15th and 16th Century Italian Girl Names
By tgannon1423
Updated Sat Feb 03 2024
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This is a list of (currently uncommon) Italian female names recorded from 1400 - 1500, which may be suitable for a modern baby. My sources include "Remembering the Family: Women, Kin, and Commemorative Masses in Renaissance Florence" by Sharon T. Strocchia and "Nuns' Chronicles and Convent Culture: Women and History Writing in Renaissance and Counter-Reformation Italy" by K. P. J. Lowe.
- Apollonia
Origin:
Greek, Feminine variation of Apollo, Greek sun god.Description:
This name of a third-century Christian martyr has an romantic, appealing feel in the modern world. It first came to American attention via Prince's love interest in the film Purple Rain.
- Clemenza
- Damiana
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"tame, domesticated"Description:
This feminine form of Damian projects a positive and lilting image, a distinct contrast to its male counterpart.
- Dianora
- Elisabetta
Origin:
Italian variation of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
This version softens, feminizes, and glamorizes the long-time favorite. A fresh way to honor Grandma Betty. Elizabetta is a variation.
- Euphemia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"fair speech"Description:
Ancient martyr's name that, though not especially appealing, might still be mildly possible, especially for Anglophiles. It was widely used in early Scotland, but was overtaken by its nickname, Effie.
- Fina
- Isabetta
Origin:
Short form of Elisabetta, Italian variation of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
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.
- Lauretta
Origin:
Italian diminutive of LauraMeaning:
"bay laurel"Description:
The first syllable of Laura in Italian rhymes with now, so Lauretta does not really sound like the decidedly midcentury Loretta thought most English speakers will pronounce it that way. Still, this Italian names for girls feels more closely related to the classic beauty Laura and somehow more charming and unusual.
- Lessandra
- Teodora
Origin:
Italian, Spanish, Swedish, PolishMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
Teodora is an extremely attractive and international choice, with several equally attractive, user-friendly nicknames and a little more edge than the English form, Theodora. Appealing short forms might include Tea, Dora, or Dory.
- Ursa
Origin:
Short form of Ursula, LatinMeaning:
"little female bear"Description:
Ursa might be a good choice if you're looking for a bear name for your daughter but want to avoid the She Witch curse placed on Ursula by Disney's The Little Mermaid. Too bad, because Ursula is a classic and lovely name, but Ursa has less baggage.