Italian Folktale Names

The Italian variation of the celestial, 70s-favorite Angela, with a slightly different sound that might make it feel far more distinctive in to American ears.

Everything ella, from Ella to Bella to Arabella, is red hot right now. Bella is one of the most, well, beautiful girl names starting with B. It carried a hint of a nice Old World grandmotherly veneer, until it became attached to Twilight's Bella Swan.

Bellinda is a feminine name of Italian and Spanish origin, serving as a variation of the more common Belinda. The name derives from elements meaning 'beautiful' or 'pretty,' reflecting its aesthetic appeal. Historically, Bellinda gained recognition through literature and mythology, though it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name has a romantic, melodic quality with its soft consonants and flowing rhythm. While never reaching widespread popularity, Bellinda has maintained consistent usage among families seeking a classically feminine name with a distinctive spelling. The additional 'l' gives this variation a unique touch while preserving the elegant essence of its root form.

A modern version of the dated Betty. You might want to consider varying Elizabeth, too, to the Italian Elisabetta.

Calvino is a masculine name of Italian origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Calvo or deriving from the Latin name Calvinus, meaning 'bald.' The name gained literary recognition through renowned Italian author Italo Calvino. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it enjoys more usage in Italy and some Spanish-speaking regions. Calvino combines classical roots with a melodious Italian flair, characterized by its flowing three-syllable structure and distinctive '-ino' ending. The name carries an intellectual, artistic association due to its literary connection, appealing to parents seeking a sophisticated name with European heritage and cultural depth.