Mafalda is nearly unknown in the English-speaking world, despite an appearance in Harry Potter. Indeed, it does have a witchy feel. Matilda itself is preferable, or her French form Mathilde, Spanish Matilde, or abbreviation Maud.

Less electric and more serene than Electra which comes with a lot of tragic and psychoanalytical baggage, Elettra is the Italian form that ranks in the Top 200 in the Italian charts. Nicknames Etta, Lettie, and Elle make this doubly appealing.

The sixth letter of the Greek alphabet, popularized by Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones -- Zeta was her grandmother's first name. Zeta can also refer to the letter Z, the last in the Roman alphabet, or be a spelling variation of Zita, a name with several possible origins and meanings.

A cool and breezy nature name with a stylish sound, used by Volkswagen for one of its cars.

A name that relates to Concepcion and the Virgin Mary, but feels a good deal more secular.

Isabetta is a charming spin on both the Elizabeth and Isabella families and a new way to go if you love the originals but want something more, well, original. Isabetta Rose is the name chosen by Amber and Rob Mariano for their daughter. If you're searching for Italian names for girls that make an easy transition to the English-speaking world, this should be high on your list.

The Spanish and Italian variation of the sophisticated French Delphine is also the word for "dolphin". A popular choice in Uruguay and Argentina, the name is rarely used in the US.

The fashion for elaborate girly-girl names, especially those that end with -ella or -ana, has put this distinctive Latin favorite into play.

Influential designer Miuccia (nicknamed Miu Miu) Prada's surname is much better known here than her first.

Italianate variation of Cosette, from Victor Hugo's Les Misérables.

Fiammetta, from the Italian word for flame, has both femininity and fire. Fiammetta could make a good alternative to more conventional Italian girls' names like Giovanna.

Isotta is a feminine Italian name, essentially the Italian form of Isolde or Iseult from Arthurian legend. The name derives from a Celtic origin, though its exact meaning remains disputed, with some suggesting connections to 'ice' or 'fair' in proto-Germanic languages. Isotta features prominently in the medieval romance of Tristan and Isolde, giving it literary and cultural significance. In Italy, the name gained additional recognition through connection with the luxury car manufacturer Isotta Fraschini. While never extremely common, Isotta maintains a timeless elegance with its flowing vowels and distinctive Italian character. The name conveys a sense of classical beauty, romance, and cultural sophistication for those seeking a name with European heritage.

This international color name, close enough to the English to be easily understood in the US or other English-speaking countries, ranks among the top names for girls in Italy.

Stylish and dramatic, a la Donatella Versace.

Letizia is a pretty Latin variation of Letitia; it's one of those Italian names for girls that makes the more familiar version feel less prissy and more appealing. Letizia was the first name of Napoleon's mother.

One of the newer geographical site names, it has the advantage of sounding like a real girl's name because of its jen beginning and feminine a ending.

Federica is the Latin version of Frederica, one of those formerly stuffy female names -- think Josephine and Eleanor -- that feels fresh and elegant again. And Federica has more energy without that first r.

An Italian version of an English classic beginning to be adopted by cutting-edge American parents, including Entourage's Debi Mazar.

Verona is a scenic place-name with the added attraction of a Shakespearean connection, as in Two Gentlemen of....

The short-lived magazine edited by former Vogue chief Grace Mirabella put this beautiful name off-limits for a while, but now it's perfectly fit to join the fashionable Bella pantheon. More distinctive than Isabella.