Awesome Italian Names

  1. Elsa
    • Origin:

      German diminutive of Elisabeth
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Lost in limbo for decades and decades, Elsa now stands a good chance of following along in the progression from Emma to Ella to Etta, thanks to the ice queen heroine who "Let It Go" in the wildly popular Disney movie Frozen. The name shot all the up to Number 286 (its highest ranking since the 1890s) in the year after the release of the movie, though it's now dropped back down the list in the US.
  2. Emilia
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Emil, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "rival"
    • Description:

      Emilia is the feminine form of the Roman clan name Aemilius, which derived from the Latin aemulus, meaning "rival." In Shakespeare’s Othello, Emilia is the wife of Iago and confidante of Desdemona. Amelia, although homonymous, has a different root and meaning.
  3. Emma
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "universal"
    • Description:

      Emma has now been among the top girl names in the United States for several years, claiming the Number 1 crown in 2008 and again from 2015 to 2018 before dropping back to second place.
  4. Enzo
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Henry, German
    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"
    • Description:

      You may be surprised to know that Enzo is now a Top 100 boy name in the US and the UK, where it has been climbing straight uphill since the turn of this century.
  5. Ermelinda
    • Origin:

      Old Germanic
    • Meaning:

      "tender universe"
    • Description:

      This old name with the great meaning may still be a bit clunky for modern usage.
  6. Eufemia
    • Description:

      Eufemia is a classical feminine name with Greek origins, derived from 'euphemia' meaning 'good speech' or 'words of good omen.' In ancient Greece, euphemia referred to speaking words of praise or avoiding unlucky speech during religious ceremonies. This name has historical significance in Christian traditions, as Saint Euphemia was a 3rd-century martyr venerated for her steadfast faith. Variations include Euphemia (English), Eufemia (Italian, Spanish), and Efimia (Eastern European). While relatively uncommon in modern English-speaking countries, it maintains popularity in parts of Europe, particularly Italy and Greece. The name combines classical heritage with a melodious quality, offering nicknames like Effie, Femie, or Mia.
  7. Eugenia
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Eugene, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "wellborn, noble"
    • Description:

      Eugenia, a name scarcely used at all since the 1980's, is another that flourished a century ago and could be due for a revival.
  8. Eva
    • Origin:

      Latin form of Eve, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "life"
    • Description:

      Eva is a simple, classic Hebrew name for girls that recently slipped out of the US Top 100 for the first time in more than a decade. Pronounced either like her more popular sister Ava or less popular sister Eve, Eva is one of the elite group of girl names that mean life.
  9. Evelina
    • Origin:

      English from French
    • Meaning:

      "desired; or water, island"
    • Description:

      A popular name in the Middle Ages, Evelina was eclipsed by Evelyn in the last century, but has a chance at a well-deserved comeback now, fitting right in with the other Ev-names. Like Evelyn, it derives from the Norman name Aveline.
  10. Edouardo
    • Fabiana
      • Origin:

        Italian and Spanish feminine variation of Fabian
      • Meaning:

        "bean grower"
      • Description:

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

        Italian form of the Latin family name Fabricius
      • Meaning:

        "craftsman"
      • Description:

        Romantic Italian choice.
    • Febe
      • Description:

        Febe is primarily a feminine name derived from the Greek name Phoebe (Φοίβη), meaning "bright" or "pure." In Greek mythology, Phoebe was a Titaness associated with the moon and prophecy, and the name was later mentioned in the New Testament as a Christian woman in the early church. Febe represents the spelling used in several European languages, including Italian, Spanish, and Dutch, where the 'ph' in Phoebe is replaced with 'f' following local phonetic patterns. While less common than the Phoebe spelling in English-speaking countries, Febe offers a simplified, international variation with the same classical origins. The name has a gentle, flowing quality with its two syllables and soft consonants.

    • Filippa
      • Description:

        Filippa is the feminine form of Philip, derived from the Greek name Philippos meaning 'lover of horses.' This elegant name has been used throughout Europe for centuries, particularly in Scandinavian countries, Italy, and Greece. While less common than the masculine Philip or feminine Philippa in English-speaking regions, Filippa offers a softer, more distinctly feminine sound with its ending in 'a.' The name carries connotations of nobility and classical heritage, as it has been borne by various historical figures and royalty across Europe. Filippa represents a beautiful option for parents seeking a name with historical depth and international recognition that still remains relatively uncommon and distinctive in many Western countries.
    • Filomena
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Meaning:

        "lover of singing"
      • Description:

        See PHILOMENA.
    • Fiorella
      • Origin:

        Italian
      • Meaning:

        "little flower"
      • Description:

        Not only are individual flower names more popular (and out-there) than ever, but so too are the more generic names like Florence and Flora. While brother name Fiorello became known via long-term New York Mayor LaGuardia, the lovely Fiorella has never crossed cultures. She could join Arabella as a post-Isabella ella choice.
    • Flavia
      • Origin:

        Latin
      • Meaning:

        "golden, blond"
      • Description:

        An ancient Roman clan name, Flavia is one choice that's unusual but historic. Now a Top 60 name in Italy, Flavia has been a rarity in the US, but with the upswing in F names for girls, this could change. Seen more in literature than real life, Flavia was used as far back as an1580 romance, then in a William Dean Howells novel and as a Princess in The Prisoner of Zenda. Although the original pronunciation is FLAH-via, Flavie (as in flavor) could make a cute nickname.
    • Flora
      • Origin:

        Latin
      • Meaning:

        "flower"
      • Description:

        Flora, the name of the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, who enjoyed eternal youth, is one of the gently old-fashioned girls' flower names we think is due for a comeback— alongside cousins Cora and Dora. Florence, Fiorella, Fleur, and Flower are translations, but we like Flora best of all.
    • Francesca
      • Origin:

        Italian variation of Frances, Latin
      • Meaning:

        "from France or free man"
      • Description:

        Francesca is a lighter and much more feminine choice than the classic Frances, and one that is increasingly popular with upscale parents.
    • Gabriele
      • Description:

        Gabriele is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, derived from the name Gabriel, which means 'God is my strength' or 'God's able-bodied one.' While Gabriel is common in English-speaking countries, Gabriele represents the traditional Italian, German, and Central European masculine form. In Italy particularly, Gabriele has maintained consistent popularity for boys. The name carries historical significance through notable bearers like Italian poet Gabriele D'Annunzio. Internationally, the pronunciation varies slightly, typically 'gah-bree-EH-leh' in Italian and 'gah-bree-EH-luh' in German contexts. Gabriele offers a sophisticated European alternative to Gabriel while maintaining the same powerful meaning and biblical connection to the archangel Gabriel, messenger of God.