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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. 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.
  3. Rocky

    • Origin:

      English, Italian

    • Meaning:

      "rock or rest"

    • Description:

      How many decades will it take for Rocky to triumph over its association with Sylvester Stallone's battered but not beaten boxer? The moment may have come, now that Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. have named their son Rocky. It helps, too, that Madonna's son Rocco helped make the name child-appropriate again.
  4. Renzo

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Lorenzo

    • Description:

      Rakish nickname able to stand on its own.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Rin

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "dignified, severe"

    • Description:

      A very popular girls' name in Japan whose sound is consistent with its meaning. Another possibility is Ren.
  10. 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.
  11. Rosetta

    • Origin:

      Persian

    • Meaning:

      "splendid"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Hebrew Raphaela

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  13. 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.
  14. Rialta

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "deep brook"

    • Description:

      Unique choice, with a pleasant antique feel.
  15. Rolando

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese variation of Roland

    • 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.
  16. 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.
  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. Renato

    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian

    • Meaning:

      "reborn"

    • Description:

      Elegant and worldly.
  19. 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.

  20. Ricco

    • Description:

      Ricco is a masculine name with Italian and Germanic origins. It's a variant spelling of Rico, which derives from the Germanic 'ric' meaning 'powerful,' 'ruler,' or 'wealthy.' In Italian, 'ricco' directly translates to 'rich' or 'wealthy.' The doubled 'c' gives the name a distinctly Italian flair. While not among the most common names, Ricco has maintained steady usage across Italian-speaking regions and has seen periodic popularity in other European countries and the United States. The name conveys strength, abundance, and prosperity. Its short, punchy sound with the strong 'k' consonant gives it a bold quality. Ricco suggests someone with confidence, charisma, and perhaps good fortune in life.