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Italian Names that Start With R

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  1. Rocco

    • Origin:

      Italian from German

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. Rocky

    • Origin:

      English, Italian

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Rosa

    • Origin:

      Latinate variation of Rose

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. Romeo

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  5. Renzo

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Lorenzo

    • Description:

      Rakish nickname able to stand on its own.
  6. Rosario

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Roberto

    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese variation of Robert, English from German

    • Meaning:

      "bright fame"

    • Description:

      Standard Latin classic that brings some flair to the basic boy name Robert. Nearly 4000 baby boys are still named Robert in the US each year, many of them undoubtedly named for a father or grandfather, while about 550 are named Roberto.
  8. Ravenna

    • Origin:

      Italian place-name

    • Description:

      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.
  9. 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.
  10. Rosetta

    • Origin:

      Persian

    • Meaning:

      "splendid"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Italian place-name

    • Description:

      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.

  12. Remo

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Remus, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      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.
  13. Rin

    • Origin:

      Japanese, Korean

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  14. Rina

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Caterina or other names ending in -rina

    • Description:

      A pan-European short form often used as a name in its own right, Rina is sister to names like Mina and Lena, popular at the end of the 19th century and showing their pretty if slight faces again. In the Netherlands, Rina itself is sometimes shortened to Rineke, as Tina may become Tineke.
  15. 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.

  16. Renato

    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian

    • Meaning:

      "reborn"

    • Description:

      Elegant and worldly.
  17. Romano

    • Description:

      Romano is a masculine name with Italian and Latin origins, meaning 'Roman' or 'from Rome.' It refers to someone connected to Rome or the Roman Empire, carrying the gravitas of one of history's most influential civilizations. The name remains moderately popular in Italy and Italian diaspora communities worldwide. Romano projects strength, classical heritage, and a timeless quality. The name has variants across European languages, including Roman, Romanus, and Romão. With its strong vowel endings and rhythmic sound, Romano embodies Mediterranean charm while honoring ancient Roman traditions, making it appealing to parents who value historical connections and Italian heritage.
  18. Rafaele

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Raphael

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  19. Rolando

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese variation of Roland, German

    • Meaning:

      "famous throughout the land"

    • Description:

      Rolando, along with brother name Orlando, are among the most attractive and appealing of Latinate names. It has been in the US Top 1000 every year since 1946.
  20. Rosana

    • Origin:

      Portuguese form of Roxana

    • Meaning:

      "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.