Italian Names that Start With R
- Rocky
Origin:
English, ItalianMeaning:
"rock; rest; rook"Description:
A popular choice back in the 50s and 70s, Rocky fell into decline after Sylvester Stallone's battered but not beaten boxer character became the overwhelming association many had with the name. Now, nearly five decades on from when the first Rocky movie was released, this tough yet playful name is back in style, ready to forge an identity of its own. Given to around 420 boys in the US in a recent year, it was one of the fastest rising names in the charts.
- Rosa
Origin:
Latinate variation of RoseMeaning:
"rose, a flower"Description:
As sweet-smelling as Rose but with an international flavour, Rosa is one of the most classic Portuguese, Spanish and Italian names, which is also favored by upper-class Brits, having an ample measure of vintage charm. Rosa has been on the popularity charts for every year that's been counted, especially popular from the 1880s through the beginning of the twentieth century.
- Rocco
Origin:
Italian from GermanMeaning:
"rest"Description:
Madonna did much to polish up the image of this old-neighborhood Italian choice when she picked it for her son with British director Guy Ritchie, and several years later it was also used by Rose Byrne and Bobby Canavale for their son. It now feels much more mainstream than many celebrity baby names, sharing the quirky appeal of some other so-far-out-they're-in baby names as Bruno and Hugo.
- Romeo
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"pilgrim to Rome, Roman"Description:
It wasn't so long ago that Romeo was considered as outre for an American baby as Casanova or Cupid. But that really changed when David and Victoria Beckham chose it for their second son in 2002, a path followed by Jon Bon Jovi.
- Roma
Origin:
Italian place-nameDescription:
Never as popular as Florence; today's parents might prefer Venezia, Verona, or Romy. It is also a Hindu name meaning "one with shiny hair" and is another name for the goddess Lakshmi.
- Rin
Origin:
Japanese, KoreanMeaning:
"dignified, severe; jade, clear"Description:
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.
- Rosetta
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"splendid"Description:
Associated with the ancient Rosetta stone, this is also the pretty Italian pet form of Rosa.
- Ravenna
Origin:
Italian place-nameDescription:
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.
- Rina
Origin:
European diminutive of Catherine, Hebrew, Sanskrit, JapaneseMeaning:
"pure; joy, singing; melted; white jasmine"Description:
One of those short, punchy names with its roots in a variety of different cultures and languages, Rina is sister to names like Mina, Mira, Lina, and Nina. Retro in feel, but never overused in the US, it peaked in 1980 when it was given to 90 girls.
- Renzo
Origin:
Diminutive of LorenzoDescription:
Rakish nickname able to stand on its own.
- Rosario
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"rosary"Description:
Rosario comes from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora del Rosario, or "Our Lady of the Rosary", Rosary referring to the vocal and mental prayers in Catholicism, that reflect on the life of Christ and his Mother.
- Raffaella
Origin:
Italian variation of Hebrew RaphaelaMeaning:
"God heals"Description:
Raffaella is the Italian form of the lovely name Raphaela, the female version of the angel's name Raphael, gorgeous in any spelling or international variation. Raffaella is one of the most appealing Italian baby names for girls.
- Rosina
Description:
Rosina is a delicate feminine name with Italian and Latin roots, functioning as a diminutive of Rosa, meaning 'rose.' The name carries the beauty and fragrance associations of the flower it references, with the suffix '-ina' adding a touch of endearment and delicacy. Rosina appears in classical opera, most notably as the clever heroine in Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville.' While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, it has maintained consistent usage particularly in Italian communities. Rosina offers a slightly more elaborate and romantic alternative to the simpler Rose or Rosa, with a melodic quality that resonates particularly well in musical languages. The name suggests femininity, grace, and classical beauty.
- Renato
Origin:
Spanish and ItalianMeaning:
"reborn"Description:
Elegant and worldly.
- Riccardo
Description:
Riccardo is the Italian form of Richard, a masculine name with Germanic origins meaning 'powerful ruler' or 'strong king.' Derived from the elements 'ric' (ruler, power) and 'hard' (strong, brave), Riccardo carries the same noble meaning as its English counterpart. The name has been popular throughout Italian history and culture, with notable bearers including composers and artists. Riccardo has a romantic, melodic quality with its rolled 'r' and flowing syllables that embody Italian linguistic charm. While most common in Italy and Italian-speaking regions, the name has gained international recognition. The name projects strength combined with artistic flair, making it appealing to parents who appreciate Italian culture or seek a distinguished name with historical depth.
- Rinaldo
Description:
Rinaldo is a masculine Italian name derived from the Germanic name Reginald, composed of elements meaning "advice" and "power" or "ruler." This romantic-sounding name gained prominence through Italian Renaissance literature and opera, most notably in Torquato Tasso's epic poem "Jerusalem Delivered" and later in Handel's opera of the same name. With its melodic quality and noble associations, Rinaldo has maintained steady popularity in Italy and Italian diaspora communities. The name conveys strength and artistic sophistication while maintaining its Italian cultural identity. Though less common internationally than other Italian names like Marco or Antonio, Rinaldo remains recognizable and appreciated for its musical sound and literary connections. Its four syllables create a rhythmic, flowing quality that embodies Italian naming aesthetics.
- Rosana
Origin:
Portuguese form of RoxanaMeaning:
"bright, dawn"Description:
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.
- Remo
Origin:
Italian variation of Remus, meaning unknownDescription:
Virtually unknown in the U.S., yet with its jaunty o ending and similarity to the stylish (yet unrelated) Remy, Remo may find some new followers.
- Rachele
Description:
Rachele is a feminine name representing the Italian form of Rachel. The original Hebrew name Rachel means "ewe" or "female sheep" and appears prominently in the Bible as Jacob's beloved wife. Rachele maintains the same pronunciation as Rachel but with an additional syllable at the end (rah-KEL-eh), giving it a melodious, distinctly Italian flair. Though uncommon in the United States, it remains in use in Italy and among Italian-American families. The name carries the same biblical significance as Rachel while offering a more culturally specific connection to Italian heritage. Rachele combines timeless appeal with a touch of European sophistication, making it attractive to parents seeking a name with both traditional roots and musical quality.
- Rafaele
Origin:
Italian variation of RaphaelMeaning:
"God has healed"Description:
More commonly spelled with two 'f's, Raffaele is every bit as attractive as the original, and could make a dashing choice.