From the Roman Empire to the Renaissance and eventual unification of the country, Italy has established itself as one of the most beloved, respected, and admired countries in the world – and for good reason.
I mean, let’s be honest – Italy has it all, and then some!
Iconic artists, timeless architecture, delicious cuisine, designer brands, high-quality wine, luxury cars, exciting sports, stunning landscapes – find me someone who won’t say yes to that. It’s okay, I’ll wait!
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For those who can’t experience the daily beauty of Italy, we can infuse a bit of its charm into our lives by giving our daughters Italian girl names – that way, a little touch of Italy follows us everywhere we go!
If that sounds like something you’re interested in, then you’ve come to the right place!
Below, we’re going to list 50 of the most popular and/or unique Italian girl names being used today – some of which are inspired by Italy’s deep history and culture – including place names, food, and more!
With that said, let’s get started!
Italian Girl Names With Italian Roots
Italian names have rich and diverse origins. For example, most Italian names are derived from Latin – the primary language of ancient Rome – but Christianity has also played a major role in naming conventions.
And let’s not forget there was a time when Italy was a divided country.
During those days, Italian girl names varied depending on what region you were in. Just because a name was popular in one region (let’s say Tuscany) doesn’t mean it was popular in another region (Florence).
Either way, let’s take a look at 10 of our favorite Italian girl names with Italian or Latin origins.
10. Francesca
Origin: Italian, Latin (derived from the Latin name Franciscus)
Meaning: Free, From France
Famous People: Francesca Schiavone (former professional tennis player), Francesca Neri (actress who appeared in ‘Live Flesh’ and ‘Hannibal’), Francesca Michielin (singer-songwriter who won the Italian version of ‘X Factor’), Francesca Reggiani (actress and comedian), Francesca Piccinini (professional volleyball player)
9. Gianna
Origin: Italian, Hebrew (diminutive form of Giovanna, which is the Italian feminine form of John)
Meaning: God is Gracious
Famous People: Gianna Nannini (renowned singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice), Gianna Beretta Molla (pediatrician and canonized Roman Catholic saint), Gianna Maria Canale (actress known for her roles in Italian cinema in the 50s and 60s), Gianna Mazini (influential writer and novelist), Gianna Gissi (award-winning costume designer)
8. Isabella
Origin: Italian, Spanish (derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba)
Meaning: God is My Oath
Famous People: Isabella Rossellini (actress, filmmaker, author, and model), Isabella d’Este (prominent Renaissance noblewoman, art patron, and political figure), Isabella Ferrari (actress who appeared in ‘The Great Beauty’), Isabella Ragonese (actress who appeared in ‘Our Life’ and ‘The First Beautiful Thing’) Isabella Santacroce (novelist and writer known for her distinct style)
7. Vittoria
Origin: Italian, Latin (derived from the Latin name Victoria)
Meaning: Victory
Famous People: Vittoria Puccini (actress who appeared in ‘Elisa di Rivombrosa’), Vittoria Colonna (Renaissance poet and noblewoman) Vittoria Ceretti (top model), Vittoria Belvedere (actress and TV presenter), Vittoria Lepanto (singer and performer active in the Italian music scene)
6. Bianca
Origin: Italian (derived from the Italian word “bianco”)
Meaning: White, Fair
Famous People: Bianca Balti (well-known fashion model) Bianca Guaccero (actress and TV presenter), Bianca Berlinguer (journalist and TV presenter), Bianca Pitzorno (writer and screenwriter known for her children’s books), Bianca Maria Visconti (the Duchess of Milan in the 15th century)
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5. Valentina
Origin: Latin (derived from the name Valentinus)
Meaning: Strong, Healthy
Famous People: Valentina Tereshkova (first woman to fly in space), Valentina Vezzali (fencer who has won multiple Olympic gold medals), Valentina Cervi (actress who appeared in ‘Miracle at St. Anna’ and ‘Jane Eyre’), Valentina Lodovini (actress who appeared in ‘Benvenuti al Sud’), Valentina Belle (actress who appeared in ‘Medici: Masters of Florence’), Valentina Giovagnini (singer-songwriter)
4. Paola
Origin: Italian, Latin (derived from the Latin name Paulus)
Meaning: Small, Humble
