Awesome Italian Names

Nina is as multiethnic as you can get: Nina is a common nickname name in Spain and Russia, a Babylonian goddess of the oceans, and an Incan goddess of fire. Here and now, it's a stylish possibility that's been underused. "Weird Al" Yankovic chose this decidedly nonweird name for his daughter.

Noemi is a charming Latin spin on Naomi; another twist is Neomi. A quiet mainstay on the US Top 1000 since 1957, Noemi was one of the fastest rising names in 2023.

Nora is a lovely, refined name that conjures up images of Belle Epoch ladies in fur-trimmed coats skating in Central Park. Long seen as a quintessentially Irish name though its roots are not in Ireland, Nora is a quietly stylish favorite that's tiptoed to the top of the popularity ladder.

Norina is a delicate feminine name of Italian origin, functioning as a diminutive of Nora or Eleanor, names that derive from the Greek element 'eleos' meaning 'light.' The name gained literary recognition through its use in Donizetti's opera 'Don Pasquale,' where Norina appears as a clever and spirited character. With its soft sounds and rhythmic three syllables, Norina carries an innate musicality. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, it has maintained steady usage in Italy and other European nations. The name strikes a balance between familiarity and uniqueness—recognizable in form but not frequently encountered. For parents seeking a name with Italian heritage and operatic connections, Norina offers elegant sophistication with a touch of lyrical charm.

Ofelia is a feminine name with roots in ancient Greek literature, derived from the name Ophelia. It originated from the Greek word 'ophelos,' meaning 'help' or 'benefit.' This name gained literary prominence through Shakespeare's character in 'Hamlet.' The Spanish and Italian variant Ofelia has been particularly popular in Hispanic and Mediterranean cultures. Throughout history, it has conveyed a sense of tragic beauty and poetic elegance. In modern times, Ofelia has experienced renewed interest as parents seek names with classical origins and rich cultural significance. The name carries an air of sophistication and timeless appeal, with a hint of dramatic flair.

Olivia, a lovely Shakespearean name with an admirable balance of strength and femininity, is the Number 1 name for baby girls in the US and one of the top girls' names around the world.

Paola is the Latinate version of Paula. Its intriguing sound could make it more appealing than the English standard.

Turning Paul or Paol -- whether it's as Paolo, Paolina, or even Paola -- instantly makes it more romantic and appealing.

Paolo is an irresistibly lush Italian name for boys, worlds more romantic than its spare English equivalent.

Consistently popular Latina gem name; good choice for those who can't shake Pearl's grandmotherly vibe.

Petronilla is an ancient saint's name that relates to the Roman family name Petronius, thought to mean yokel or woodpecker, though some connect it with Petra or Peter, meaning stone. With the resurgence of so many ancient Roman names, the elaborate and pretty Petronilla or its French form Petronille seem more usable these days than they have in centuries.

Soft name in the Mia-Nia-Tia family, Pia is heard in both European and Hindi languages.

Despite her somewhat prissy, puritanical air, Priscilla has managed to stay widely used for well over a century -- it reached as high as Number 127 in 1940 -- appreciated for its delicacy and solid history.

A top choice in Italy.

Raoul, with its unique three-vowel middle, rolls off the tongue in an appealing way. Raoul is one of the French names that sounds infinitely more romantic and attractive than the somewhat harsh English version Ralph.

Rebecca is a name representing beauty in the Bible, an Old Testament classic that reached the heights of revived popularity in the seventies but is still a well-used choice. It derives from the Hebrew name Rivkah, from the verb ribbqah, meaning "noose." The biblical Rebecca was the wife of Isaac and the mother of Esau and Jacob. Rebekah was a common spelling of the name in the Bible.

A classic name with regal elegance--Queen Victoria, like other queens, had Regina appended to her name. She was a Top 100 name in the 1960s.