The Top 100 Attractive & Popular Italian Baby Names & Their Meanings

Overview

Italian names are filled with traditions and are often related to Christianity. Many Italian families choose to name their babies after patron saints.

Most Italian families also follow the tradition of naming their children after grandparents to honor their ancestry. A child’s first name is usually after a paternal grandparent, while the second name honors a maternal grandparent.

So, it’s not surprising that Italians have long names or are named after saints.

Do you want to pick an Italian name for your baby? You’ll find our top 100 popular baby names for boys and girls below.

What Is A Good Italian Boy Name?

Many Italian baby names have Latin origins or are Latinized versions of common names from other languages. There are also many with German, Greek, or Roman influences.

The following are our top choices for Italian baby names, with meanings to help you pick the best one for your little boy:

Abramo

• Origin: Hebrew and Italian

• Meaning: Father of many or the father of nations

• Variations/Synonyms: Abraham and Abram

• Description: It’s the Italian version of “Abraham.”

• According to biblical accounts, Abraham is the father of many nations, not just Israel. Although he’s famous for being the father of Isaac and Ishmael, he actually had six other sons with his second wife or concubine, Keturah, whom he married after his first wife’s death.

Alberto

• Origin: Italian, Old German, Portuguese, and Spanish

• Meaning: Noble, bright, and famous

• Variations/Synonyms: Albert, Albertico, Albertito, Adalbert, and Albertus

• Description: It’s the Italian form of “Albert.”

What Is A Good Italian Boy Name? Alessandro

• Origin: Latin, Greek, and Italian

• Meaning: Defender of humankind

• Variations/Synonyms: Alex, Sandro, Alejandro, Alexander, and Alexandros

• Description: It’s the Italian form of “Alexander.”

• St. Alexander is the patron saint of Bergamo, Italy.

Alessio

• Origin: Italian, Greek, and Latin

• Meaning: Defender

• Variations/Synonyms: Alexis, Alexius, Alexei, and Alexios

• Description: It’s the Italian form of “Alexis.”

• St. Alessio Falconieri was one of the founders of the Servite Order, wherein the monks live under a vow of poverty and penance. Notably, he belonged to a rich family in Florence, Italy, before becoming a monk.

Andrea

• Origin: Greek and Italian

• Meaning: Force, courage, and bravery

• Variations/Synonyms: Andre, Andreas, Andrew, and Andrei

• Description: It’s the Italian form of “Andrew.”

• St. Andreas or St. Andrew was one of Jesus’ apostles.

Angelo

• Origin: Italian and Latin

• Meaning: Angel or messenger from God

• Variations/Synonyms: Angel, Anjel, Angiolo, and Angelus

• Description: St. Angelo of Jerusalem was born Jewish but converted to Catholicism and later became a saint.

Antonio

• Origin: Etruscan (an ancient civilization in Italy), Latin, Roman, and Italian

• Meaning: Priceless

• Variations/Synonyms: Anthony, Tony, Anton, Antoni, and Antony

• Description: It started as an Ancient Roman family name but later became popular as a given name for boys.

Brando

• Origin: Italian, Old Norse, German, and Old English

• Meaning: Brilliant raven or fiery torch

• Variations/Synonyms: Brandon and Brant

• Description: It can also mean “sword” or beacon.”

Carmine

• Origin: Latin, Aramaic (an ancient region in Syria), and Italian

• Meaning: Crimson or purplish-red

• Variations/Synonyms: Carmin, Carmelo, Carmen, and Karmin

• Description: “Carmine” is a unisex name but is usually considered a boy’s name in Italy.

Cosimo

• Origin: Greek and Italian

• Meaning: Order and decency

• Variations/Synonyms: Cosmo, Cosma, Cosmas, and Kosmas

• Description: St. Cosmas and his twin brother St. Damian are the patron saints of physicians.

Cristiano

• Origin: Latin and Italian

• Meaning: Follower of Christ

• Variations/Synonyms: Christian, Christiano, Cristo, Crispino, and Kristan

• Description: It comes from the Latin name “Christianus” (follower of Christ).

Dante

• Origin: Latin and Italian

• Meaning: Long-lasting and enduring

• Variations/Synonyms: Durant and Durante

• Description: It comes from the Italian family name “Durante.”

Davide

• Origin: Hebrew and Italian

• Meaning: Beloved

• Variations/Synonyms: David, Dave, Davey, Davie, and Davy

• Description: It’s the Italian version of “David.”