Famous People: Paola Cortellesi (actress, comedian, and singer), Paola Turci (singer-songwriter), Paola Perego (television host and presenter), Paola Barale (television personality and actress), Paola Pitagora (actress and singer who appeared in ‘The Leopard’)
3. Chiara
Origin: Italian, Latin (derived from the Latin name Clara)
Meaning: Clear, Bright, Famous
Famous People: Chiara Ferragni (fashion blogger, influencer, and businesswoman), Chiara Mastroianni (actress and singer), Chiara Gamerale (novelist and writer), Chiara Zanni (voice actress and actress), Chiara Civello (singer-songwriter and musician)
2. Alessia
Origin: Italian, Greek (derived from the Greek name Alexis)
Meaning: Defender, Helper
Famous People: Alessia Marcuzzi (television presenter, actress, and model), Alessia Cara (singer and songwriter), Alessia Ventura (television presenter, model, and actress), Alessia Trost (high jumper who competed in the Olympics), Alessia Fabiani (actress, showgirl, and model)
1. Fiorella
Origin: Italian (derived from the word “fiore”)
Meaning: Little Flower
Famous People: Fiorella Mannoia (Italian singer and songwriter), Fiorella Bonicelli (Uruguayan tennis player), Fiorella Mattheis (Brazilian actress and television presenter), Fiorella Cava (peruvian singer and actress), Fiorella Salazar (Costa Rican politician and lawyer)
Italian Girl Names Inspired By Italian Cities & Towns
If you’ve ever planned (or thought about planning) a vacation to Italy, then you’ve probably seen some of the names of the cities, towns, and villages throughout the country – it’s okay, we’ve all been there.
In fact, some of us have even thought about adding those place names to our baby name list.
If that sounds like you, then don’t worry – you’re not alone. And you’ll be delighted to know that there are several options that seem like home runs – including some cities you’ve probably never heard of before.
With that said, let’s take a look at 10 of our favorite Italian girl names inspired by Italian cities!
10. Emilia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: derived from the Latin name Aemilia, which means “rival,” “industrious,” or “eager.”
Italian Significance: Located in northern Italy, Emilia-Romagna stretches from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea. The region is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Cathedral of Modena and the early Christian monuments of Ravenna.
9. Capri
Origin: Italian, Greek, Latin
Meaning: believed to come from the Greek word “kapros,” meaning “wild boar,” or from the Latin word “caprae,” meaning “goats.”
Italian Significance: Capri is a famous island located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the Sorrentine Peninsula, on the south side of the Gulf of Naples in the Campania region of Italy. It’s renowned for its natural beauty, including the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), a sea cave that is illuminated by an ethereal blue light.
8. Florence
Origin: Latin
Meaning: derived from the name “Florentia,” which means “prosperous” or “flourishing.”
Italian Significance: Florence, known as Firenze in Italian, is the capital city of the Tuscany region in central Italy. It’s considered the birthplace of the Renaissance. Its history dates back to Roman times, but it gained prominence in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance as a center of trade, finance, and art.
7. Siena
Origin: Latin
Meaning: derived from the Latin name “Sæna Julia,” and is often associated with the color ‘sienna’ (a reddish-brown color
Italian Significance: Siena is located in the central part of Tuscany, surrounded by picturesque hills and countryside. Some of the key attractions in Siena include Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral, Palazzo Pubblico, Santa Maria della Scala, and Basilica of San Domenico.
6. Verona
Origin: Latin, Etruscan
Meaning: N/A
Italian Significance: Verona is located in northeastern Italy, near the Adige River, and is surrounded by the picturesque landscape of vineyards and rolling hills. Key attractions in Verona include the Arena di Verona, Juliet’s House, Piazza delle Erbe, Castelvecchio, and Ponte Scaligero.
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5. Venice
Origin: Latin
Meaning: derived from “Venetia,” referring to the ancient Veneti people who inhabited the region
Italian Significance: Venice, known as Venezia in Italian, is the capital of the Veneto region in northeastern Italy – it’s situated on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and connected by over 400 bridges. It’s home to St. Mark’s Basilica, Grand Canal, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, and Piazza San Marco.
