Traditionally, Italian parents choose their children’s names based on the name of a grandparent, choosing names from the father’s side of the family first and then from the mother’s side. Some Italians have also followed the tradition of naming their child after a patron saint. By knowing the Italian equivalent of a name, you can keep this tradition alive even if one side of your family isn’t Italian. Or, you might choose a name with ancient Roman roots.
Popular Italian Baby Names for Girls
These names include those that are popular in Italy, as well as those with Ancient Roman or Latin roots.
Alessandra
Origin: Italian form of Greek Alexandra Meaning: Defender of mankind Alternative Spellings & Variations: Alessa, Sandra, Alexandra Famous Namesakes: Model Alessandra Ambrósio, actress Alessandra Torresani, Italian politician Alessandra Mussolini Peak Popularity: Alessandra has long been a popular name in Italy, though less so in recent years, reaching the 35th most popular in 2010. In the U.S. it has gained in popularity over the past two decades and ranked 368 in 2020.
Alice
Origin: Old French, which was derived from German Meaning: Noble type (German Adalheidis) Alternative Spellings & Variations: Alicia, Alecia, Alisha, Alyce, Alys, Alise Famous Namesakes: Writer Alice Walker, actress Alice Ghostley, St. Alice of Schaerbeek (feast day June 15 in her honor) Peak Popularity: Alice has been a consistently popular girl’s name in Italy for the past two decades, ranking 5th in 2019. In the U.S., it was in the top ten in 1906 and remained in the top 50 names through World War II before dropping slightly. Alice has had a resurgence since 2010 and was the 76th most popular in 2020.
Angelica
Origin: LatinMeaning: AngelicAlternative Spellings & Variations: Anjelica, Angelique, Angela, AngelinaFamous Namesakes: Actress Anjelica Huston, singer Angelica HalePeak Popularity: Angelica was most popular in the 1990s in the U.S., when it ranked near the top 100.
Arianna
Origin: Italian Meaning: Most holy Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ariana, Ariadna, Ariadne Famous Namesakes: Journalist and author Arianna Huffington, singer Ariana Grande Peak Popularity: Arianna has long been popular in Italy, ranking in the top 25 over the past couple of decades. In the U.S., it entered the top 1,000 in 1982 and reached a high of 40 in 2014.
Aurora
Origin: LatinMeaning: Dawn, luminous, dazzlingAlternative Spellings & Variations: AuroreFamous Namesakes: Professional race car driver Aurora Straus, Harry Potter character Aurora Sinistra, and the late poet Aurora de AlbornozPeak Popularity: Aurora was the second most popular girl name in Italy in 2019. It has surged in the U.S. since 2009 and ranked 36 in 2020.
Beatrice
Origin: LatinMeaning: She who makes happyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Beatrix, Beatriz, Bea, TrixieFamous Namesakes: Author Beatrix Potter, actress Beatrice Straight, Princess Beatrice of YorkPeak Popularity: Beatrice has long been popular in Italy and ranked 8 in 2019. In the U.S., it was popular early in the 20th century and then fell out of favor. It ranked 550 in 2020.
Benedetta
Origin: LatinMeaning: BlessedAlternative Spellings & Variations: BettinaFamous Namesakes: Italian actress and model Benedetta Barzini, Italian saint Blessed Benedetta Cambiagio FrassinelloPeak Popularity: Benedetta has ranked in the top 50 girl names in Italy for over 20 years. It is not in the top 1,000 in the U.S.
Bianca
Origin: ItalianMeaning: White, pureAlternative Spellings & Variations: Blanca, BlancheFamous Namesakes: Tennis player Bianca Andreescu, human rights advocate and former actress Bianca Jagger, singer Bianca RyanPeak Popularity: Bianca ranked 18 in Italy in 2019. In the U.S., it ranked 423 in 2020.
Camilla
Origin: Latin and possibly EtruscanMeaning: Servant for the temple, free-born, nobleAlternative Spellings & Variations: Camille, Camila, Millie, MillyFamous Namesakes: Actress Camilla Luddington, British Royal Camilla, Duchess of CornwallPeak Popularity: Camila has been popular in Italy for decades, and was at number 19 in 2019. In the U.S., it has new popularity and was at number 257 in 2020.
Carlotta
Origin: ItalianMeaning: Free man (from Charles)Alternative Spellings & Variations: Carla, CarlotaFamous Namesakes: Journalist Carlotta Gall, actress Carlotta Monti, Empress Carlota of MexicoPeak Popularity: Carlotta is usually in the top 50 names in Italy, but it rarely makes it into the top 1,000 in the U.S.
Carmen
Origin: Latin, Italian, Spanish, PortugueseMeaning: Ode, poem, or charmAlternative Spellings & Variations: Carmel, CarmentaFamous Namesakes: Actress and model Carmen Electra, singer Carmen MirandaPeak Popularity: Carmen was most popular as a girl name in the U.S. in the 1960s.
Caterina
Origin: Greek, Italian, PortugueseMeaning: PureAlternative Spellings & Variations: Catherine, Katrina, Katarina, TinaFamous Namesakes: Businesswoman Caterina Fake, Italian nun St. Catherine of Bologna, Italian noblewoman and queen of France Catherine (Caterina) de’ MediciPeak Popularity: Caterina has been in the top 50 girl names in Italy for the past 20 years. It is never in the top 1,000 in the U.S., where the English versions of Katherine or Catherine have always been preferred.