• King David was one of the most famous people with this name. He’s considered an ancestor of Jesus. He’s also the writer of the Psalms in the Bible and was one of the best kings of Israel.

Diego

• Origin: Spanish, Greek, Italian, and Latin

• Meaning: Doctrine or teaching

• Variations/Synonyms: Santiago and Sandiego

• Description: It comes from the ancient Greek word “didakhḗ” (instruction or teaching).

Domenico

• Origin: Latin and Italian

• Meaning: The Lord’s day

• Variations/Synonyms: Domingo, Domenic, Domenick, Dominik, and Dominic

• Description: It’s the Italian version of “Dominic.”

• This name is traditionally picked for children born on a Sunday because it’s considered as “the Lord’s day.”

Edoardo

• Origin: Italian, Old English, and Anglo-Saxon

• Meaning: Rich guardian

• Variations/Synonyms: Edward, Eduardo, and Ed

• Description: It comes from the Anglo-Saxon name “Eadweard.”

Elia

• Origin: Hebrew and Italian

• Meaning: God has answered

• Variations/Synonyms: Elijah, Eliya, Elias, Ilias, and Eli

• Description: This name is the unisex version of “Eliana” and “Elijah.”

Emanuele

• Origin: Hebrew and Italian

• Meaning: God is with us

• Variations/Synonyms: Manuel, Manuele, Emmanuel, and Immanuel

• Description: It’s the Italian form of “Emmanuel.”

• The name is also used to describe Jesus.

Emiliano

• Origin: Latin, Italian, Roman, and Spanish

• Meaning: Rival

• Variations/Synonyms: Emilio, Emil, and Emillo

• Description: It comes from the Latin name “Aemilianus.”

Enzo

• Origin: Italian and Latin

• Meaning: Home ruler or conqueror

• Variations/Synonyms: Enrico, Heinrich, Lorenzo, and Vincenzo

• Description: It can be a standalone given name or a nickname to longer names like Vincenzo and Lorenzo.

Federico

• Origin: Italian and German

• Meaning: Peaceful ruler

• Variations/Synonyms: Friedrich, Federigo, Fredo, Frederick, Fredric, and Fred

• Description: It’s the Italian version of the German name “Friedrich.”

Filippo

• Origin: Greek and Italian

• Meaning: Friend of horses

• Variations/Synonyms: Philippos, Phillip, Filip, Phil, and Felipe

• Description: It’s from the Greek name “Philippos.”

• St. Philip was among Jesus’ 12 apostles.

Francesco

• Origin: Latin, Italian, and Spanish

• Meaning: Freeman

• Variations/Synonyms: Franco, Francis, Frans, and Frank

• Description: St. Francis of Assisi was an Italian monk who later became the patron saint of Italy. He’s also the patron saint of animals and the environment.

Gabriel

• Origin: Hebrew and Italian

• Meaning: God is my strength

• Variations/Synonyms: Gavril, Gabe, Gabi, and Gabriele

• Description: It can also mean “God’s warrior.”

• St. Gabriel the Archangel was the messenger angel who appeared to several notable figures in the Bible, including Mary.

Giacomo

• Origin: Latin, Hebrew, and Italian

• Meaning: The supplanter

• Variations/Synonyms: Jacobus, James, and Jacob

• Description: It’s from the Latin name “Jacobus.” According to the Bible, Jacob was renamed “Israel” after he won a battle against God.

• In the Bible (New Testament), Jesus had two apostles who were named James.

Gioele

• Origin: Latin, Italian, Greek, and Hebrew

• Meaning: Jehovah is his God

• Variations/Synonyms: Joel

• Description: It can also mean “salvation.”

Giorgio

• Origin: Italian, Roman, and Greek

• Meaning: Earth worker or farmer

• Variations/Synonyms: Gino, George, and Giorgino

• Description: St. George was a Roman soldier usually depicted slaying a dragon in medieval art.

Giovanni

• Origin: Hebrew and Italian

• Meaning: God is gracious

• Variations/Synonyms: Gian, Gianni, Giannino, Vanni, John, and Nino

• Description: It’s the Italian version of “John.”

Giulio

• Origin: Latin, Greek, Roman, and Italian

• Meaning: Youth or down-bearded

• Variations/Synonyms: Julius, Julio, and Joulus

• Description: It comes from the Greek name “Joulus.”

• It started as a Roman family name meaning “youth” but later became popular as a given name.

Giuseppe

• Origin: Hebrew and Italian

• Meaning: The Lord increases

• Variations/Synonyms: Yosef, Joseph, Beppe, Jose, Joe, and Joey

• Description: It’s the Italian name for “Joseph.”

Leonardo

• Origin: Italian, Greek, and Latin

• Meaning: Brave lion

• Variations/Synonyms: Leonard, Leo, and Leonid

• Description: Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci is among the most famous people with this name.

• St. Leonard of Noblac was credited with miracles for women in labor, cattle diseases, and the release of prisoners.

Lorenzo

• Origin: Italian, Spanish, Roman, and Latin

• Meaning: Laurel

• Variations/Synonyms: Enzo, Renzo, Loris, Laurence, Lawrence, and Laurentius

• Description: St. Lorenzo or St. Lawrence is the patron saint of comedians and cooks.

Luca

• Origin: Greek, Latin, and Italian

• Meaning: Bringer of light.

• Variations/Synonyms: Lucas, Luc, Luke, and Loukas

• Description: It’s from the Greek name “Loukas.”

• St. Luke the Evangelist is the patron saint of physicians and students. He was the author of the book of “Luke” and the “Acts of the Apostles” in the Bible.

Luigi

• Origin: German and Italian

• Meaning: Famous warrior

• Variations/Synonyms: Ludwig, Ludovicus, Lodovico, Ludovico, Luigino, Luis, and Louis

• Description: It’s from the Latin name “Ludovicus.”

What Is The Most Italian Name Ever? Marco

• Origin: Italian, Latin, Roman, and Etruscan

• Meaning: War-like

• Variations/Synonyms: Marcus, Mark, Marko, and Markus

• Description: It’s associated with Mars, the god of war in Roman mythology.

• St. Mark the Evangelist is the patron saint of pharmacists, lawyers, and opticians. He wrote the book of “Mark” in the Bible.

Mario

• Origin: Italian, Roman, Latin, and Etruscan

• Meaning: Hammer

• Variations/Synonyms: Marius

• Description: It comes from the Roman family name “Marius” but was later widely used as a given name.

What Italian Name Means Gift From God? Matteo

• Origin: Hebrew and Italian

• Meaning: Gift of God

• Variations/Synonyms: Mateo, Matthew, Mathew, and Matt

• Description: St. Matthew the Apostle is the patron saint of bankers and bookkeepers. He worked as a tax collector before he became one of Jesus’ disciples. He wrote the “Gospel of Matthew.”

Nicolo

• Origin: Italian, Latin, and Greek

• Meaning: People of victory

• Variations/Synonyms: Nikolaos, Niccolo, Nicolao, Nicolas, Nico, Niko, and Nicholas

• Description: St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is the patron saint of sailors, children, and merchants.

Paolo

• Origin: Latin, Roman, and Italian

• Meaning: Small and humble

• Variations/Synonyms: Paulus, Paul, and Pablo

• Description: St. Paul used to be called Saul of Tarsus and persecuted Christians before becoming one of the most famous missionaries after his conversion to Christianity. He later became the patron saint of evangelists, missionaries, writers, and public workers.

Pasquale

• Origin: Latin, Hebrew, and Italian

• Meaning: Easter or born in Easter

• Variations/Synonyms: Paschalis, Pasqual, Pascal, Pasco, Pascale, and Pasqualino

• Description: It comes from the Hebrew word “pésakh” (born on Passover day).

Pietro

• Origin: Italian and Greek

• Meaning: Stone or rock

• Variations/Synonyms: Petros, Peter, Piero, Petrus, Piotr, and Pierre

• Description: St. Peter the Apostle is the patron saint of Rome and popes. He’s considered the first pope and is also known as the one who holds the “keys to heaven.”

Riccardo

• Origin: Italian and German

• Meaning: Brave, powerful, and a great leader

• Variations/Synonyms: Ricardo, Richard, Rich, and Rick

• Description: It comes from the combination of Proto-Germanic elements “rīks” (king or ruler) and “harduz” (hard and brave).

Romeo

• Origin: Latin, Roman, Greek, and Italian

• Meaning: A pilgrim to Rome

• Variations/Synonyms: Roman, Roma, and Romano

• Description: It comes from the Latin name “Romaeus.”

Salvatore

• Origin: Latin and Italian

• Meaning: Savior

• Variations/Synonyms: Sal, Salvador, Salvator, and Salvo

• Description: St. Salvatore is the patron saint of healing.