4. Lucca
Origin: Latin
Meaning: derived from the word “Luca”
Italian Significance: Lucca is situated on the Serchio River, surrounded by picturesque Tuscan countryside and hills. Some of the most popular attractions include the Mura di Lucca, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, Lucca Cathedral, Torre Guinigi, and the Church of San Michele in Foro
3. Ravenna
Origin: Latin
Meaning: N/A
Italian Significance: Ravenna is a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, more specifically located in northeastern Italy, near the Adriatic Sea. It’s home to the Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Basilica of Sant/Apollinare Nuovo, Mausoleum of Theodoric, and Basilica of Sant/Apollinare in Classe
2. Genoa
Origin: Latin
Meaning: derived from the Latin name “Genua”
Italian Significance: Genoa, known as Genova in Italian, is the capital of the Liguria region in northwest Italy and is located on the Ligurian Sea, surrounded by the Apennine Mountains and a rugged coastline. It’s home to the Aquarium of Genoa, Piazza De Ferrari Palazzo Ducale, Genoa Cathedral and Boccadasse.
1. Rimini
Origin: Latin
Meaning: derived from the nearby river Ariminus (now the Marecchia River)
Italian Significance: Rimini is a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Located on the Adriatic Sea, it offers a long stretch of sandy beaches and a lively seaside atmosphere. It’s also home to the Arch of Augustus Tiberius Bridge, Tempio Malatestiano, Piazza Cavour and Rimini Beach.
Italian Girl Names Inspired By Italian Food
Italian cuisine has a long, rich, and storied history – with recipes and techniques passed down through generations, and a deep-rooted tradition that lends authenticity and a sense of heritage to the food.
It’s a big reason why Italian food is so popular today – all around the world
Italian cuisine is primarily known for its use of olive oil, garlic, pasta, tomatoes (which actually come from Mexico), basil, and cheese, but other staples include marinara sauce, lasagna, and parmesan cheese.
If you enjoy a good Italian meal, then you’re going to love these Italian girl names inspired by Italian food!
10. Michetta
Origin: Italian
Meaning: diminutive form of the name Michela, which is the feminine form of Michele
Italian Significance: Michetta is a type of Italian bread roll that originated in Lombardy. It is characterized by its light and airy texture with a crisp crust. The bread roll typically has a round shape with a star-like pattern on the top, which is created by making a deep cross cut before baking.
9. Margherita
Origin: Italian, Greek, Latin
Meaning: Italian form of the name Margaret, which comes from the Greek word “margaritēs,” meaning “pearl”
Italian Significance: Margherita Pizza is a traditional Italian pizza topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, salt, and extra-virgin olive oil. It is believed to be named after Queen Margherita of Savoy and is known for its simple yet delicious combination of flavors and colors representing the Italian flag.
8. Olivia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: derived from the Latin word “oliva,” meaning “olive” or “olive tree”
Italian Significance: While Olivia is not the name of a specific Italian dish, olives are a staple in Italian cuisine – and find me an Italian dish that doesn’t use olive oil, I’ll wait!
7. Focaccia
Origin: Italian
Meaning: Type of Bread
Italian Significance: Focaccia is a popular Italian flatbread that is similar in style and texture to pizza dough. It’s often seasoned with olive oil, salt, and sometimes herbs like rosemary, and can be topped with various ingredients such as tomatoes, olives, onions, and cheese.
6. Caprese
Origin: Italian
Meaning: Type of Salad
Italian Significance: Caprese is a traditional Italian salad named after the island of Capri. The dish features fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil, seasoned with salt and drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil. Sometimes, it includes a splash of balsamic vinegar.
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5. Gelato
Origin: Italian
Meaning: Type of Dessert
Italian Significance: Gelato is a traditional Italian ice cream known for its rich flavor and smooth texture. It’s made with milk, cream, various sugars, and flavorings such as fresh fruit and nut purees, and has a lower fat content compared to regular ice cream.
4. Arancina
Origin: Italian
Meaning: The name “arancina” means “little orange” in Italian
Italian Significance: Arancina (or Arancino in some regions) is a traditional Sicilian dish consisting of deep-fried rice balls. They’re typically stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as meat ragù, mozzarella, peas, or ham, and then coated in breadcrumbs before frying.
3. Genovese
Origin: Italian
Meaning: Genovese is an Italian surname that means “from Genoa,” a city in Italy.
Italian Significance: Genovese sauce is a traditional Italian sauce originating from the region of Genoa. It is typically made with slow-cooked onions and beef, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. The main ingredients include onions, beef (usually a cut suitable for slow cooking), white wine, and sometimes tomatoes.
