Italian Girl Names Offer Romance and Style

Italian names for girls can be romantic, dramatic, and traditional – sometimes all at once!

Whether you’re of Italian descent, or just love this style, Italian girl names range from the familiar to the rare, with plenty of choices in between.

Some are authentically Italian, with roots stretching back across millennia. Others are popular in Italy now, even though their stories begin elsewhere. And a few are names that American parents will perceive as Italian names for girls … even if they wouldn’t be recognized as such by native speakers.

Also worth noting: an overwhelming number of Italian girl names import into English flawlessly. But a few could create pronunciation hassles. You might love the way Claudia sounds when you hear it spoken on your study abroad semester in Florence, but that’s not the way it will be said in the US. It’s up to you if that’s a dealbreaker.

Before jumping into all of the possibilities, let’s look at the most popular Italian girl names in Italy.

As compiled by ISTAT, the ten most popular girl names are as follows:

1. Sofia
2. Aurora
3. Giulia
4. Ginevra
5. Beatrice
6. Alice
7. Vittoria
8. Emma
9. Ludovica
10. Matilde

Now, let’s look at all of the Italian baby girl names, from the Top Ten to the oh-so-obscure.

ITALIAN NAMES for GIRLS

ADELA, ADELE

Adele looks like a two-syllable name, made famous by the world-famous singer. But when we’re talking about Italian baby girls, the pronunciation is closer to Adela.

AGATA

The saintly Agatha is out of favor in English, but in Italy, Agata is a well-established Top 100 favorite.

AGNESE

Another two-syllable name turned three in Italian, Agnese is right up there with Agata, perhaps partially due to the saint.

ALESSANDRA

Venerable classic Alexandra swaps the X for a double S in Italian.

ALESSIA

Another Alex name, made famous by Italian-Canadian singer Alessia Cara.

ALICE, ALICIA

Alicia is the Latin form of Alice; but the Italian Alice sounds quite a bit like the English Alicia.

ALLEGRA

Joyful and musical, Allegra means lively. If not for the allergy meds, it could be a smash hit name.

ALMA

Delightfully international, brief and complete Alma might be Hebrew, Latin, Tatar, or Spanish, meaning apple or soul … or something else entirely. But it does, indeed, appear in Italian and so fits on this list.

AMARA

While Amara isn’t a traditional Italian name, it is an Italian word, meaning bitter. And amare is the Italian verb meaning “to love” with amore meaning love. Call it an Italianish choice.

AMBRA

The Italian equivalent of Amber, quite stylish right now.

AMELIA

Almost as popular in Italy as it is in the US.

ANASTASIA

A Slavic favorite with Greek roots meaning resurrection, this name sounds equally appealing in Italian, too.

ANGELA, ANGELICA, ANGELINA

In Greek, angelos means messenger, the source of our word angel – as well as the name Angela and elaborations Angelica and Angelina.

ANITA

Take Anna, add the diminutive -ita ending, and Anita feels like a whole new name.

ANNA

An enduring classic, Saint Anna – Anne in English – is the mother of Mary in the New Testament.

ANNABELLA

Take Anna and add bella – beautiful – and this compound name is the result.

ANNAMARIA

Two popular names smooshed together create this elaborate, romantic name.

ANTONIA, ANTONELLA

The oh-so-Roman Antonius became Antony and later Anthony in English. Antonia is widely used as the feminine form, from the ancient world to modern Europe. Antonella is an elaboration that adds all the -ella nicknames as options.

ARIANNA

In Greek mythology, Ariadne helped Theseus escape the Minotaur. