Italy is a state of Southern Europe, located in the center of the Mediterranean and occupying the Apennine Peninsula, the Balkan Peninsula (a small part), the Padana Plain, the southern slopes of the Alps, the islands of Sicily, Sardinia, and a number of small islands. This is a country that, along with France and Spain, is the center of international tourism, with more than 50 million people visiting its cities and resorts every year.
Having amazing culture and art, a complex history, a warm climate, tasty and authentic cuisine, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe, Italy is one of the most unique countries in the world.
In terms of population, Italy ranks fourth in the European Union. Over 90% of the population are Italians. Large diasporas: Romanians, immigrants from North Africa, Albanians. The official language is Italian. German is also spoken in Bolzano and South Tyrol, Slovenian in Trieste, and French in Aosta.
Most Italian names appeared in the era of Ancient Rome, and their meanings contained the distinctive features of a person. For example, Flavio in Latin means “blonde”, and Luca means “who came from Lucania”. Some names were borrowed from the myths of Hellas (Elena, Ippolito), others came from the titles of their masters: Marquis, Tessa (countess), Regina (queen). The expansion of the Roman Empire enriched the name books with the names of the Franks and Normans, which were pronounced in the usual way: Arduino, Ruggiero, Teobaldo.
In the era of early Christianity, Jewish and Arabic names were also quite common.
The heyday of the Inquisition led to the fact that “barbarian” names were banned. Children began to be named according to strictly established traditions. Firstly, the names were chosen only from the Catholic calendar. Secondly, there was a whole “hierarchy” of names. The first son received the name of his paternal grandfather, the second received the maternal grandfather’s name, the third received the name of his father, and the fourth received the name of his paternal great-grandfather. Names were also inherited through the female line. Moreover, if the first-born was called not by the name of the grandfather, but by the saint, then the second “out of turn” was given the name of the father. This tradition has been preserved in many Italian families to this day.
It is clear that, with such a naming system, the same names will be repeated from generation to generation. To avoid confusion and to indicate the individuality of the bearer of the name, numerous derived names appeared. Antonio – Antonello and Antonino, Antonella and Antonina. Katerina – Katrinella. Giovanna – Giovanella, Ianella and Gianella etc. Short forms of names became independent: Cola (Nicola), Toro (Salvatore), Minico (Domenico).
The above information is why Italian names have so many variations.
Obviously, many modern Italians still adhere to the Catholic faith, and the procedure of baptism is of great importance. The Catholic Church advises giving a Christian nickname to the baby. That is, the name that is in the holy calendar. If a young family wishes to name a child with a name that is not in the Catholic calendar, then the name of a saint can be added to it. For example: Giada Macdalena, Aida Maria. Unlike the laws in force in the country, church rules allow you to name the child any number of names and each of them will be indicated in the certificate that is issued after baptism. However, a maximum of 3 names are allowed on the birth document. Therefore it is common that, when in the family circle, a person is called not by the nickname indicated in the passport, but by the name given at baptism.
However, despite the traditions, it is difficult for expressive Italians to stay within these strict limits. Modern parents increasingly prefer to call their children names taken from the culture of other peoples: Kelvin, Danilo, Martina, Anwar, Miriam.
Now it is also fashionable to name children in the Italian manner. And we love this trend too, because these names are so beautiful! But, when giving a child a name, one should not forget about its semantic load and history. Let’s try to help you today!
It is interesting that, in the past, in Italy the first son used to be named after his grandfather on his father’s side. The second was also given the name of the grandfather, but on the mother’s side. Then each next son was named after his father or another close male relative. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that the family tree of one family often includes ten Paolos, eight Francescos, and twelve Marcellos.
But, the selection of names is really big to choose from, so you can definitely find something original!
Italian Boy Names With Greek And Latin Origins
In this list, you will see how many Italian names have Antiq roots, connections with Greek and Roman culture and history.
Oleksandr (Ukrainian), Aleksandr (Russian), Alexandr (German), Alejandro (Spanish)
Interesting Facts:
This is the Spanish version of the name Alexander. In Greek mythology, this was one of Paris’ other names, and this name is also shared by several characters in the New Testament. However, as most people know, the most famous bearer of this name was Alexander the Great who was the king of Macedon who built an empire out of Greece, Egypt, Persia, and parts of India in the 4th century.
In the early 4th century, Saint Damiano (Damian) was martyred along with his twin brother Cosmas in Syria. They are the patron saints of physicians.
Famous Persons:
Damiano David is the frontman of the rock band Måneskin.
10. Demetrio
How to pronounce:
deh-MEH-tryo
Origin:
Ancient Greek Δημήτριος
Meaning:
Dedicated to Demeter goddess
Female version of the name:
Demetria
Alternative spelling:
Mimmo, Mimmino, Mimì, Demy, Demi
Variations in other languages:
Dmitriy (russian), Dmytro (Ukrainian)
Interesting Facts:
In Greek mythology, Demeter, the daughter of Cronus, the sister of Zeus, and the mother of Persephone, was the goddess of agriculture and one of the original 12 Olympians.
Famous Persons:
Demetrio Albertini, a former Italian footballer, is now a sports manager.
11. Disma
How to pronounce:
DEES-ma
Origin:
Ancient Greek Δυσμάς
Meaning:
Sunset
Interesting Facts:
This was the name of the repentant thief who was crucified beside Jesus.
Famous Persons:
Disma Fumagalli was an Italian music teacher and composer.
12. Egisto
How to pronounce:
eh-GEES-to
Origin:
Ancient Greek Αίγισθος
Meaning:
Raised on goat’s milk
Alternative spelling:
Gisto, Egistino, Egistuccio
Interesting Facts:
In Greek mythology, Egisto (Aegisthus), the son of Thyestes and Pelopia, was Clytemnestra’s lover.
Famous Persons:
Egisto Pandolfini was a footballer from Italy who played in the midfield position.
This is an Italian form of Hercules. In Greek and Roman mythology, Hercules was the son of Zeus and the mortal woman Alcmene. After being driven insane by Hera and killing his own wife and children, he had to perform twelve labors to atone for his crime and become immortal.
Famous Persons:
Ercole Gallegati was a wrestler who later became a wrestling coach.
This is an Italian version of Hector. In Greek myth, Hector was one of the Trojans who fought against the Greeks in the Trojan War. After he killed Patroclus, Achilles’ dear friend, in battle, Achilles brutally killed him before tying his body to a chariot and dragging it around the city. In Arthurian legends, this name is borne by King Arthur’s foster father.
Famous Persons:
Ettore Bassi is a television presenter and actor.
15. Eugenio
How to pronounce:
ew-JEH-nyo
Origin:
Ancient Greek Εὐγένιος
Meaning:
Noble
Female version of the name:
Eugenia
Alternative spelling:
Eugeniuccio, Eugenietto, Genio, Gegio, Gegè, Gegi, Gegy, Eu
Variations in other languages:
Eugen (English), Eugène (French), Evgeniy (Russian), Evgen (Ukrainian)
Interesting Facts:
This name became widely used due to Prince Eugene of Savoy (1663-1736), a French-born general who served in the Austrian Empire.
Famous Persons:
Eugenio Montale was a recipient of the 1975 Nobel Prize in Literature [1].
This is an Italian variation of ‘Himeros’. Himeros was one of Aphrodite and Ares’ sons.
Famous Persons:
Imerio Cima is a cyclist from Italy.
20. Leandro
How to pronounce:
leh-AN-dro
Origin:
Ancient Greek Λέανδρο
Meaning:
Lion and man
Female version of the name:
Leandra
Alternative spelling:
Leandrino, Leandruccio, Leo
Variations in other languages:
Léandre (French)
Interesting Facts:
This is an Italian variation of ‘Leander’. According to Greek myth, Leander was Hero’s lover who swam across the Hellespont every night to see her. On one tragic night, a storm arose and he drowned and, when Hero saw he was dead, she threw herself in the water and drowned too.
This name was shared by Julius Caesar and his adopted son Julius Caesar Octavianus (who later changed his name to ‘Augustus’). They were both rulers of the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC.
Famous Persons:
Cesare Salvi acted as Minister of Labor and Social Security in Italy.
Saint Martin of Tours, a 4th-century bishop, was the patron saint of France. According to legend, in the middle of winter, he ripped his cloak in two and gave half of it to a cold beggar.
Famous Persons:
Martino Gamper, based in London, is an Italian designer.
Pavel (Russian), Pavlo (Ukrainian), Paul (English), Pablo (Spanish)
Interesting Facts:
The name is the Italian form of Paul. Paul was the name given to Saul of Tarsus, who wrote many of the epistles that form books of the New Testament, when he converted to Christianity.
Famous Persons:
Paolo Carosone is a painter and multimedia artist from Italy.
66. Patrizio
How to pronounce:
pa-TREET-tsyo
Origin:
Latin Patricius
Meaning:
Noble
Female version of the name:
Patrizia
Alternative spelling:
Patrizino, Patrizietto
Variations in other languages:
Patrick (English), Patricio (Spanish)
Interesting Facts:
This name is the Italian variation of ‘Patrick’.
Famous Persons:
Patrizio Franco Buanne is an Italian-Austrian baritone singer and producer.
Vittorio Brambilla was a Formula One racing driver from Italy.
Italian Names For Boys With Hebrew Origins
Many male Italian names have Hebrew or Biblical origins. You will find their meanings in this list below.
75. Abele
How to pronounce:
ah-BE-le
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew הֶבֶל
Meaning:
Breathe
Alternative spelling:
Abelino, Abeluccio, Lino, Linuccio
Variations in other languages:
Ábel (Hungarian), Abel (Portuguese)
Interesting Facts:
A variant of this name is borne by an important early figure of the Old Testament. A child of Adam and Eve, Abel is murdered by Cain, his brother, out of envy.
This name may be derived from the Hebrew word אדם meaning “to be red”, which refers to the ruddy color of human skin, or from the Akkadian word Adamu which means “to make”.
Daniil (Russian), Danylo (Ukrainian), Daniel (English)
Interesting Facts:
In The Book of Daniel, which takes place during the Babylonian captivity of the Jews, Daniel worked in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar and interpreted his dreams.
Famous Persons:
Daniele Giorgini is a tennis player from Italy.
82. Dario
How to pronounce:
DA-ryo
Origin:
Persian Dārayavahush
Meaning:
Possessing goodness
Female version of the name:
Daria
Alternative spelling:
Dariuccio, Darietto, Dariello, Dà
Variations in other languages:
Dariusz (Polish), Dariy (Russian)
Interesting Facts:
This name was borne by three different kings in ancient Persia, including Darius the Great.
Famous Persons:
Dario Cecchini is a famous Italian butcher from Panzano.
David was the greatest king of Israel, ruling in the 10th century BC. There are many stories about him in the New and old Testament, and it is believed that Jesus descended from him.
Famous Persons:
Davide Ancilotto was a basketball player from Italy.
84. Elia
How to pronounce:
eh-LEE-a
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew אֵלִיָּהוּ
Meaning:
My God is Yahweh
Variations in other languages:
Elijah (English), Ilya (Russian), Elias (Spanish)
Interesting Facts:
This was the name of one of the main Old Testament prophets. He is said to have been brought to heaven on a chariot of fire instead of dying. In the New Testament he appears, along with Moses, to Jesus.
Tommaso Bisagno was a politician and academic from Italy.
Italian Boys Names With Different Roots
In the following list of names, you will find names of various origins: Italian, Celtic, German, English and Norse. We believe you are sure to find something special here!
95. Abelardo
How to pronounce:
ah-be-LAR-doh
Origin:
Old German Adalhard
Meaning:
Noble and brave
Female version of the name:
Abelarda
Alternative spelling:
Abelarduccio
Famous Persons:
Abelardo Olivier was a fencer from Italy.
96. Accursio
How to pronounce:
ak-KOOR-syo
Origin:
Italian
Meaning:
Good and come to the rescue
Female version of the name:
Accursia
Alternative spelling:
Accurso, Accorsio, Accorso, Corso
Interesting Facts:
This is an independent shortened variation of ‘Bonaccursio’.
Famous Persons:
Accursio Bentivegna is a football player from Italy.
97. Adalberto
How to pronounce:
a-dal-BEHR-to
Origin:
Old German
Meaning:
Noble and bright
Female version of the name:
Adalberta
Alternative spelling:
Adelberto, Berto, Bertino, Bertuccio
Variations in other languages:
Albertas (Lithuanian)
Famous Persons:
Adalberto Libera is an important Italian Modern architect.
Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci was Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, engineer, scientist, and draftsman. He is considered to be one of the best artists of all time [13].
131. Luigi
How to pronounce:
loo-EE-jee
Origin:
Old German Chlodovech
Meaning:
Famous battle
Female version of the name:
Luigia
Alternative spelling:
Luigino, Gigio, Gigi, Gigetto, Gigino, Gino, Ginino, Ginetto, Gi, Lu
Variations in other languages:
Lewis (English), Lodewijk (Dutch)
Interesting Facts:
This is an Italian variation of ‘Louis’.
Famous Persons:
Luigi Scotti is a former magistrate, politician and jurist from Italy.
This name may come from the Old English name ‘Osgar’ or its Old Norse cognate ‘Ásgeirr’, which could have been brought by Viking invaders and settlers to Ireland.
Famous Persons:
Oscar Luigi Scalfaro was the former president of Italy.
Aldo Gucci, an Italian personality, was the chairman of Gucci from 1953 to 1986.
139. Ciro
How to pronounce:
CHEE-ro
Origin:
Ancient Greek Κύρος
Meaning:
Far-sighted
Female version of the name:
Cira
Alternative spelling:
Cirino, Ciretto, Ciruccio, Ciruzzo, Cì
Famous Persons:
Ciro Liguori is a rower from Italy.
140. Dino
How to pronounce:
DEE-no
Alternative spelling:
Dinetto, Dinuccio, Dinello
Interesting Facts:
This is an independent variation of names that end in -tino or -dino (e.g. Bernardino).
Famous Persons:
Dino Baggio is a former professional football player from Italy.
141. Elio
How to pronounce:
EH-lyo
Origin:
Ancient Greek ἥλιος
Meaning:
The sun
Alternative spelling:
Eliuccio, Elietto
Interesting Facts:
This name was borne by the Greek sun god called Helios who rode across the sky each day in a chariot pulled by four horses.
Famous Persons:
Elio Carletti was an impressionist artist from Italy.
142. Enzo
How to pronounce:
EHN-tso
Origin:
Old German
Meaning:
Uncertain
Female version of the name:
Enza
Alternative spelling:
Enzio, Enzino, Zinetto, Zino, Zinino, Zinuccio
Interesting Facts:
In contemporary times, this is also used as a short version of names ending in enzo, including Vincenzo or Lorenzo.
Famous Persons:
Enzo Benedetto was a painter from Italy.
143. Febo
How to pronounce:
FE-bo
Origin:
Ancient Greek Φοῖβος
Meaning:
Clear, bright
Famous Persons:
Febo Conti was a radio and television host from Italy.
144. Ivo
How to pronounce:
EE-vo
Origin:
Old German
Meaning:
Yew
Female version of the name:
Iwa
Alternative spelling:
Ivetto
Interesting Facts:
Some suggest this name may originate from a cognate Celtic element.
Famous Persons:
Ivo Pannaggi was a painter from Italy.
145. Luca
How to pronounce:
LOO-ka
Origin:
Latin Lux
Meaning:
Light
Female version of the name:
Luce
Alternative spelling:
Lu, Luchino, Luchetto
Variations in other languages:
Luke (English)
Interesting Facts:
Luca, a doctor, traveled with the apostle Paul. It is believed that he was the author of the third gospel and Acts in the New Testament.
Famous Persons:
Luca Romagnoli is a politician from Italy.
146. Orso
How to pronounce:
OR-so
Origin:
Latin Ursus
Meaning:
Bear
Female version of the name:
Orsetta
Alternative spelling:
Orsetto, Orsino, Orsuccio
Famous Persons:
Orso Maria Guerrini is a stage, film, voice, and television actor from Italy.
147. Pino
How to pronounce:
PEE-no
Female version of the name:
Pina
Alternative spelling:
Pinuccio, Pinetto, Pinello
Interesting Facts:
This is an independent and shortened form of names ending in pino (Filippino, Jacoppino).
Famous Persons:
Pino Daniele was a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Italy.
148. Rino
How to pronounce:
REE-no
Female version of the name:
Rina
Alternative spelling:
Rinuccio, Rinello, Rinetto, Rinuccino
Interesting Facts:
Independent and shortened version of names ending in rino (Gennarino, Prosperino).
Famous Persons:
Rino Genovese was a film actor from Italy.
149. Rocco
How to pronounce:
RAWK-ko
Origin:
Old German Hrok
Meaning:
Rest
Alternative spelling:
Rocchino, Rocchetto
Famous Persons:
Rocco Granata is an Italian-Belgian singer and accordionist.
150. Tito
How to pronounce:
TEE-to
Origin:
Latin Titus
Meaning:
Title of honor
Alternative spelling:
Tituccio, Titino
Interesting Facts:
As this name was borne by the legendary Sabine king Titus Tatius, it likely has Oscan origins.
Famous Persons:
Tito Gobbi was an operatic baritone from Italy.
Top 125 Italian Names For Girls
In earlier times, when naming a newborn baby, they followed strict rules. The main rules were as follows: the first child inherits the name of a grandfather or grandmother, and all subsequent ones are named after great-grandmothers and uncles and aunts. Thus, the Italians sought to preserve the memory of their ancestors in each clan, and expressed their respect for family ties.
Let’s try to understand this custom a bit better. So, the first daughter receives the name of her paternal grandmother. The second one gets the name of the grandmother’s mother. The third daughter is named after her mother, and the fourth is named after her father’s grandmother. The fifth daughter gets the name of her aunt or great-aunt. The custom continues to this day.
Although the above reveals interesting facts about Italian culture, it’s good that we don’t have to follow tradition. We can simply be inspired by beautiful Italy and choose the best name for our child.
Italian Girl Names With Greek And Latin Origin
Ancient Greece and Roman history and mythology inspired many beautiful female names in Italy. In the list below, you will find many Greek- and Latin-inspired baby names for girls.
Saint Agatha was a 3rd-century martyr from Sicily who was widely revered in the Middle Ages. She was tortured and killed after rejecting a Roman official’s advances.
Famous Persons:
Agata Balsamo is a former long-distance runner from Italy.
Angela Baraldi is an actress and rock singer from Italy.
5. Argia
How to pronounce:
AR-gee-ia
Origin:
Ancient Greek Ἀργεία
Meaning:
Bright, shining
Alternative spelling:
Argea
Interesting Facts:
In Greek mythology, this name was borne by several characters. It was also an epithet of Hera.
Famous Persons:
Argia Valeria Albanese is a politician from Italy.
6. Arianna
How to pronounce:
a-RYAN-na
Origin:
Ancient Greek Ἀριάδνη
Meaning:
Most holy
Alternative spelling:
Ariannetta, Ariannina, Ariannuccia, Ari, Ary
Variations in other languages:
Ariadna (Polish), Ariane (French)
Interesting Facts:
This was the name of the daughter of King Minos in Greek mythology. She helped the hero Theseus escape the labyrinth.
Famous Persons:
Arianna Martina Bergamaschi (known as ‘Arianna’) is a singer, stage actress and television presenter from Italy.
7. Barbara
How to pronounce:
BAR-ba-ra
Origin:
Ancient Greek Βαρβάρα
Meaning:
Foreign
Male version of the name:
Barbaro
Alternative spelling:
Barbarella, Barberina, Barbarina, Barbaruccia, Barbi, Babi, Ba
Variations in other languages:
Varvara (Russian)
Interesting Facts:
Saint Barbara is the patron of architects, stonemasons, geologists, and artillerymen. According to legend, she was murdered by her father Dioscorus, who was then struck and killed by a bolt of lightning.
Famous Persons:
Barbara Frittoli is an operatic soprano from Italy.
8. Cassandra
How to pronounce:
ka-SAN-dra
Origin:
Ancient Greek Κασσάνδρα
Meaning:
To excel, to shine
Interesting Facts:
In Greek mythology, Cassandra, the daughter of Priam and Hecuba, was a Trojan princess who was granted the gift of prophecy by Apollo. However, when she rejected him, he cursed her so nobody would believe her prophecies.
Famous Persons:
Cassandra Raffaele is a singer-songwriter from Italy.
9. Cinzia
How to pronounce:
SEEN-zee-a
Origin:
Ancient Greek Κυνθία
Meaning:
Woman from Kynthos
Alternative spelling:
Cinzina, Cinziella, Cinzietta, Ci
Variations in other languages:
Cynthia (English)
Interesting Facts:
This was an epithet of Artemis, the Greek goddess of the moon.
Famous Persons:
Cinzia Giorgio is a writer from Italy.
10. Damiana
How to pronounce:
da-MYA-na
Origin:
Ancient Greek Δαμιανός
Meaning:
Humble, subdue
Male version of the name:
Damiano
Alternative spelling:
Dami, Damy, Damianuccia, Damianina
Variations in other languages:
Damjana (Serbian)
Famous Persons:
Damiana Deiana is a former football player from Italy.
11. Diana
How to pronounce:
DYA-na
Origin:
Ancient Greek Διός
Meaning:
Shining, bright
Alternative spelling:
Dianuccia, Dianella, Dianetta, Dì, Didi, Didy, Diddi, Diddy, Dià, Dina
Variations in other languages:
Diane (German)
Interesting Facts:
In Roman mythology, Diana is the goddess of the hunt, the moon and childbirth, and is the protector of women.
Famous Persons:
Diana Bracco de Silva is an entrepreneur and business executive from Italy.
Although the name’s meaning is uncertain, it could have roots in the Greek θέρος (theros) which means “summer”, θερίζω (therizo) which means “to harvest”, or in the Greek island of Therasia.
Two Roman settlements were called ‘Hadria’, one being an important Estruscan port town in northern Italy. A second settlement in central Italy, as well as the Adriatic sea, was also named after the northern town.
Famous Persons:
Adriana Bisi Fabbri was a painter from Italy [16].
Camila Giorgi, currently the Italian No. 1, is a professional tennis player from Italy.
34. Carina
How to pronounce:
ka-REE-na
Origin:
Latin Carino
Meaning:
Dear, beloved
Male version of the name:
Carino
Alternative spelling:
Rina, Rinella, Rinuccia, Rinetta
Variations in other languages:
Carine (French)
Interesting Facts:
This name means “keel” in Latin, which is referring to a section of Jason’s ship the Argo. Additionally, it is the name of a constellation in the southern sky.
Famous Persons:
Carina Susana Vitulano is a former football referee from Italy.
The Sabines, an ancient people, lived in Italy until their lands were eventually taken by the Romans. Some Sabine women who were abducted were eventually able to make peace between the two groups.
Famous Persons:
Sabina Guzzanti is an Italian actress, producer, writer, and satirist.
66. Sabrina
How to pronounce:
sa-BREE-na
Origin:
Latin Habren
Meaning:
River Severn
Alternative spelling:
Sabrinetta, Sabrinuccia, Sabri, Sabry, Sa, Brina, Rina, Rinuccia, Rinetta, Rinella
Interesting Facts:
This is the Latinized variation of the Welsh name of the River Severn.
Famous Persons:
Sabrina Debora Salerno, known as ‘Sabrina’, is a singer-songwriter, model, television presenter, actress and record producer from Italy.
67. Silvia
How to pronounce:
SEEL-vya
Origin:
Latin Silva
Meaning:
Forest
Male version of the name:
Silvio
Alternative spelling:
Silvina, Silvietta, Silviuccia, Silvi, Silvy
Interesting Facts:
In Roman mythology, Rhea Silvia was the name of legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.
Raffaella Maria Roberta Pelloni was an Italian television presenter, actress, dancer, model, and singer.
Italian Girls Names With Different Roots
The following Italian girl names have complex, diverse, and beautiful meanings. Among them are traditional Italian names, as well as names of German, Norse, French and other origins.
82. Adalgisa
How to pronounce:
a-dal-GEE-sa
Origin:
Old German Adalgisil
Meaning:
Noble and arrow
Male version of the name:
Adalgiso
Alternative spelling:
Adelcisa, Dalcisa, Dalgisa, Delcisa, Algisa, Adalgisina, Gisa, Gisina
Interesting Facts:
The name could be a shortened version of gisel, which means “hostage” or “pledge”.
Famous Persons:
Adalgisa Gabbi was an international Italian operatic soprano.
In the New Testament, Ana is a prophetess in the Temple who tells everyone Jesus will redeem Jerusalem.
Famous Persons:
Anna Maria Magnani was an actress from Italy.
113. Aura
How to pronounce:
OW-ra
Origin:
Ancient Greek αὔρα
Meaning:
Breeze
Alternative spelling:
Auretta, Aurina, Auruccia
Variations in other languages:
Avra (Greek)
Famous Persons:
Aura Rolenzetti is a model and actress from Italy.
114. Cloe
How to pronounce:
KLO-eh
Origin:
Ancient Greek Χλόη
Meaning:
Green shoot
Alternative spelling:
Cloë
Variations in other languages:
Chloe (English)
Interesting Facts:
This was a title of Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture.
Famous Persons:
Cloë Elmo, who was associated with the Italian repertory, was an operatic mezzo-soprano from Italy.
115. Dina
How to pronounce:
DEE-na
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew דִּינָה
Meaning:
Judged
Alternative spelling:
Dinetta, Dinuccia, Dinella
Variations in other languages:
Dinah (English)
Interesting Facts:
The daughter of Jacob and Leah, called Dina, was abducted by the Shechem.
Famous Persons:
Dina Barberini was a soprano and teacher from Italy.
116. Edda
How to pronounce:
EHD-da
Origin:
Old German
Meaning:
Battle and war
Alternative spelling:
Edduccia, Eddina, Edi, Edy, Eddi, Eddy
Variations in other languages:
Hedda (Swedish)
Famous Persons:
Edda Bresciani was an Egyptologist from Italy.
117. Eva
How to pronounce:
E-va
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew חַוָּה
Meaning:
Life
Alternative spelling:
Evuccia, Evi, Evy
Variations in other languages:
Eve (English)
Interesting Facts:
Eve is the first female name referred to in the Bible as she was the first woman.
Famous Persons:
Eva Riccobono is a television presenter, actress, and model from Italy.
118. Ida
How to pronounce:
EE-da
Origin:
Old German It
Meaning:
Diligent, industrious
Alternative spelling:
Idina, Iducci
Variations in other languages:
Iida (Finnish)
Famous Persons:
Ida Di Benedetto is an Italian film producer and actress.
119. Irma
How to pronounce:
EER-ma
Origin:
Old German Ermen
Meaning:
Whole, universal
Alternative spelling:
Irmina, Irmuccia
Interesting Facts:
This name came into common use during the 19th century in the English-speaking world.
Famous Persons:
Irma Capece Minutolo is a former operatic singer.
120. Iva
How to pronounce:
EE-va
Origin:
Old German
Meaning:
Yew
Male version of the name:
Ivo
Alternative spelling:
Ivetta
Famous Persons:
Iva Zanicchi is a politician and pop singer from Italy.
121. Lea
How to pronounce:
LE-a
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew לָאָה
Meaning:
Weary
Alternative spelling:
Lia, Lietta
Variations in other languages:
Leah (English)
Interesting Facts:
Lea is a biblical figure who was the first wife of Jacob. Of her children, six of her sons came to be leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel.
Famous Persons:
Lea Pericoli is a former tennis player and current journalist and television presenter.
122. Nilla
How to pronounce:
NIL-la
Alternative spelling:
Nillina, Nilluccia
Interesting Facts:
This is an independent form of the nicknames used for names that end in -nilla, such asPetronilla.
Famous Persons:
Nilla Pizzi was an Italian actress and singer.
123. Pia
How to pronounce:
PEE-a
Origin:
Latin Pius
Meaning:
Pious, dutiful
Male version of the name:
Pio
Famous Persons:
Pia Pera was an Italian essayist, translator, and novelist.
124. Pina
How to pronounce:
PEE-na
Male version of the name:
Pino
Alternative spelling:
Pinuccia, Pinella, Pinetta
Interesting Facts:
This name is an independent form of the nicknames used for various female names that end in pina.
Famous Persons:
Pina Renzi was a film actress from Italy.
125. Sara
How to pronounce:
SA-ra
Origin:
Ancient Hebrew שָׂרָה
Meaning:
Noblewoman
Alternative spelling:
Sarina, Saretta, Saruccia
Variations in other languages:
Sarah (English)
Interesting Facts:
In the Old Testament, ‘Sara’ was the name of Abraham’s wife. She is believed to be the matriarch of the Jewish people.
Famous Persons:
Sara Simeoni is a former high jumper from Italy.
Bottom Line
What makes Italian names so unique? We believe it’s the fact that almost all Italian names end in a vowel, making them sound pleasing to the ear, or the fact that they all have unique origins which all capture a particular essence of Italy.
