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.