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Italian Names that Start With P

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  1. Pippa

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Philippa

    • Meaning:

      "lover of horses"

    • Description:

      Pippa, a peppy condensation of Philippa that turns it from serious to sprightly, has come into the public eye in a big way via the former Kate Middleton's sister.
  2. Paolo

    • Origin:

      Italian, variation of Paul

    • Meaning:

      "small"

    • Description:

      Paolo is an irresistibly lush Italian name for boys, worlds more romantic than its spare English equivalent.
  3. Po

    • Origin:

      Italian river name

    • Description:

      A river (in Italy), a writer (Bronson), a Teletubby: the Bo of the new millennium.
  4. Pietro

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Peter

    • Description:

      Yet another winning international form of Peter.
  5. Prospero

    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese variation of Prosper

    • Meaning:

      "succeed, prosper"

    • Description:

      Shakespeare's Tempest has kept the name Prospero alive.
  6. Paola

    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Paula

    • Meaning:

      "small"

    • Description:

      Paola is the Latinate version of Paula. Its intriguing sound could make it more appealing than the English standard.
  7. Pasquale

    • Description:

      Pasquale is a traditional Italian masculine name with rich historical and religious significance. Derived from the Latin 'paschalis' meaning 'relating to Easter,' it was historically given to boys born during the Easter season. The name has deep roots in Italian culture, particularly in southern Italy and Sicily, where it remains moderately common. In Italian-American communities, Pasquale has been a familiar presence since the waves of Italian immigration in the early 20th century, often affectionately shortened to 'Pat' or 'Patsy.' The name carries connotations of faith, tradition, and cultural heritage. While less common among newer generations, Pasquale offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with Mediterranean charm and historical depth. Its characteristic Italian ending gives it a melodic, warm quality when pronounced correctly.
  8. Pepe

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of JosÉ

    • Description:

      Le Pew. We don't think so, although it's a megacommon nickname name in Latino countries.
  9. Pamina

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "little honey"

    • Description:

      This operatic Italian name -- it appears in Mozart's "The Magic Flute" -- is a more unusual route to the nickname Pam/Pammy.
  10. Phebe

    • Origin:

      Akan, Ghanaian

    • Meaning:

      "born on Friday"

    • Description:

      Though often Anglicized as Phoebe, Phebe has separate roots. It originated as a variation of Afua, an Akan day name, and commonly used among enslaved people in America.
  11. Po

    • Origin:

      Italian river name

    • Description:

      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.
  12. Piero

    • Origin:

      Italian, variation of Peter

    • Meaning:

      "rock"

    • Description:

      Piero is elegant, melodic, appealing. Just picture the muted frescoes of Renaissance artist Piero della Francesca.
  13. Primo

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "first"

    • Description:

      Primo is number one among the Latin birth-order names--Octavius et al--and the one most likely to be used in these days of smaller families. It has that jaunty 'o' ending and Italian flavor that many modern parents like so much. And what little boy wouldn't appreciate being prime?
  14. Primavera

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "spring"

    • Description:

      A bit syllable-heavy, but a pretty name for a springtime baby.
  15. Petronilla

    • Origin:

      Roman and Italian feminine variation of Petronius

    • Meaning:

      "yokel, woodpecker, stone"

    • Description:

      Petronilla is an ancient saint's name that relates to the Roman family name Petronius, thought to mean yokel or woodpecker, though some connect it with Petra or Peter, meaning stone. With the resurgence of so many ancient Roman names, the elaborate and pretty Petronilla or its French form Petronille seem more usable these days than they have in centuries.
  16. Pellegrino

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Peregrine

    • Description:

      The water, period.
  17. Pierluigi

    • Origin:

      Italian, combination of Piero and Luigi

    • Description:

      If one Italian name won't do.
  18. Piera

    • Description:

      Piera is a feminine name with Italian origins, functioning as the female form of Piero or Pietro, which ultimately derive from the Greek name Petros, meaning "rock" or "stone." This elegant name carries connotations of strength and stability through its etymological connection to stone. Primarily found in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities, Piera remains relatively uncommon in the broader international context, giving it a distinctive quality. The name has a melodic, flowing sound with its two syllables and open-vowel ending, characteristic of Italian feminine names. While never achieving widespread popularity, Piera has maintained consistent usage throughout generations in Italy, particularly in northern regions. Its classic nature combined with its relative rarity makes it appealing for those seeking a name with historical depth but not overused.

  19. Paolina

    • Origin:

      Italian and Portuguese, feminine variation of Paul

    • Meaning:

      "small"

    • Description:

      Turning Paul or Paol -- whether it's as Paolo, Paolina, or even Paola -- instantly makes it more romantic and appealing.
  20. Pino

    • Origin:

      Italian, diminutive of names such as Giuseppino

    • Description:

      There are many more substantial Italian choices.