Samuel

• Origin: Hebrew and Italian

• Meaning: God has heard or name of God

• Variations/Synonyms: Sammy, Sami, Ismaiel, Ismael, Ismail, Ishmael, and Sam

• Description: St. Samuel was the last of the biblical judges (leaders) of Israel.

Santino

• Origin: Italian

• Meaning: Little saint

• Variations/Synonyms: Santos

• Description: It’s from the Latin word “sanctus” (sacred or saint).

Sergio

• Origin: Italian, Roman, Latin, Portuguese, and Spanish

• Meaning: Servant or attendant

• Variations/Synonyms: Sergius, Sergei, and Sergi

• Description: It’s from the Latin name “Sergius.”

Simone

• Origin: Hebrew, Greek, and Italian

• Meaning: God has heard

• Variations/Synonyms: Simon, Simeon, Ciemon, Symeon, and Shimon

• Description: St. Simon the Zealot was one of Jesus Christ’s 12 apostles.

Stefano

• Origin: Greek and Italian

• Meaning: Crown or victorious

• Variations/Synonyms: Stephen, Steven, Stephano, Stevan, Stefan, Steffan, Steve, Stefen, Stefon, Stephon, Stevon, and Esteban

• Description: St. Stephen is known as the patron saint of stonemasons and bricklayers.

Vincenzo

• Origin: Latin and Italian

• Meaning: To conquer or win

• Variations/Synonyms: Vincente, Enzo, and Vincent

• Description: It’s from the Roman family name “Vincentius” that later became widely used as a given name.

• St. Vincent of Saragossa is the patron saint of charitable societies and the poor.

What’s An Italian Girl’s Name?

Many parents also like to name their little girls after female saints. Some famous examples include St. Teresa of Calcutta (also known as Mother Teresa), St. Joan of Arc, and St. Catherine of Alexandria.

Like the baby boy names, Italian girl names often have Latin or ancient Roman influences. Many also have beautiful meanings relating to virtues or nature.

The following are our top choices for the most popular Italian baby girl names and their meanings:

Alessandra

• Origin: Italian and Greek

• Meaning: Defender of mankind

• Variations/Synonyms: Alexandra, Alessa, and Sandra

• Description: It comes from the Greek name “Alexandra.”

Aletta

• Origin: Latin, Greek, and Italian

• Meaning: Winged

• Variations/Synonyms: Alida, Aleta, and Alethea

• Description: It’s from the Latin name “Alida.”

Alice

• Origin: Old French, German, and Italian

• Meaning: Noble

• Variations/Synonyms: Adalheidis, Alicia, Alecia, Alisha, Alyce, Alise, and Alys

• Description: It’s from the German name “Adalheidis.”

Allegra

• Origin: Italian

• Meaning: Joyful or lively

• Variations/Synonyms: Alegra

• Description: It’s related to the musical term “allegro,” characterized by a fast, quick, and bright tempo.

Angelica

• Origin: Latin and Italian

• Meaning: Angelic

• Variations/Synonyms: Anjelica, Angelique, Angela, and Angelina

• Description: It’s from the Greek word “ángelos” (messenger of God).

Antonella

• Origin: Italian

• Meaning: Praiseworthy

• Variations/Synonyms: Antoni and Antonia

• Description: It’s the Italian female version of “Anthony.”

Arianna

• Origin: Italian, Greek, and Welsh

• Meaning: Most holy

• Variations/Synonyms: Ariana, Ariadna, and Ariadne

• Description: It’s from the Greek name “Ariadne.”

Aurora

• Origin: Roman, Latin, and Italian

• Meaning: Dawn, luminous, and dazzling

• Variations/Synonyms: Aurore

• Description: Aurora is the goddess of the morning in Roman mythology.

Beatrice

• Origin: Latin, Italian, and French

• Meaning: Bringer of joy and happiness

• Variations/Synonyms: Beatrix, Beatriz, Bea, Beata, and Trixie

• Description: This Italian name comes from the Latin name “Beatrix.”

Benedetta

• Origin: Latin and Italian

• Meaning: Blessed

• Variations/Synonyms: Benedicta and Benita

• Description: It’s from the Latin name “Benedicta.”

• The name is the female form of “Benedict,” derived from “Benedictus.” St. Benedict is the patron saint of Europe.

Bettina

• Origin: German, Italian, and Hebrew

• Meaning: God is my oath

• Variations/Synonyms: Elisabetta and Elisheba

• Description: It’s the Italian form of “Elizabeth.”

Bianca

• Origin: Italian

• Meaning: White and pure

• Variations/Synonyms: Blanche and Blanca

• Description: It’s the Italian form of “Blanche.”

