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Italian Names that Start With O

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  1. Oriana

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "dawn"

    • Description:

      Oriana is a dashing medieval name, with a meaning similar to Aurora. At this point, though, Oriana is much more unusual than Aurora and makes a unique choice if you're searching for names that mean new beginnings or dawn.
  2. Orlando

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Roland

    • Meaning:

      "famous throughout the land"

    • Description:

      Orlando, the ornate Italianate twist on the dated Roland, with a literary heritage stretching back to Shakespeare and before, has appealing book-ended o's, and is open to combination with almost any last name, a la British actor, Orlando Bloom.
  3. Ornella

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "flowering ash tree"

    • Description:

      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.
  4. Orazio

    • Description:

      Orazio is an Italian masculine name derived from the Latin 'Horatius,' which was a Roman family name of uncertain origin. It's the Italian equivalent of Horace, possibly connected to the Latin word 'hora' meaning 'hour' or 'time.' Historically associated with the renowned Roman poet Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus), the name carries literary and cultural significance. While common in Italy, particularly in earlier generations, Orazio remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries. The name conveys a sense of classical elegance and intellectual tradition, reflecting its ancient Roman heritage and enduring presence in Italian culture.
  5. Ottavia

    • Origin:

      Italian, variation of Latin Octavia

    • Meaning:

      "eight"

    • Description:

      Softer and more romantic than Octavia, this is a name once used when it wasn't uncommon for families to have eight children. A possible substitute for the epidemically popular Olivia.
  6. Orsa

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Ursula

    • Meaning:

      "little female bear"

    • Description:

      The advantage of Orsa over the arguably-more-attractive Ursula is that it breaks the tie to the hideous she-witch of The Little Mermaid. Orsa definitely feels more ready for modern life now that brother name Orson is on the rise.
  7. Ortensia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "of the garden"

    • Description:

      Variant of Hortensia, an unusual floral name and the name of a secondary character in Roald Dahl's Matilda.
  8. Ottavio

    • Origin:

      Italian, “eighth”

    • Description:

      Spirited Italian form of Octavius
  9. Otello

    • Description:

      Otello is a masculine Italian name best known as the Italian form of Shakespeare's character Othello. The name gained prominence through Giuseppe Verdi's opera 'Otello,' based on Shakespeare's tragedy. While Shakespeare's character has Moorish origins, the name itself doesn't have clear etymological roots beyond its literary creation. In Italian-speaking regions, Otello has been used as a given name since the popularity of Verdi's opera in the late 19th century. The name carries dramatic and artistic associations, evoking themes of passion, jealousy, and tragic nobility from both Shakespeare's play and Verdi's operatic adaptation. Though never extremely common, Otello appeals to parents with literary or operatic interests and those seeking a distinctively Italian name with cultural depth and artistic resonance.
  10. Orsino

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Orson

    • Meaning:

      "bearlike"

    • Description:

      Orson is being rediscovered and Orsino is every bit as attractive.
  11. Orfeo

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Orpheus

    • Description:

      See ORPHEUS.
  12. Oliviero

    • Description:

      Oliviero is a masculine name of Italian origin, serving as the Italian form of Oliver. The name ultimately derives from the Latin 'olivarius,' meaning 'olive tree planter,' symbolizing peace, fertility, and longevity in Mediterranean cultures. With its melodic four syllables and romantic Italian flair, Oliviero conveys sophistication and cultural richness. While common in Italy and other Italian-speaking regions, it remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries, offering an attractive international option for parents seeking a distinctive yet recognizable name. Oliviero combines traditional roots with an exotic quality that distinguishes it from the increasingly popular Oliver. The name carries an artistic, cosmopolitan character that suggests refinement and cultural appreciation.
  13. Orsola

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Ursula

    • Meaning:

      "little female bear"

    • Description:

      Orsola is chic in Italy in a way that Ursula is not in the U.S. And English speakers will inevitably hear this chic, sleek name as Ursula, condemned to purgatory as the name of the hideous sea-witch who terrorized Disney's Little Mermaid.
  14. Ottone

    • Description:

      Ottone is a masculine name with Italian origins, serving as the Italian form of Otto or Otho. It derives from Germanic roots, meaning 'wealth' or 'prosperity.' Historically significant, Ottone was the name of several Holy Roman Emperors and Italian nobles during the medieval period. The name carries an aristocratic European flair with its melodious Italian pronunciation. Despite its historical prominence, Ottone remains uncommon in contemporary usage, even in Italy. Outside of Italian-speaking regions, it offers a distinctive alternative to more common names like Otto. The name combines classical dignity with melodic Italian phonetics, creating a sophisticated impression while maintaining accessibility.

  15. Oratio

    • Description:

      Oratio is a masculine name with ancient Roman roots, derived from the Latin word 'orare,' meaning 'to speak' or 'to pray.' It's closely related to the more common Horatio, famously borne by characters in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' and naval commander Horatio Nelson. The name evokes associations with eloquence, rhetoric, and the classical tradition of public speaking, as reflected in the English word 'oration.' Though rare in contemporary usage, Oratio carries a dignified, scholarly quality that connects to classical education and literature. Its melodic sound and historical depth might appeal to parents drawn to names with intellectual associations and classical heritage. The name provides a distinctive alternative to more common classical revivals like Julius or Marcus.
  16. Onofredo

    • Description:

      Onofredo is a rare masculine name with Italian and Spanish origins. It derives from the Germanic name Hunfrid, composed of elements meaning "giant" or "bear" and "peace," similar to the English name Humphrey. This name carries a sense of historical gravitas and distinctive character, though it has never been widely used outside certain Mediterranean regions. The four-syllable structure gives Onofredo a rhythmic, melodious quality that reflects its Latin language influences. While uncommon in contemporary usage, it might appeal to parents seeking a name with historical depth and unique character. Some may use the shortened forms Onofre or Nofre as more casual alternatives.