Chiara
Origin: Latin Meaning: Bright, luminous, clear Alternative Spellings & Variations: Clair, Claire, Clara, Clare, Kiara Famous Namesakes: Actress Chiara Zanni, Italian physicist Chiara Nappi, St. Clare (Chiara) of Assisi (feast day is August 11 in her honor) Peak Popularity: Chiara has been in the top 10 girl names in Italy for the past 20 years and was the second most popular in 2000 and 2001. It has never been in the top 1,000 girl names in the U.S., but the variants Claire and Clara are in the top 100 in recent years.
Claudia
Origin: LatinMeaning: Derived from Latin “claudus,” meaning lame or crippled, but also an ancient Roman name for women in the patrician familyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Gladys, ClaudeFamous Namesakes: First Lady Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Johnson, Italian-Tunisian actress Claudia Cardinale, model Claudia SchifferPeak Popularity: Claudia reached number 181 in the 1980s in the U.S. In Italy, it was number 26 in 1999.
Drusilla
Origin: LatinMeaning: Fruitful or dewy-eyedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Dru, Druscilla, Cilla, DrusaFamous Namesakes: Drusilla (daughter of Herod Agrippa), writer Drusilla ModjeskaPeak Popularity: Drusilla has always been a rare name in the U.S., reaching a high of 612 in 1886, and it is not in the top 1,000 today.
Elena
Origin: Greek, Italian, SpanishMeaning: Torch or lightAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ellen, Lena, HelenFamous Namesakes: Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, tennis player Elena VesninaPeak Popularity: Elena was in the top 20 girl names in Italy from 2000 to 2011, and ranked at 27 in 2019. It is increasingly popular in the U.S., with a new high at 55 in 2020.
Eleonora
Origin: Greek, Italian Meaning: Shining light Alternative Spellings & Variations: Elinor, Eleanor, Eleanora, Ella, Nell, Lenora, Nora Famous Namesakes: Holy Roman empress and queen of Bohemia Eleonora Gonzaga, Italian actress Eleonora Duse Peak Popularity: Eleonora reached number 18 for girl names in Italy in 2002. It has not been in the top 1,000 in the U.S. for over a century. However, the English variant Eleanor is making a huge surge with a new high at 22 in 2020.
Elisa
Origin: GreekMeaning: My God is a vowAlternative Spellings & Variations: Eliza, Elsa, LisaFamous Namesakes: Actress Elisa Donovan, artist and designer Elisa JimenezPeak Popularity: Elisa is very popular in Italy, ranking 29th in 2019. In the U.S., it usually ranks about 500.
Emilia
Origin: LatinMeaning: Rival or excelAlternative Spellings & Variations: EmilyFamous Namesakes: Actress Emilia ClarkePeak Popularity: Emilia is consistently popular in Italy, ranking in the top 200. In the U.S., it has skyrocketed in popularity in the past 10 years and had a new high at 40 in 2020. The variant Emily is at number 12.
Emma
Origin: GermanMeaning: Whole or universalAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ema, Irma, EmilyFamous Namesakes: Actress Emma Stone, St. Emma (Hemma) of Gurk (feast day is April 19 in her honor)Peak Popularity: Emma was the top girl name in the U.S. from 2014 to 2020 and in the top 10 in Italy since 2010, peaking at sixth place in 2019.
Flavia
Origin: LatinMeaning: Blonde, golden, yellow-hairedFamous Namesakes: Princess Flavia of Ruritania in “The Prisoner of Zenda,” St. FlaviaPeak Popularity: Flavia ranked at number 56 in Italy in 2011, but it hasn’t been in the top 1,000 in the U.S. since 1884.
Francesca
Origin: Latin, ItalyMeaning: FrenchmanAlternative Spellings & Variations: Frances, Franca, Francine, Fran, FrannyFamous Namesakes: Italian tennis player Francesca Schiavone, photographer Francesca Woodman, author Francesca SimonPeak Popularity: Francesca is one of the most popular names in Italy, ranking in the top 30. In the U.S. it ranked 456 in 2020.
Gabriella
Origin: Hebrew (from Gabriel)Meaning: Strength of GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Gabriela, Gabriele, Gabriel, Gabi, GabbyFamous Namesakes: Tennis player Gabriela Sabatini, politician Gabrielle (Gabby) Giffords, actress and model Gabriella WildePeak Popularity: Gabriella has surged in popularity in the U.S. since the 1990s, with a high at number 33 in 2009 and 2010.
Gaia
Origin: GreekMeaning: EarthAlternative Spellings & Variations: GaeaFamous Namesakes: Gaia in Greek mythologyPeak Popularity: Gaia is popular in Italy, ranking in the top 15 over the past two decades. It doesn’t make the top 1,000 in the U.S.
Giada
Origin: ItalianMeaning: Jade or precious stoneAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jade, Jada, Jayda, JaydeFamous Namesakes: Italian-American chef, writer, and television personality Giada de Laurentiis, Italian author Giada TrebeschiPeak Popularity: Giada is very popular in Italy, ranking 10th in 2006. In the U.S., the name entered the top 1,000 in 2007 and ranks in the 700s to 900s until 2013.
Ginevra
Origin: WelshMeaning: Fair one, white wave, blessedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Guinevere, Ginny, Jennifer, JennyFamous Namesakes: Fictional character Ginevra “Ginny” Weasley in the Harry Potter seriesPeak Popularity: Ginevra was the fourth most popular girl name in Italy in 2019. It has never been in the top 1,000 in the U.S., where the English version Jennifer is far more common.
Gioia
Origin: ItalianMeaning: JoyAlternative Spellings & Variations: JoyFamous Namesakes: Italian-American singer Gioia Bruno, philanthropist Gioia Marconi BragaPeak Popularity: Gioia is increasingly popular in Italy, reaching number 34 in 2019.
Giorgia
Origin: Latin, from GreekMeaning: Farmer, agriculturistAlternative Spellings & Variations: Georgiana, Giorgina, Gina, GeorgiaFamous Namesakes: Italian singer Giorgia Todrani, artist Georgia O’KeefePeak Popularity: Giorgia has been in the top 10 girl names in Italy for the past 20 years, reaching number seven in 2019. It has never been in the top 1,000 in the U.S., though the alternative spelling, Georgia, appears more frequently, ranking 176 in 2020.
Giovanna/Gianna/Gia
Origin: ItalianMeaning: God is graciousAlternative Spellings & Variations: Gia, Gianna, Giannina, Giovannetta, Nina, VannaFamous Namesakes: Italian actress Gianna Maria Canale, Italian pediatrician and patron saint Gianna Beretta MollaPeak Popularity: Gianna is the most popular variant in the U.S., ranking at a high of 12 in 2020, and Gia ranked 328 that year. In Italy, the popularity of Giovanna has slowly declined in the last 20 years.
Giulia
Origin: Latin Meaning: The gens Julia (Julius) was an ancient Roman patrician name, also means youthful Alternative Spellings & Variations: Julia, Julie, Guiliana Famous Namesakes: Italian-television entertainment reporter Giuliana Rancic, Olympic gymnast Giulia Steingruber Peak Popularity: Giulia has often been the top girl name in Italy, and has been in the top five since 1999. It has never been in the top 1,000 in the U.S., but Julia has been perennially popular and has ranked in the top 100 for over a century.
Ilaria
Origin: LatinMeaning: Cheerful, merryAlternative Spellings & Variations: Hilaria, Hilary, HillaryFamous Namesakes: Italian fencer Ilaria Salvatori, Italian journalist Ilaria Alpi, Italian virologist and former politician Ilaria CapuaPeak Popularity: Ilaria was the 17th most popular girl name in Italy in 2000. It has never been in the top 1,000 in the U.S., where Hilary and Hillary are more common.
Isabella
Origin: Hebrew, Spanish, Italian; Latin form of Isabel Meaning: Pledged or devoted to God; derived from Hebrew “God is my oath” Alternative Spellings & Variations: Isabel, Isabela, Isabelle, Izabella, Bella Famous Namesakes: American-Italian actress Isabella Rossellini, Queen Isabel I of Castile Peak Popularity: Isabel is perennially popular in Italy. In the U.S., Isabella has surged in popularity and ranked seventh in 2020.
Lara
Origin: Latin, Greek, RussianMeaning: Bright, talkative, citadelAlternative Spellings & Variations: LarundaFamous Namesakes: Actress Lara Flynn Boyle, journalist Lara Logan, fictional character Lara CroftPeak Popularity: Lara is a popular name in Italy, ranking in the top 100 in for the last 20 years. While it stays in the top 1,000 in the U.S., it was most popular at 222 in 1969.
Laura
Origin: LatinMeaning: LaurelAlternative Spellings & Variations: Lora, Lauretta, Loretta, LoritaFamous Namesakes: Author Laura Ingalls Wilder, actress Laura Linney, former First Lady Laura BushPeak Popularity: Laura is a popular name in Italy, ranking in the top 50 in 2014. In the U.S., it was most popular in the 1970s, ranking as high as number 20, but it has since dropped to 357 in 2020.
Lelia
Origin: Latin, Greek, ItalianMeaning: Well spokenAlternative Spellings & Variations: LaeliaFamous Namesakes: St. Lelia of Limerick, first female attorney in Massachusetts Lelia J. RobinsonPeak Popularity: Lelia was most popular in the U.S. the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Livia
Origin: LatinMeaning: Envious, blueAlternative Spellings & Variations: LivFamous Namesakes: Author Livia Bitton-Jackson, Livia (wife of Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus), Actress Liv TylerPeak Popularity: Livia was rare in the U.S. before 2004, and ranked 812 in 2020.
Luciana
Origin: LatinMeaning: LightAlternative Spellings & Variations: Lucinda, Lucy, Lucia, LuceFamous Namesakes: Italian actress Luciana Paluzzi, Shakespearean character Luciana in “The Comedy of Errors"Peak Popularity: Luciana was an uncommon name in the U.S., only showing up in the top 1,000 in the 1970s. It has resurged in recent years and was at 408 in 2020.
Ludovica
Origin: GermanMeaning: Derived from Ludwig, which means famous warriorFamous Namesakes: Italian Roman Catholic noblewoman Blessed Ludovica Albertoni, artist Ludovica ThornamPeak Popularity: Ludovica was the 15th most popular girl name in Italy in 2019. It has never been in the top 1,000 in the U.S.
Luisa
Origin: ItalianMeaning: Derived from Ludwig, which means famous battleAlternative Spellings & Variations: Luisella, LouisaFamous Namesakes: Anglo-Italian journalist Luisa Baldini, actress Luisa Bradshaw-WhitePeak Popularity: Luisa is popular in Italy, with a high rank of 101 in 1999. In the U.S. it just barely breaks into the top 1,000.
Margherita
Origin: ItalianMeaning: DaisyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Margarita, Margaret, Greta, RitaFamous Namesakes: Actress Greta Garbo, Italian astrophysicist and writer Margherita HackPeak Popularity: Margherita is among the top 50 names in Italy, and the variant Greta was the ninth most popular name in 2019. In the U.S., Margherita doesn’t make the top 1,000 and Greta ranks 743 as of 2020.
Martina
Origin: LatinMeaning: Dedicated to the Roman god MarsAlternative Spellings & Variations: Martine, Marta, TinaFamous Namesakes: Tennis player Martina Navratilova, singer-songwriter Martina McBridePeak Popularity: Martina was the top girl name in Italy in 1999 and 2002 and is usually in the top five. It is much rarer in the U.S. where it dropped out of the top 1,000 in 2001.
Mia
Origin: Latin, Hebrew, Scandinavian, Italian Meaning: My, mine, dear, darling, loved one Alternative Spellings & Variations: Amalia, Amelia, or Maya. Mia is also from the same root as Mary, Marie, and Maria. Famous Namesakes: Actress Mia Farrow, soccer player Mia Hamm, choreographer Mia Michaels Peak Popularity: Mia has skyrocketed in popularity both in Italy and the U.S. since 2010. It ranked as the eighth most popular girl name in the U.S. in 2018.
Paola
Origin: LatinMeaning: Small, humbleAlternative Spellings & Variations: PaulaFamous Namesakes: Queen Paola of Belgium, tennis player Paola SuárezPeak Popularity: Paola is relatively popular in Italy, ranking 132 in 2019. In the U.S., it was most popular at number 302 in 2006.
Priscilla
Origin: LatinMeaning: Ancient, classic, primordialAlternative Spellings & Variations: PriscaFamous Namesakes: Actress Priscilla Presley, singer Priscilla Lane, philanthropist Priscilla ChanPeak Popularity: Priscilla was most popular in the U.S. in the 1940s.
Sara
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Lady, princess, noblewomanAlternative Spellings & Variations: Sarah, Sarai, SariahFamous Namesakes: Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, actress Sara Gilbert, author Sara ParetskyPeak Popularity: Sara was the number one most popular girl name in Italy in 2001. It peaked in the U.S. in the 1970s and 1980s, dropping out of the top 100 in 2009. The variant Sarah was always more popular in the U.S. and was in the top 10 from 1978 to 2002.
Serena
Origin: LatinMeaning: Clear, tranquil, sereneAlternative Spellings & Variations: Sarina, Serina, SabrinaFamous Namesakes: Tennis player Serena Williams, journalist Serena AltschulPeak Popularity: Serena ranked in the top 50 girl names in Italy until 2016. In the U.S., it reached a high of 209 in 2000.
Sofia
Origin: Greek Meaning: Wisdom, skill Alternative Spellings & Variations: Sophia, Sophie, Sofiya Famous Namesakes: Filmmaker Sofia Coppola, Italian actress Sophia Loren (birth name Sofia), model Sofia Richie Peak Popularity: Sofia was in the top 10 girl names in Italy from 2002 to 2019. It has been in the top 20 in the U.S. since 2011, but Sophia is even more popular, ranking first from 2011 to 2013.
Valentina
Origin: LatinMeaning: Strong, healthyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Tina, ValFamous Namesakes: Engineer and former cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, mixed martial artist Valentina ShevchenkoPeak Popularity: Valentina was as high as 11 in Italy in 1999. It is skyrocketing in popularity in the U.S. and had a new high at 73 in 2020.
Veronica
Origin: LatinMeaning: She who brings victory; true imageAlternative Spellings & Variations: Veronika, Ronnie, RoniFamous Namesakes: Actress Veronica Lake, singer Veronica BallestriniPeak Popularity: Veronica is in the top 100 names in Italy, and it had its peak in the top 100 in the U.S. in the 1970s and 80s.
Viola
Origin: LatinMeaning: PurpleAlternative Spellings & Variations: Violetta, Violeta, Violette, VioletFamous Namesakes: Actress Viola DavisPeak Popularity: Viola is very popular in Italy, reaching number 13 in 2012. In the U.S., it was most popular over a century ago, and fell out of the top 1,000 in 1973.
Vittoria
Origin: Latin, ItalianMeaning: Victory, triumphantAlternative Spellings & Variations: Victoria, Tori, Vicki, Vikki, VickyFamous Namesakes: Italian poet Vittoria Colonna, Grand Duchess of Tuscany Vittoria della RoverePeak Popularity: Vittoria has ranked in the top 20 girl names in Italy from 2012 to 2019. It has never ranked in the top 1,000 in the U.S. where the English form of Victoria is much more common.
Popular Italian Baby Names for Boys
These names for boys are popular in Italy. Many have ancient Roman roots, while others are Italian versions of names from other languages.
Alessandro
Origin: Italian form of Latin Alexander and Greek AlexandrosMeaning: Defender of humankindAlternative Spellings & Variations: Alex, Sandro, AlejandroFamous Namesakes: Italian physicist Alessandro Volta, Italian Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli (Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi), Italian basketball player Alessandro “Sandro” GambaPeak Popularity: Alessandro has been in the top five boy names in Italy for more than 20 years. It is rarer in the U.S. and was at number 623 in 2020.
Alessio
Origin: Italian form of Latin Alexius and Greek Alexios Meaning: Defender Alternative Spellings & Variations: Alexis, Alexius, Alexei Famous Namesakes: Italian soccer player Alessio Cerci Peak Popularity: Alessio is a popular name in Italy, ranking as high as 14 in 1999. It has never been in the top 1,000 in the U.S.
Andrea
Origin: GreekMeaning: Force, courage, braveryAlternative Spellings & Variations: Andre, Andreas, Andrew, AndreiFamous Namesakes: Italian painter Andrea del Verrocchio, Italian singer-songwriter Andrea Bocelli, physician Andrea VesaliusPeak Popularity: Andrea is a top name for boys in Italy, ranking first in 2000 and fifth in 2019. In the U.S., it is only rarely used as a boy’s name and instead ranks in the top 100 for girls.
Angelo
Origin: Latin, from AngelusMeaning: Angel or messenger from GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Angel, Anjel, AngioloFamous Namesakes: Italian soccer player Angelo Peruzzi, Italian astronomer Angelo SecciPeak Popularity: Angelo ranked in the top 50 names for boys in Italy until 2017. In the U.S., it ranks around 300 with the more popular variant, Angelo, ranking around 70.
Antonio
Origin: Etruscan, derived from Latin AntoniusMeaning: Ancient Roman family nameAlternative Spellings & Variations: Anthony, Tony, Anton, AntoniFamous Namesakes: Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi, actor Antonio Banderas, General Antonio López de Santa AnnaPeak Popularity: Antonio is in the top 20 boy names in Italy and was in the top 100 in the U.S. from 1972 to 2007.
Carlo
Origin: Italian, Spanish, GermanMeaning: Man or free man (from Karl)Alternative Spellings & Variations: Carl, Carlos, CharlesFamous Namesakes: Italian particle physicist Carlo Rubbia, Italian politician and 49th Prime Minister of Italy Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, Italian-American mobster Carlo GambinoPeak Popularity: Carlo ranks around the top 60 for boy names in Italy. In the U.S., it is less common, falling out of the top 1,000 in 2012, with the variant Carl being somewhat more popular.
Carmine
Origin: LatinMeaning: Poem, song, or gardenAlternative Spellings & Variations: Carmelo, Carmen, CarmelinoFamous Namesakes: Actor Carmine Giovinazzo, composer Carmine Coppola, comic book artist Carmine InfantinoPeak Popularity: Carmine is in the top 100 boy names in Italy. In the U.S., Carmine was most popular in the first half of the 20th century. It fell out of the top 1,000 in 2008.
Christian
Origin: LatinMeaning: Follower of ChristAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cristian, CristianoFamous Namesakes: Soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, actor Christian Bale, fashion designer Christian DiorPeak Popularity: Christian ranks in the top 25 boy names in Italy, and peaked at 21 in the U.S. in 2006.
Claudio
Origin: LatinMeaning: From the patrician Roman family name “Claudius,” meaning lame or crippledAlternative Spellings & Variations: Claudius, Claude, ClaudiFamous Namesakes: Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi, Italian conductor Claudio Abbado, soccer player Claudio ReynaPeak Popularity: Claudio is in the top 100 names for boys in Italy. It is rarely seen in the U.S., only breaking the top 1,000 in the late 1960s into the early 80s.
Cosimo
Origin: GreekMeaning: Order, decencyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cosmo, Cosma, Cosmas, KosmasFamous Namesakes: Italian merchant and prince Cosimo de Medici of FlorencePeak Popularity: Cosimo usually ranks near the top 100 in Italy. It is uncommon in the U.S.
Daniele
Origin: HebrewMeaning: God is my judgeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Danilo, Daniel, Dan, Dannie, DannyFamous Namesakes: Italian artist Daniele da Volterra, Italian soccer player Daniele De RossiPeak Popularity: Daniele is the most popular form of Daniel in Italy, ranking in the top 20 in the early 2000s. It is uncommon in the U.S. where Daniel was in the top 15 from 2000 to 2020.
Davide
Origin: HebrewMeaning: BelovedAlternative Spellings & Variations: David, Dave, Davey, Davie, DavyFamous Namesakes: Italian race car driver Davide ValsecchiPeak Popularity: Davide has consistently ranked in the top 20 boy names in Italy from 2000 to 2019. It is uncommon in the U.S., where David is in the top 30 names instead.
Diego
Origin: Spanish, Greek, Latin Meaning: Doctrine or teaching (Greek/Latin) or a form of Santiago (Spanish) Alternative Spellings & Variations: Santiago, Sandiego Famous Namesakes: Soccer player Diego Maradona, artist Diego Rivera, conquistador Diego Velazquez de Cuéllar Peak Popularity: Diego was the 16th most popular boy name in Italy in 2019. In the U.S., it was uncommon until the 1960s when it started to climb. It was at a high of number 56 in 2006.
Domenico
Origin: LatinMeaning: Of the LordAlternative Spellings & Variations: Dom Domenic, Domenick, Dominik, DomingoFamous Namesakes: Italian painter Domenico Ghirlandaio, Italian mathematician and astronomer Giovanni Domenico Cassini, Italian-American businessman Domenico CanalePeak Popularity: Domenico is in the top 50 names for boys in Italy. It is rare in the U.S. where Dominic is preferred and ranks in the top 100.
Edoardo
Origin: Italian, from Old English EdwardMeaning: Rich guardAlternative Spellings & Variations: Edward, Eduardo, EdFamous Namesakes: Italian director Edoardo Ponti (son of actress Sophia Loren), fencer Edoardo MangiarottiPeak Popularity: Edoardo was the 10th most popular boy name in Italy in 2019. It is uncommon in other countries. In the U.S., Edward is preferred, but it is becoming less popular, falling below the top 100 in 1998.
Elia
Origin: Hebrew, from Eliana and Elijah Meaning: God has answered Alternative Spellings & Variations: Elijah, Eliya, Elias, Ilias, Eli Famous Namesakes: Director Elia Kazan, Italian cyclist Elia Viviani Peak Popularity: Elia ranked 28 in Italy in 2019, but this form is rare in the U.S. where Elijah was the fourth most popular name in 2020.
Emanuele
Origin: Hebrew, from EmmanuelMeaning: God is with usAlternative Spellings & Variations: Manuel, Manuele, EmmanuelFamous Namesakes: Former Italian Prime Minister Vittorio Emanuele Orlando, Italian racing driver Emanuele PirroPeak Popularity: Emanuele is consistently popular, ranking 33 in 2019 in Italy. It is rare in the U.S., where Emmanuel is more popular, ranking 150 in 2020.
Emiliano
Origin: Italian and Spanish, from Latin AemilianusMeaning: RivalAlternative Spellings & Variations: Emil, EmilioFamous Namesakes: Soccer player Emiliano Sala, Mexican revolutionary Emiliano ZapataPeak Popularity: Emiliano ranks in the top 200 in Italy. It is newly popular in the U.S. since 1997, and ranked at a new high of 175 in 2020. The variant, Emilio, ranked at 229 that same year.
Federico
Origin: From German, FriedrichMeaning: Peaceful rulerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Federigo, Fredo, Frederick, Fredric, FredFamous Namesakes: Poet Federico García Lorca, Italian filmmaker Federico FelliniPeak Popularity: Federico consistently ranks in the top 15 boy names in Italy. It is uncommon in the U.S., where Frederick usually ranks around 500.
Filippo
Origin: From Greek, PhilipposMeaning: Friend of horsesAlternative Spellings & Variations: Phillip, Filip, Phil, FelipeFamous Namesakes: Italian painter Fra Filippo Lippi, St. Philip NeriPeak Popularity: Filippo consistently ranks in the top 25 boy names in Italy, and was popular during the Italian Renaissance. It is rare in the U.S., where Philip is preferred, but even that name has taken a dive to 451 in 2020.
Francesco
Origin: From Latin, FrancisMeaning: Free oneAlternative Spellings & Variations: Franco, Francis, Frans, FrankFamous Namesakes: Italian sculptor Francesco Laurana, Italian scholar and poet Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch), St. Francis of AssisiPeak Popularity: Francesco has been the top name for boys in Italy since 2001. It rarely breaks into the top 1,000 in the U.S.
Gabriele/Gabriel
Origin: HebrewMeaning: God is my strength or God’s warriorAlternative Spellings & Variations: Gabriel, Gabe, Gabi, GavrilFamous Namesakes: Actor Gabriel Byrne, novelist Gabriel García MárquezPeak Popularity: In Italy, Gabriele ranks in the top 10 boy names, while Gabriel is in the top 35. In the U.S., Gabriel peaked at 21 in 2010 and Gabriele is an uncommon name for boys.
Giacomo
Origin: From Latin, Jacobus Meaning: The supplanter (Hebrew) Alternative Spellings & Variations: James, Jacob Famous Namesakes: Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, Italian adventurer and author Giacomo Casanova Peak Popularity: Giacomo ranks in the top 40 names in Italy, but it is rare elsewhere.
Gioele
Origin: Latin, Greek, HebrewMeaning: Jehova is his GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: JoelFamous Namesakes: Italian cyclist Gioele BertoliniPeak Popularity: Gioele reached a new high of popularity in Italy at number 31 in 2018, and ranked 35 in 2019. It is rarely seen in other countries, but Joel ranks at 207 in the U.S.
Giorgio
Origin: Italian, from GreekMeaning: Earth worker, farmerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Gino, George, GiorginoFamous Namesakes: Former Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, Italian soccer player Giorgio Chiellini, Italian composer Giorgio MoroderPeak Popularity: Giorgio consistently ranks in the top 50 in Italy, and was popular during the Italian Renaissance. It is rare in the U.S., where George ranks in the top 150.
Giovanni
Origin: Hebrew and ItalianMeaning: God is graciousAlternative Spellings & Variations: Gian, Gianni, Giannino, Nino, Vanni, JohnFamous Namesakes: Actor Giovanni Ribisi, Italian painter Giovanni Bellini, Italian fashion designer Gianni VersacePeak Popularity: Giovanni is consistently in the top 20 names in Italy. In the U.S., it has surged in popularity and ranked 120 in 2020. The variant Gianni had a new high at 354 that same year.
Giulio
Origin: From Latin, JuliusMeaning: Roman family name meaning youth; origin unknown. It could come from the Roman god Jupiter, or it could be derived from the Greek “Joulus,” meaning downy-bearded.Alternative Spellings & Variations: Julius, JulioFamous Namesakes: Italian politician Giulio Andreotti, Italian composer Giulio Romolo Caccini, Roman dictator Gaius Julius CaesarPeak Popularity: Giulio usually ranks in the top 50 boy names in Italy. It is rare in the U.S.
Giuseppe
Origin: Italian from Hebrew, Yosef (Joseph)Meaning: God will addAlternative Spellings & Variations: Joseph, Beppe, Peppe, Jose, Jo, Joe, JoeyFamous Namesakes: Italian military leader Giuseppe Garibaldi, Italian opera composer Giuseppe Verdi, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe ContePeak Popularity: Giuseppe is consistently in the top 15 boy names in Italy. It is rare in the U.S., where Joseph is preferred and ranked 26 in 2020.
Jacopo
Origin: From Latin, IacobusMeaning: Follower of God; God has protectedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jacob, Iacopo, Giacobbe, Giacomo, LapoFamous Namesakes: Italian painter Jacopo Tintoretto (Comin), Italian composer Jacopo Corsi, Italian author and archbishop Blessed Jacopo De Fazio (Jacobus da Varagine)Peak Popularity: Jacopo ranks in the top 40 names for boys in Italy. It is rare elsewhere.
Leonardo
Origin: ItalianMeaning: Brave lionAlternative Spellings & Variations: Leonard, LeoFamous Namesakes: Italian polymath and Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, actor Leonardo DiCaprio, Italian mathematician Leonardo Bonacci (Fibonacci of Pisa)Peak Popularity: Leonardo had a new high at the number one most popular name in Italy in 2018. It has been rising sharply in the U.S. and broke into the top 100 in 2016.
Lorenzo
Origin: Italian and Spanish from Latin, LaurentiusMeaning: Ancient Roman surname meaning from the laurelAlternative Spellings & Variations: Enzo, Renzo, Loris, Laurence, LawrenceFamous Namesakes: Italian statesman Lorenzo de’ Medici, Italian Renaissance artist Lorenzo Ghiberti, actor Lorenzo LamasPeak Popularity: Lorenzo is in the top five names in Italy. In the U.S., it rose into the top 200 in 2017.
Luca
Origin: Italian from Greek, Loukas; possibly Latin, Lucus Meaning: From Lucania in southern Italy; possibly “sacred wood” Alternative Spellings & Variations: Lucas, Luc, Luke Famous Namesakes: Italian sculptor Luca della Robbia Peak Popularity: Luca was most popular in Italy at number five in 1999 and 25 in 2019. It is gaining popularity sharply in the U.S. and was at 67 in 2020, while Lucas ranked eighth most popular.
Luigi
Origin: From German, Ludwig, and Latin, LudovicusMeaning: Famous warriorAlternative Spellings & Variations: Lodovico, Ludovico, Gino, Luigino, Louis, LuisFamous Namesakes: Italian novelist and dramatist Luigi Pirandello, Italian physician and physicist Luigi GalvaniPeak Popularity: Luigi is in the top 50 boy names in Italy. It has rarely been in the top 1,000 in the U.S.
Marco
Origin: Latin and Estrucan, from MarcusMeaning: To harvest, also associated with Mars, the Roman god of warAlternative Spellings & Variations: Marcus, Mark, Marko, MarkusFamous Namesakes: Italian merchant and explorer Marco Polo, soccer player Marco Fabián, politician and U.S. senator Marco RubioPeak Popularity: Marco was in the top 10 names in Italy in the early 2000s and dropped to 23 in 2019. In the U.S., it ranks in the 300s and is decreasing in popularity.
Mario
Origin: Latin, probably of Estrucan origin, from MariusMeaning: Mars, the Roman god of warAlternative Spellings & Variations: MariusFamous Namesakes: Italian-American retired racing driver Mario Andretti, politician and former New York governor Mario Cuomo, actor and television host Mario LopezPeak Popularity: Mario was in the top 50 names in Italy until 2016. In the U.S., it was most popular in the 1970s and 1980s.
Matteo
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Gift of GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Mateo, Matthew, Mathew, MattFamous Namesakes: Former Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi, Italian Jesuit missionary Matteo RicciPeak Popularity: Matteo has been in the top 10 boy names in Italy since the year 2000, and dropped to 11 in 2019. It is skyrocketing in popularity in the U.S., breaking into the top 200 in 2015. But the variant Mateo is even more popular, ranking with a new high of 20 in 2020.
Mattia
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Gift of GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Matthew, Mathew, Matt, Matthias, Matias, MattheausFamous Namesakes: Italian soccer player Mattia De SciglioPeak Popularity: Mattia has been in the top 10 boy names in Italy since 2003, and was third most popular in 2015. It is rare in the U.S., but the Spanish version Matias ranked at 216 in 2020 and Matthias ranked at 435.
Michele
Origin: Hebrew, Latin Meaning: Who is like God Alternative Spellings & Variations: Michael, Micheal, Mikael, Michal, Mike, Mick, Mickey, Miguel, Mikhail Famous Namesakes: Italian businessman Michele Ferrero, Italian racing driver Michele Alboreto, banned Italian sports physician Michele Ferrari Peak Popularity: Michele is in the top 30 names for boys in Italy. In the U.S., it is rarely used, with Michael being preferred.
Nicola/Nicolo
Origin: Latin, from Greek, NikolaosMeaning: Victory of the peopleAlternative Spellings & Variations: Niccolo, Nicolao, Nicolas, Nicholas, Nico, NikoFamous Namesakes: Italian violinist Niccolo Paganini, Italian merchant and explorer Niccolo de Conti, Italian sculptor Nicola PisanoPeak Popularity: In Italy, Nicolo ranks in the top 20 while Nicola is in the top 50 for boys. These names are rare in the U.S., with Nicola used mostly as a female name during the 1970s. Nicholas is the more popular form and was in the top ten in the early 2000s. It ranked in the top 100 in 2018.
Paolo
Origin: From Latin, PaulusMeaning: Small or humbleAlternative Spellings & Variations: Paulus, Paul, PabloFamous Namesakes: Author Paulo Coelho de Souza, Former Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, Italian painter and mathematician Paolo UccelloPeak Popularity: Paolo ranked in the top 50 in popularity for boys in Italy until 2015. It is an uncommon name in the U.S., where Paul is preferred.
Pasquale
Origin: From Latin, PaschalisMeaning: Relating to EasterAlternative Spellings & Variations: Pasqual, Pascal, Pasco, Pascale, Pasqualino, LinoFamous Namesakes: Italian opera composer Pasquale AnfossiPeak Popularity: Pasquale has ranked as high as 50 in Italy in 1999. It hasn’t been in the top 1,000 in the U.S. since 1973.
Pietro
Origin: From Greek, PetrosMeaning: Stone or rockAlternative Spellings & Variations: Peter, Piero, Petrus, Pier, Pierre, PiotrFamous Namesakes: Italian painter Pietro Perugino, Italian general and political leader Pietro Badoglio, Olympic sprinter Pietro Paolo MenneaPeak Popularity: Pietro is in the top 25 names in Italy, but it is uncommon in the U.S., where Peter is preferred.
Riccardo
Origin: GermanicMeaning: Brave; powerful or great leaderAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ricardo, Richard, Rich, RickFamous Namesakes: Actor Ricardo Montalbán, American-Italian astrophysicist Riccardo Giacconi, Italian conductor Riccardo MutiPeak Popularity: Riccardo was the ninth most popular name in Italy in 2019, but it is uncommon in the U.S. The variant Ricardo is more popular and had its high point in the 1990s.
Romeo
Origin: Italian, from Latin, RomaeusMeaning: A pilgrim to Rome; from Rome; a RomanAlternative Spellings & Variations: Roman, Roma, RomanoFamous Namesakes: Singer Romeo SantosPeak Popularity: Romeo has surged in popularity in both Italy and the U.S. in recent years. It ranked 151 in Italy in 2019 and 377 in the U.S. in 2020.
Salvatore
Origin: From LatinMeaning: SaviorAlternative Spellings & Variations: Sal, Salvador, Salvator, Salvo, ToryFamous Namesakes: Medal of Honor recipient Salvatore Giunta, singer, actor, and politician Salvatore “Sonny” Bono, Italian shoe designer Salvatore FerragamoPeak Popularity: Salvatore is in the top 40 boy names in Italy. It was most popular in the U.S. in the 1920s, breaking into the top 150.
Samuel/Samuele
Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Name of God Alternative Spellings & Variations: Sam, Sammy, Sami, Ismaiel, Ismael, Ismail, Ishmael Famous Namesakes: Politician and a leader of the Texas Revolution Sam Houston, actor Sam Shepard, novelist and playwright Samuel Beckett, singer Sam Cooke Peak Popularity: Samuele and Samuel are both popular in Italy, but Samuele wins at number 20 for 2019 while Samuel was at number 41. Always in the top 50 in the U.S., Samuel reached a high of 21 from 2016 to 2018, which it has not seen since the late 1800s.
Simone
Origin: Hebrew; GreekMeaning: God has heard or flat-nosedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Simon, Simeon, Symeon, ShimonFamous Namesakes: Italian painter Simone Martini, Italian tennis player Simone BolelliPeak Popularity: Simone was in the top 10 boy names in Italy from 1999 to 2006, and ranked at 26 in 2019. It is primarily a feminine name in the U.S.
Stefano
Origin: GreekMeaning: Crown or victoriousAlternative Spellings & Variations: Stephano, Stephen, Steven, Stevan, Stefan, Steffan, Esteban, Steve, Stefen, Stefon, Stephon, StevonFamous Namesakes: Italian fashion designer and co-founder of Dolce & Gabbana Stefano Gabbana, Italian Olympic marathoner Stefano Baldini, singer Stefano LangonePeak Popularity: Stefano is in the top 50 boy names in Italy. It is rare in the U.S. where its equivalent Stephen was most popular in the late 1940s through the 1960s when it ranked in the top 25. Since 2000, it has dropped out of the top 100.
Tommaso/Thomas
Origin: From Aramaic, Taóma Meaning: Twin; equal to himself Alternative Spellings & Variations: Tomas, Thom, Tommy, Toma, Tom Famous Namesakes: Founding Father and third president of the United States Thomas Jefferson, Italian theologian St. Thomas Aquinas, Olympic swimmer Tommaso D’Orsogna Peak Popularity: Tommaso is in the top 10 boy names for Italy, with Thomas in the top 40. In the U.S., Tommaso is rare, with Thomas being preferred and entering the top 50 in 2016.
Valentino
Origin: From Latin, ValentinusMeaning: Strong, healthyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Tino, Val, Valenti, Valent, Valente, ValentinFamous Namesakes: Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, Italian actor Valentino Musetti, Italian motorcycle racer Valentino RossiPeak Popularity: Valentino ranks about 100 in Italy. It reached a new high in the U.S. at 619 in 2020.
Vincenzo
Origin: LatinMeaning: To conquer or winAlternative Spellings & Variations: Vincente, Enzo, VincentFamous Namesakes: Italian opera composer Vincenzo Bellini, Italian cyclist Vincenzo Nibali, philanthropist and television personality Vincenzo Guzzo, Italian entrepreneur Enzo FerrariPeak Popularity: Vincenzo is in the top 40 names in Italy. It ranked at 736 in the U.S. in 2020. The variant Enzo is popular at number 173 in 2020.