Camilla

• Origin: Italian, Roman, Latin, and Etruscan

• Meaning: Noble and born free

• Variations/Synonyms: Camille, Camila, Millie, and Milly

• Description: It comes from the ancient Roman name “Camillus.”

Carlotta

• Origin: Italian and Greek

• Meaning: Freeman

• Variations/Synonyms: Charlotte, Carla, and Carlota

• Description: It’s the Italian feminine version of “Charles.”

Caterina

• Origin: Greek, Italian, Slavic, and Portuguese

• Meaning: Pure

• Variations/Synonyms: Catherine, Katrina, and Katarina

• Description: It’s from the Greek name “Hekaterín.”

Chiara

• Origin: Latin

• Meaning: Bright, luminous, and clear

• Variations/Synonyms: Clair, Claire, Clara, and Clare

• Description: It’s the Italian version of “Claire.”

Contessa

• Origin: Italian

• Meaning: Royalty

• Variations/Synonyms: Countess

• Description: It’s the Italian form of “Countess.”

Donatella

• Origin: Italian

• Meaning: Gift of God

• Variations/Synonyms: Donna

• Description: It’s from the Latin word “donare” (to give).

Elena

• Origin: Greek, Italian, and Spanish

• Meaning: Torch or light

• Variations/Synonyms: Helen, Ellen, and Lena

• Description: This name is the Italian version of “Helen.”

Eleonora

• Origin: Greek and Italian

• Meaning: Shining light

• Variations/Synonyms: Elinor, Eleanor, Eleanora, Lenora, Nora, and Ella

• Description: It’s from the Greek name “Eleanor.”

Elisa

• Origin: Greek, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and English

• Meaning: God’s promise

• Variations/Synonyms: Eliza, Elsa, Lisa, and Élise

• Description: It’s a standalone name that can also be a nickname for “Elisabeth” or “Elizabeth.”

Emilia

• Origin: Latin and Italian

• Meaning: Rival or excel

• Variations/Synonyms: Aemilia, Emilie, and Emily

• Description: It’s the Italian female form of the Latin name “Aemilius.”

Flavia

• Origin: Italian and Latin

• Meaning: Blonde, golden, and yellow-haired

• Variations/Synonyms: Flaviana

• Description: It’s from the ancient Roman family name “Flavius.”

Florence

• Origin: Italian, French, and Latin

• Meaning: Blossoming in faith

• Variations/Synonyms: Fiorenza, Flo, Florance, and Florencia

• Description: British nurse Florence Nightingale was one of the most famous people with this name. She’s called as “the Lady with the Lamp.”

Francesca

• Origin: Latin and Italian

• Meaning: Frenchman

• Variations/Synonyms: Frances, Franca, Francine, Franny, and Fran

• Description: It’s from the Latin male name “Franciscus.”

Gabriella

• Origin: Italian and Hebrew

• Meaning: Strength of God

• Variations/Synonyms: Gabriela, Gabriele, Gabriel, Gabby, and Gabi

• Description: It’s the feminine version of “Gabriel.”

Gaia

• Origin: Greek and Italian

• Meaning: The earth or mother earth

• Variations/Synonyms: Earth and Gaea

• Description: In Greek mythology, Gaia is the mother of the Giants and the Titans. She’s also the personification of the planet Earth.

Giada

• Origin: Italian

• Meaning: Jade or precious stone

• Variations/Synonyms: Jade, Jada, Jayda, and Jayde

• Description: It’s the Italian form of “Jade.”

Ginevra

• Origin: Italian and Welsh

• Meaning: The blessed or fair one

• Variations/Synonyms: Guinevere, Ginny, Jennifer, and Jenny

• Description: It’s the Italian version of “Geneva.”

• Guinevere was the legendary King Arthur’s wife.

Gioia

• Origin: Italian

• Meaning: Joy or precious object

• Variations/Synonyms: Gioa, Joy, and Joie

• Description: It’s the Italian version of “Joy.”

• It comes from the Latin word “gaudium” (joy).

Giovanna

• Origin: Italian

• Meaning: God is gracious

• Variations/Synonyms: Gia, Gianna, Giannina, Vanna, and Giovannetta

• Description: It’s the Italian female version of “Giovanni.”

Giulia

• Origin: Italian and Latin

• Meaning: Youthful

• Variations/Synonyms: Julia and Julie

• Description: This name is the Italian form of “Julia.”

