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A Complete Guide to 100 Italian Names and What They Mean

A Complete Guide to 100 Italian Names and What They Mean

Italian names are admired around the world for their beauty, musicality, and cultural richness. Rooted in Latin and shaped by centuries of history, religion, and art, Italian names often carry deep meanings and emotional resonance. Whether you’re looking for a baby name, a character name, or just love the sound of la dolce lingua, this list is sure to inspire. From timeless classics to stylish modern picks, here are 100 Italian names—male, female, and unisex—each with its meaning and origin.

Popular Italian Girl Names

Giulia – “Youthful”

Alessia – Feminine of Alessandro, meaning “defender”

Francesca – “Free” or “from France”

Chiara – “Bright” or “clear”

Elena – “Shining light”

Sofia – “Wisdom”

Isabella – “God is my oath”

Lucia – “Light”

Beatrice – “She who brings happiness”

Ginevra – Italian form of Guinevere, “white shadow”

Valentina – “Strong” or “healthy”

Aurora – “Dawn”

Martina – “Dedicated to Mars”

Ludovica – “Famous warrior”

Caterina – “Pure”

Flavia – “Golden-haired”

Mirella – “Admirable”

Rosalia – “Rose”

Ilaria – “Cheerful”

Antonia – “Priceless one”

Popular Italian Boy Names

Alessandro – “Defender of mankind”

Lorenzo – “From Laurentum”

Matteo – “Gift of God”

Leonardo – “Brave lion”

Giovanni – “God is gracious”

Francesco – “Free man”

Marco – “Warlike”

Edoardo – “Wealthy guardian”

Niccolò – “Victory of the people”

Gabriele – “God is my strength”

Antonio – “Priceless”

Riccardo – “Powerful ruler”

Enzo – “Ruler of the household”

Carlo – “Free man”

Tommaso – “Twin”

Stefano – “Crown”

Davide – “Beloved”

Pietro – “Rock”

Raffaele – “God has healed”

Fabio – “Bean grower”

Unisex Italian Names

Andrea – “Manly” (masculine in Italian)

Gioia – “Joy”

Michele – “Who is like God?”

Celeste – “Heavenly”

Luca – “Bringer of light” (masculine in Italian)

Gianni – Short for Giovanni; “God is gracious”

Nico – Diminutive of Niccolò or Nicole

Ari – “Lion” or “eagle”

Sasha – “Defender of mankind” (internationally unisex)

Loris – Derived from “Laurel,” symbol of victory

Elegant and Classic Italian Names

Alba – “Sunrise”

Massimo – “The greatest”

Gaia – “Joyful” or “earth”

Silvia – “From the forest”

Emilio – “To strive” or “excel”

Rosalba – “White rose”

Ferdinando – “Brave traveler”

Bianca – “White” or “pure”

Tiziano – “Honored”

Celestina – “Heavenly”

Modern and Trendy Italian Names

Allegra – “Joyful”

Noemi – “Pleasantness”

Loris – Modern and unique, linked to laurels

Zeno – “Gift of Zeus”

Asia – Feminine, trendy, and geographic

Romeo – “Pilgrim to Rome”

Maya – “Water” or “illusion”

Dante – “Enduring”

Giada – “Jade”

Azzurra – “Sky blue”

Italian Names Inspired by Nature and Virtue

Fiore – “Flower”

Serena – “Calm” or “serene”

Bruno – “Brown” or “dark-haired”

Marina – “Of the sea”

Sandro – Short for Alessandro

Rosa – “Rose”

Celestino – “Little heavenly one”

Gemma – “Gem” or “jewel”

Vittoria – “Victory”

Giorgio – “Farmer”

Unique and Rare Italian Names

Ottavia – “Eighth-born”

Benedetto – “Blessed”

Ortensia – “Hydrangea flower”

Tancredi – “Thoughtful counselor”

Annetta – Diminutive of Anna

Cesare – “Long-haired” or “kingly”

Violetta – “Little violet”

Fiorenzo – “Flourishing”

Elettra – “Amber” or “shining”

Corrado – “Bold advisor”

Names with Religious or Historical Influence

Pasquale – “Born at Easter”

Donatella – “Gift from God”

Ignazio – “Fiery”

Anastasio – “Resurrection”

Livia – “Bluish” or “envious” (Roman origin)

Giuseppe – “God will add”

Veronica – “True image”

Bartolomeo – “Son of Talmai”

Eugenia – “Well-born”

Filippo – “Lover of horses”

Italian names are more than just stylish and melodic—they’re steeped in centuries of culture, faith, artistry, and meaning. Whether you’re honoring family roots, embracing Italian beauty, or simply seeking a name that feels both powerful and poetic, this list of 100 Italian names and their meanings offers something for everyone.

From beloved classics like Giovanni and Chiara to unique gems like Elettra and Tiziano, Italian names have a way of leaving a lasting impression. Buona fortuna in your search for the perfect name!

Hannah Collins