If you’re looking for a name that is classic, timeless, and full of personality, then an Italian name may be the perfect choice.
With its rich cultural history and beautiful language, Italy has given the world many names that have stood the test of time.
From romantic and poetic names to strong and powerful ones, there is no shortage of options to choose from.
In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and unique Italian names for boys and girls and their meanings, to help you find the perfect name for your little one.
Classic Italian Names for Boys: Timeless Options
Classic Italian names are a great choice, as they provide a sense of tradition and timelessness that is both charming and unique.
With their rich cultural heritage and historical significance, Italian names for boys have stood the test of time and remain popular choices for parents all over the world, offering a range of options that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also imbued with deep meaning and cultural significance.
- Alessandro – Defender of mankind
- Angelo – Angel or messenger
- Antonio – Worthy of praise
- Augusto – Majestic or venerable
- Carlo – Strong
- Cesare – Hairy or long-haired
- Claudio – Lame
- Cosimo – Order or harmony
- Cristiano – Follower of Christ
- Dante – Enduring
- Davide – Beloved
- Dino – Little sword or spear
- Elio – Sun
- Emilio – Rival
- Enrico – Home ruler
- Fabio – Bean grower
- Fausto – Lucky or auspicious
- Federico – Peaceful ruler
- Filippo – Lover of horses
- Francesco – Free or from France
- Gabriele – God is my strength
- Gino – Short for names ending in “gino” or “gina”
- Giorgio – Farmer or earthworker
- Giovanni – God is gracious
- Giulio – Youthful
- Guido – Guide
- Ignazio – Fiery
- Ivo – Yew wood
- Jacopo – Supplanter
- Leonardo – Brave lion
- Lorenzo – Laurel-crowned
- Luca – Bringer of light
- Ludovico – Famous warrior
- Marco – Warlike
- Mario – Of Mars or warlike
- Martino – Warlike
- Massimo – Greatest
- Mattia – Gift of God
- Mauro – Dark-skinned
- Michele – Who is like God?
- Niccolò – Victory of the people
- Nino – God is gracious
- Paolo – Small or humble
- Pasquale – Born on Easter
- Pietro – Rock or stone
- Raffaele – God has healed
- Renato – Born again
- Riccardo – Strong ruler
- Roberto – Bright fame
- Rocco – Rest
- Romano – Of Rome
- Salvatore – Savior
- Samuele – Heard by God
- Sergio – Servant or attendant
- Simone – He has heard
- Stefano – Crown or wreath
- Tiberio – Of the Tiber River
- Tommaso – Twin
- Ugo – Mind, spirit or heart
- Valentino – Brave or strong
- Vincenzo – Conquering
- Vittorio – Victor
- Walter – Ruler of the army
- William – Will or desire
- Xanto – Blond or yellow-haired
- Zenone – Of Zeus
- Zeno – Born of Zeus
- Zaccaria – God has remembered
- Zefiro – West wind
- Zenoardo – Strong and bold
- Zosimo – Vital or full of life
- Zucchero – Sugar
- Zuliano – Youthful or young at heart
- Zanobi – Gift from God
- Zefirino – Like the west wind
Popular Italian Names for Girls: Romantic and Poetic Choices
Italian names for girls are often associated with beauty, romance, and elegance, and the most popular Italian names for girls capture this essence perfectly.
With their soft and melodic sounds, Italian names for girls are perfect for parents who want a name that is not only beautiful, but also evocative of Italian art, music, and culture.
- Alessia – Defender or helper
- Alba – Sunrise or dawn
- Alberta – Noble or bright
- Alessandra – Defender of mankind
- Amalia – Hardworking or industrious
- Ambra – Amber
- Anna – Gracious or full of grace
- Antonella – Worthy of praise
- Arianna – Holy or pure
- Aurora – Dawn or daybreak
- Beatrice – Bringer of joy
- Benedetta – Blessed
- Bianca – White or fair
- Camilla – Helper or attendant
- Carlotta – Free woman
- Caterina – Pure or clear
- Celeste – Heavenly or of the sky
- Chiara – Bright or clear
- Cinzia – Moon
- Clara – Clear or bright
- Claudia – Lame
- Costanza – Constant or steadfast
- Cristiana – Follower of Christ
- Daniela – God is my judge
- Daria – Rich or kingly
- Diana – Divine or heavenly
- Donatella – Given or bestowed
- Elettra – Shining or bright
- Elena – Bright or shining light
- Elisa – God is my oath
- Elisabetta – God is my oath
- Emilia – Rival or laborious
- Enrica – Ruler of the home
- Erica – Eternal ruler
- Esmeralda – Emerald
- Federica – Peaceful ruler
- Fiorella – Little flower
- Flaminia – Flame or fire
- Francesca – Free or from France
- Gabriella – God is my strength
- Gemma – Precious stone or jewel
- Genoveffa – Woman of race or tribe
- Ginevra – Fair or white
- Giorgia – Farmer or earthworker
- Giovanna – God is gracious
- Giulia – Youthful or downy
- Greta – Pearl
- Ileana – Torch of light
- Ilaria – Cheerful or joyful
- Isabella – God is my oath
- Iside – Isis, an ancient Egyptian goddess
- Jasmine – Jasmine flower
- Laura – Laurel or bay leaf
- Lavinia – Purity or woman of Rome
- Letizia – Joy or happiness
- Lia – Weary or tired
- Liliana – Lily
- Livia – Blue or envious
- Luana – Graceful or feminine
- Lucia – Light or shining
- Ludovica – Famous warrior
- Maddalena – Magdalene or from Magdala
- Margherita – Pearl or daisy
- Maria – Bitter or beloved
- Marika – Sea of bitterness or sorrow
- Martina – Of Mars, the Roman god of war
- Matilde – Battle-mighty
- Michela – Who is like God?
- Micol – Who is like God?
- Miriam – Wished for child
- Monica – Advisor or counselor
- Nadia – Hope or desire
- Nicoletta – Victory of the people
- Paola – Small or humble
- Silvia – Forest or woods
Conclusion
Choosing an Italian name for your baby is a wonderful way to honor the rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions of Italy.
Whether you opt for a classic name steeped in history, or a more modern name with a nod to Italian culture, there is no shortage of options when it comes to selecting an Italian name for your little one.
From romantic and poetic names for girls, to strong and meaningful names for boys, Italian names offer a range of choices that are both stylish and full of character.
So, whether you have Italian roots, a love for Italian culture, or simply appreciate the beauty of Italian names, take inspiration from the lists of classic and popular Italian names, and choose a name that you and your baby will love for years to come.