Peculiar Italian Names (Girls)

Alida had a brief flurry of popularity a hundred years ago but is rarely used today. But given the rise of so many names related to Adelaide and Adeline, Alida might be rediscovered.

Annita is a feminine name with multiple origins. It can be viewed as a diminutive of Anna, which comes from the Hebrew Hannah meaning "grace," or as a variant of Anita, which developed as a Spanish pet form of Ana. The double 'n' spelling gives the name a distinctive appearance while maintaining its melodic quality. Annita has been used across various Mediterranean cultures, including Greek, Italian, and Spanish communities. While not among the most popular names, Annita offers a slightly more elaborate alternative to Anna or Anita while retaining their classic appeal and warmth. The name has a gentle, feminine sound with a timeless quality.

South America provides a continent of interesting, undiscovered names -- Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, and the tango-rhythmed Argentina.

This variation of Ariel, with the extra-feminine suffix, has been on the rise in recent years and has now surpassed the original. The similarity to the name of the Little Mermaid gives Ariella a princessy flair. Ariella entered the charts in 2008, and has now risen into the Top 200. The cute nickname Ari is on trend as seen with the popularity of Ariana and Arianna, as are any girl names ending in "-ella", making Ariella a natural hit. Arabella is another name with the best of both of these trends.

Bertilla is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'berht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous' and possibly 'hild' meaning 'battle.' The name has historical significance through Saint Bertilla, an abbess who lived in the 7th century France. This traditional name carries an old-world charm that feels both dignified and gentle. While never widely common in modern times, Bertilla has maintained a consistent if minimal presence in European countries, particularly Italy. The name offers a distinctive alternative to more popular names like Bertha or Bella, appealing to parents interested in historical names with strong feminine roots and religious connections.

Dora is poised for a comeback, right behind Laura, Nora, Cora, and Flora. First-time parents who haven't watched cartoons in a couple of decades should be aware of the Dora the Explorer connection, which has its pluses and minuses.