Ilaria

• Origin: Latin and Italian

• Meaning: Cheerful and merry

• Variations/Synonyms: Hilaria, Hilary, and Hillary

• Description: It’s the Italian feminine version of “Hilarius.”

• St. Hilary of Poitiers is the patron saint of lawyers.

Isabella

• Origin: Hebrew, Spanish, Italian, and Latin

• Meaning: Pledged or devoted to God

• Variations/Synonyms: Isabel, Isabela, Isabelle, Izabella, and Bella

• Description: It’s the Italian version of “Isabel.”

Laura

• Origin: Italian and Latin

• Meaning: Laurel

• Variations/Synonyms: Lora, Lauretta, Loretta, and Lorita

• Description: It’s the feminine variant of the Late Latin male name “Laurus.”

Lelia

• Origin: Latin, Greek, and Italian

• Meaning: Well-spoken

• Variations/Synonyms: Laelia

• Description: It’s from the ancient Roman family name “Laelius.”

Luciana

• Origin: Latin and Italian

• Meaning: Light

• Variations/Synonyms: Lucinda, Lucy, Lucia, and Luce

• Description: It comes from the Latin verb “lucere” (to shine).

Ludovica

• Origin: German and Italian

• Meaning: Famous warrior

• Variations/Synonyms: Louise and Louisa

• Description: It’s the Italian female version of the Old High German male name “Ludwig.”

Margherita

• Origin: Italian and Greek

• Meaning: Daisy or pearl

• Variations/Synonyms: Margarita, Margaret, Greta, and Rita

• Description: St. Margaret is the patron saint of expectant mothers.

Martina

• Origin: Latin and Italian

• Meaning: Dedicated to the Roman god Mars

• Variations/Synonyms: Martine, Marta, and Tina

• Description: St. Martina is the patron saint of Rome.

Mia

• Origin: Latin, Hebrew, Scandinavian, and Italian

• Meaning: Dear, darling, and loved one

• Variations/Synonyms: Amalia, Amelia, and Maya

• Description: It can also mean “guardian of justice” or goddess of the ocean.”

Paola

• Origin: Latin, Italian, and Spanish

• Meaning: Small and humble

• Variations/Synonyms: Paula

• Description: It’s the Italian feminine version of “Paul.”

Priscilla

• Origin: Roman, Latin, and Italian

• Meaning: Ancient and classic

• Variations/Synonyms: Prisca and Priscila

• Description: It comes from the ancient Roman family name “Priscus.”

Sara

• Origin: Hebrew and Italian

• Meaning: Lady, princess, or noblewoman

• Variations/Synonyms: Sarah, Sarai, and Sariah

• Description: It’s from the Hebrew name “Sarah” (princess).

• In the Bible, Sarah was Abraham’s wife who remained childless until she got pregnant and became the mother of Isaac when she was 90 years old.

Sicily

• Origin: Italian and Greek

• Meaning: A girl from Sicily (the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea)

• Variations/Synonyms: Sicilly

• Description: It comes from the Italian word “sica” (scythe).

Sofia

• Origin: Greek and Italian

• Meaning: Wisdom and skill

• Variations/Synonyms: Sophia, Sophie, Sofiya, Sofija, and ‎Sofya

• Description: It’s the Italian version of “Sophie.”

• It comes from the Greek word “Sophía,” which means “wisdom.”

Sole

• Origin: Italian, German, and Latin

• Meaning: Sun

• Variations/Synonyms: Sol, Sola, and Solla

• Description: It can also mean “solitude” from the Latin word “sōlĭtās.”

Veronica

• Origin: Italian and Latin

• Meaning: She who brings victory or true image

• Variations/Synonyms: Veronika, Ronnie, and Roni

• Description: St. Veronica is the saint of film directors and photographers. She’s often depicted as a woman carrying a veil or cloth with Jesus’ image.

Viola

• Origin: Latin and Italian

• Meaning: Purple or violet (colors)

• Variations/Synonyms: Violetta, Violeta, Violette, and Violet

• Description: It comes from the Latin word “viola” (violet).

• The name is also picked by musically inclined parents because “viola” is a stringed instrument that belongs to the violin family.

Vittoria

• Origin: Latin, Greek, Roman, and Italian

• Meaning: Victory and triumphant

• Variations/Synonyms: Victoria, Tori, Vicki, Vikki, and Vicky

• Description: It’s the Italian female version of “Victor” or “Vittorio.”

• In Roman mythology, Victoria is the goddess of victory and is the equivalent of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory.