Peculiar Italian Names (Girls)

Olivetta

Italian elaboration of Olivia, Latin

"olive tree"

Olivia is one of the most popular girls' names in the western world, and Olivetta might be thought of as a diminutive or an elaboration. Fewer than five baby girls received this name in the US last…

Pietra

Pietra is a feminine name of Italian origin, meaning "rock" or "stone." It's the female form of Pietro (the Italian version of Peter), which ultimately derives from the Greek "petros" meaning…

Severina

Latin, feminine variation of Severino

"stern, serious"

Not only stern and serious, but a little too severe.

Bertilla

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…

Ede

Ede is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hungarian tradition, it's a feminine form of Eduard, meaning 'wealthy guardian.' In West African cultures, particularly among the Yoruba…

Fedora

Greek variation of Theodora

Fedora is occasionally heard among the British Mayfair and Belgravia set, but we're afraid that in this country there would be too strong an association with the man's felt hat.

Giselda

Giselda is a feminine name with Germanic origins, derived from 'gisil' meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage' and 'hild' meaning 'battle.' This powerful historical name was carried by several noble women…

Ilda

Italian variation of HIlda, German

"battle woman"

The Italian form of Hilda is rarer but sweeter than its mother name, which still isn't ready for revival in the US.