2. Fiorentina
Origin: Italian
Meaning: Fiorentina is derived from the Latin word “Florentinus,” meaning “from Florence” or “Florentine.”
Italian Significance: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, or Florentine steak, is a traditional Italian dish from the Tuscany region, particularly associated with Florence. It is a thick cut of T-bone or porterhouse steak, usually from the Chianina breed of cattle.
1. Panna
Origin: Italian
Meaning: In Italian, “panna” means “cream.”
Italian Significance: Panna Cotta is a traditional Italian dessert made from sweetened cream thickened with gelatin and molded. The cream can be flavored with vanilla, coffee, or other flavorings and is typically served with a fruit sauce or caramel.
Italian Girl Names Inspired By Italian History
Throughout Italy’s history, there have been a number of iconic and notable women who broke barriers and forged paths that continue to inspire and empower future generations of women – and even men!
These women embody the spirit of innovation, strength, and advocacy that Italy is known for.
Naming your baby daughter after an inspirational figure in Italian history will give them a role model to look up to, while also serving as a constant reminder of the values and qualities you wish to instill in them.
If that’s something you’re interested in, here are 10 Italian girl names inspired by iconic Italian women!
10. Artemisia
Origin: Greek
Meaning: derived from the Greek word “Artemisios,” meaning “dedicated to Artemis.”
Who Is Artemisia Gentileschi?: Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–1653) was an Italian Baroque painter known for her powerful and expressive work, as well as for being one of the most accomplished female artists of her time. Her works often featured strong, suffering women from myth and the Bible.
9. Maria
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: derived from the Hebrew name “Miriam,” meaning “bitter” or “wished-for child”
Who Is Maria Montessori?: Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was a physician and educator. She’s known for developing the Montessori Method of education, which emphasizes independent learning, hands-on activities, and collaborative play.
8. Grazia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Grazia means “grace” in Italian. It is derived from the Latin word “gratia,” which signifies elegance, kindness, and divine favor.
Who Is Grazia Deledda?: Grazia Deledda (1871-1936) was a writer and novelist who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1926 for her idealistically inspired writings depicting life in her native Sardinia. She’s one of the few women to receive a Nobel Prize in Literature.
7. Rita
Origin: Spanish and Italian
Meaning: Rita is a short form of the Spanish and Italian name Margarita, which means “pearl.”
Who Is Rita Levi-Montalcini?: Rita Levi-Montalcini (1909-2012) was a neurologist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1986 for her discovery of nerve growth factor (NGF). Her work has had a profound impact on medical science, particularly in understanding the nervous system.
6. Elena
Origin: Greek
Meaning: derived from the Greek name “Helene,” meaning “bright” or “shining light”
Who Is Elena Cornaro Piscopia?: Elena Cornaro Piscopia (1646-1684) was a philosopher and mathematician who was the first woman to receive a doctoral degree in philosophy from the University of Padua in 1678.
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5. Catherine
Origin: Greek
Meaning: comes from the Greek name “Aikaterine,” which is believed to mean “pure.”
Who Is Catherine of Siena?: Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) was a religious mystic and author. She was canonized as a saint and declared a Doctor of the Church, and known for her influential letters and “The Dialogue,” a spiritual treatise.
4. Anna
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: derived from the Hebrew name “Channah,” meaning “grace” or “favor”
Who Is Anna Magnani?: Anna Magnani (1908-1973) was an actress who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘The Rose Tattoo’ (1955). She’s considered one of Italy’s greatest and most popular film actresses.
3. Leonilde
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Leonilde is a name of Germanic origin, meaning “people” (leudi) and “battle” (hild).
Who Is Leonilde Iotti?: Leonilde Iotti (1920-1999) was a politician who was the first woman to serve as President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies – a position she held between 1979 and 1992. She pioneered women’s political participation in Italy and played a significant role in Italian politics.
2. Clelia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: derived from the Latin name “Cloelia,” which is believed to mean “famous” or “renowned”
Who Is Clelia Grillo Borromeo?: Clelia Grillo Borromeo (1684–1777) was an intellectual and patron known for her contributions to science and culture, particularly in mathematics and philosophy.
1. Giorgia
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Italian feminine form of the name George, derived from the Greek name “Georgios,” meaning “farmer” or “earthworker.”
