Italian Names that Start With S
- Sienna
Origin:
Italian color nameMeaning:
"orange red"Description:
Sienna has been a Top 100 choice in England & Wales since 2005, the year after Sienna Miller's acting breakthrough in the hit movies Alfie and Layer Cake. In the US, it also got a big boost in the early noughties, before dropping slightly then rebounding to reach an all-time high in 2022.
- Sergio
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of Sergius, Roman family nameMeaning:
"servant"Description:
Widely heard in both Italian and Spanish households, Sergio and his many international brothers are rooted in Sergius, one of the original Roman family names. The meaning is unknown, but possibly is related to servant or protector.
- Serafina
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of SeraphinaMeaning:
"ardent"Description:
Serafina is a name so lovely it's worthy of an angel. But the more stylish spelling today is Seraphina.
- Salvatore
Origin:
Italian variation of SalvatorMeaning:
"savior"Description:
For every Tio Salvador in a Latino family, there's a Zio Salvatore in an Italian one. Having always ranked in the US Top 1000, it is in danger of falling off the charts very soon.
- Silvia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"from the woods"Description:
This original form of the name -- the more familiar Sylvia spelling came later -- seems more modern now.
- Santino
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"little saint"Description:
A name introduced here by The Godfather: James Caan played the anything-but-saintly Santino "Sonny" Corleone, and comedian Adam Carolla used it for his son.
- Simone
Description:
Simone as a masculine name originates from the Hebrew name Simon, meaning 'he who hears' or 'God has heard.' While Simone is primarily recognized as a feminine name in English-speaking countries, it maintains masculine usage in French and Italian cultures. As a male name, Simone has a sophisticated European flair, carrying associations with intellectualism and artistic sensibility. Notable bearers include Italian fashion designer Simone Porte Jacquemus and numerous Italian athletes and artists. The name's cross-cultural gender associations can create an interesting talking point for male bearers in English-speaking regions, where they might occasionally need to clarify its masculine usage in their cultural context.
- Siena
Origin:
Italian place-nameDescription:
Siena is a soft and delicate Tuscan town name given a big fashion boost by lovely young actress/gossip column staple Sienna Miller. A real up-and-comer.
- Sandro
Origin:
Diminutive of Alessandro, ItalianMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Lengthy, romantic Alessandro gives us the friendly and casual nickname Sandro, which works just as well as an independent name. It’s a popular international name, having ranked in Italy, France, Portugal, and Switzerland in recent years.
- Simona
Description:
Simona is a feminine name of Italian and Eastern European origin, serving as the feminine form of Simon, which derives from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning 'he has heard.' This elegant name has remained consistently popular in Italy, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and other European countries. In Italy, it gained particular recognition through famous bearers like Olympic swimmer Simona Quadarella. While less common in English-speaking countries, Simona offers a sophisticated international alternative to the more familiar Simone. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing vowel sounds and soft consonants. Simona projects both strength and femininity, combining classical roots with a contemporary feel. Its cross-cultural appeal makes it accessible across various languages while maintaining its distinctive character.
- Silva
Description:
Silva is a feminine name with ancient roots, derived from Latin meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' This nature-inspired name evokes images of trees, greenery, and natural beauty. Silva has cross-cultural appeal, appearing in various forms throughout Romance languages, particularly in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking regions where it's also a common surname. In Eastern European traditions, particularly Slavic countries, similar variations exist. The name carries an elegant simplicity while connecting to the natural world. While not among the most common given names in English-speaking countries, Silva maintains steady usage internationally. Its brevity, ease of pronunciation, and meaningful connection to nature make it appealing to contemporary parents seeking a name that is both distinctive and grounded in traditional roots.
- Silvano
Origin:
Italian form of SilvanusMeaning:
"wood, forest"Description:
Silvanus was the Roman god of the forests and is also an alternate name in the New Testament for Silas. Relatives include Silvio, Silvius, and Sylvia.
- Stefano
Origin:
Italian variation of StephenMeaning:
"garland, crown"Description:
As commonly heard in Rome, Italy, as Steve is in Rome, New York. With the accent on the first syllable, Stefano has a lot of charm.
- Santa
Origin:
Feminine variation of Santo, ItalianMeaning:
"saint"Description:
Santa has an appealing sound, or maybe that's sleigh bells we hear? It's difficult to separate the Italian girls' name Santa from the association to Mr. Claus, king of Christmas. The German diminutive Senta -- or Snow or even Christmas -- might be an easier name to handle.
- Savino
Description:
Savino is a masculine name with deep Italian roots, derived from the Latin name Sabinus, referring to the ancient Sabine people of central Italy. The name carries the meaning of 'man from Sabina' or simply 'Sabine man.' With its melodic three syllables and distinctive ending, Savino has been continuously used in Italy since medieval times, often connected to Saint Savino, several early Christian martyrs and bishops. Outside Italy, the name remains relatively uncommon, giving it an exotic appeal while still being straightforward to pronounce in many languages. Savino has a warm, sophisticated sound that combines traditional heritage with a contemporary feel. The name's connection to ancient Roman history gives it cultural depth, appealing to parents who appreciate names with historical significance and Mediterranean charm.
- Sicily
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Sicily is a lilting Italian place-name that sounds like the elegant British Cicely -- which you might consider a plus or a minus.
- Silvio
Origin:
Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese form of SilviusMeaning:
"wood, forest"Description:
A shiny and sylvan choice, this sleek yet spirited name feels familiar yet is rarely used.
- Samuele
Origin:
Italian variation of Samuel, HebrewMeaning:
"told by God"Description:
This classic Italian Samuel variation is just as compelling as the original, especially if you have Italian heritage.
- Severino
Description:
Severino is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the Roman family name Severus, meaning 'stern,' 'serious,' or 'severe.' It functions as a diminutive or elaborated form of Severo. Particularly common in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking countries, Severino carries a dignified, classical quality while the -ino suffix adds a touch of warmth to its otherwise serious etymology. The name has maintained moderate popularity in Southern European and Latin American regions, though it has never been widely used in English-speaking countries. Severino offers cross-cultural appeal with its recognizable Latin roots and melodic three-syllable pattern. Its connection to ancient Roman heritage gives the name a timeless quality alongside its distinctive character.
- Serenella
Origin:
Italian, elaboration of SerenaMeaning:
"serene"Description:
Both rhythmic and serene, Serenella is one of the Italian names for girls virtually unknown in the US but definitely usable. An unusual route to Ella as a short form?
