, and meaningful connection to nature make it appealing to contemporary parents seeking a name that is both distinctive and grounded in traditional roots.

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.

Honorata is the feminine form of Honoratus, the name of several saints including the patron saint of bakers.

Italian color and nature name.

This elegant, minimally-spelled name could be a variant of Rosanna/Roseanna. But it's also the Portuguese version of Roxana, with all the meaning and history of the name, but none of the "Roxanne" associations.

Stylish and dramatic, a la Donatella Versace.

Massima's meaning makes it a high-pressure boastful choice, even in Italian.

Graziella, an Italian form of Grace, is another Latin version that adds spice. Consider Graziella as a distinctive alternative to either Grace or Gabriella.

Spelling twist makes it more striking.

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

Letizia is a pretty Latin variation of Letitia; it's one of those Italian names for girls that makes the more familiar version feel less prissy and more appealing. Letizia was the first name of Napoleon's mother.

Like many a popular name, Ornella is a theatrical creation. Italian playwright Gabriele d'Annunzio created this name for his dramatic heroine in the 1904 play La Figlia di Iorio. Ornella is a feminization of the orno or ornello, which is the Italian word for the Fraxinus Ornus, a type of tree which produces such sweet sap that it was compared to biblical manna.

Jaquetta is a feminine name with medieval French origins, serving as a diminutive form of Jacques (the French equivalent of James). The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Jacob, meaning 'supplanter.' Jaquetta emerged in medieval Europe, particularly in aristocratic families, with notable bearers including Jacquetta of Luxembourg, mother of Elizabeth Woodville (queen consort to Edward IV of England). The name features various spelling variations including Jacquetta and Jaketta. While never extremely common, Jaquetta experienced modest usage in the United States during the mid-to-late 20th century. The name carries an air of nobility and historical elegance, offering a distinctive alternative to more common feminine forms of James such as Jamie or Jamesina.

This name belongs to the eponymous heroine of Rossini's opera Zelmira (1822) about a (fictional) princess of Lesbos who saves her father and husband and her kingdom.

The good news: the Po is Italy's longest river, flowing across the north. The bad news: Po is a manic, scooter-riding red Teletubby.

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

Cristina is one case where the streamlined version feels more alluring. Cristina is found more often than Christina in many European countries and cultures, including Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking Latin and South America.