Who Is Giorgia Meloni?: Giorgia Meloni (1977–present) is a politician and current leader of the Brothers of Italy party. She became the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of Italy in 2022 – a position she still holds today.
Italian Girl Names Inspired By Roman Mythology
Roman mythology is a body of traditional stories and beliefs that were central to the culture and religion of ancient Rome. It was heavily influenced by Greek mythology, but the goddesses have different names.
Where Greek goddesses have Greek names, Roman goddesses have Latin names.
And since each Roman goddess embodies specific qualities and attributes, naming a child after a Roman deity can imbue their name with symbolic meanings – while also sounding powerful, iconic, and strong.
With that said, here are 10 of our favorite Italian girl names inspired by Roman goddesses.
10. Juno
Origin: Latin
Meaning: from the Latin name ‘Luno,’ which means ‘queen of the heavens’ or ‘youth’
Roman Mythology: Juno is a major goddess in Roman mythology, equivalent to the Greek goddess Hera. She’s known as the Queen of the Gods, and is the protector and special counselor of the state. Juno is also the goddess of marriage and childbirth, often associated with fertility and the protection of women.
9. Luna
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Moon
Roman Mythology: Luna is the Roman goddess of the moon. She is often depicted driving a chariot pulled by horses across the night sky. Luna was worshipped in conjunction with the god Sol (the sun) and was associated with Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon.
8. Venus
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Love, Desire
Roman Mythology: Venus is the Roman goddess of love, beauty, desire, sex, fertility, and prosperity. She is equivalent to the Greek goddess Aphrodite. Venus played a key role in many mythological stories and was considered the mother of the Roman people through her son Aeneas, who escaped the fall of Troy to found Rome.
7. Diana
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Divine, Heavenly
Roman Mythology: Diana is the Roman goddess of the hunt, the moon, and nature. She is also associated with wild animals and woodland, and is a protector of women and children. Diana is equivalent to the Greek goddess Artemis and is often depicted as a huntress carrying a bow and arrows.
6. Vesta
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Hearth, Home
Roman Mythology: Vesta is the Roman goddess of hearth, home, and family. Her flame was kept burning in the Temple of Vesta by the Vestal Virgins. Vesta is equivalent to the Greek goddess Hestia. Her worship was central to both domestic and state religious practices.
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5. Fortuna
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Fortune, Luck
Roman Mythology: Fortuna is the Roman goddess of luck, fate, and fortune. She is often depicted with a cornucopia, symbolizing abundance, and a wheel, representing the capricious nature of fate. Fortuna could bring both good and bad luck.
4. Bellona
Origin: Latin
Meaning: War
Roman Mythology: Bellona is the Roman goddess of war. She is often depicted wearing a helmet and armor, carrying a sword, shield, or other weapons. Bellona was considered a companion or sister of Mars, the god of war, and played a significant role in Roman military rituals and celebrations.
3. Aurora
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Dawn
Roman Mythology: Aurora is the Roman goddess of the dawn, equivalent to the Greek goddess Eos. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman who renews herself every morning and flies across the sky, announcing the arrival of the sun. Aurora’s tears are considered to form the morning dew.
2. Flora
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Flower
Roman Mythology: Flora is the Roman goddess of flowers, plants, and spring. She represents the renewal of life and the blossoming of nature. Flora was worshipped during the Floralia festival, which celebrated the coming of spring and the flowering of plants.
1. Salus
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Safety, Health, Well-Being
Roman Mythology: Salus is the Roman goddess of safety, health, and welfare. She was associated with the well-being of both individuals and the state. Salus is often depicted holding a patera (a shallow dish used in religious ceremonies) and a scepter, symbolizing health and prosperity.
Which Italian Girl Names Made Your Shortlist?
Italian girl names offer a perfect blend of melodious sounds, profound meanings, and inspiring legacies from notable figures throughout history – so we’re not surprised to see them gaining popularity today.
If that’s the type of name you want for your daughter, then we say go for it!
Let this be an opportunity to celebrate the richness of Italian culture and the inspiring stories behind each name, but also let it embody everything you hope to see out of your little girl as she builds an identity.
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For more Italian girl names and other baby name ideas, be sure to check back with us in the future – and check our blog for updated lists. We’re here to help you find the perfect name for your adorable little girl!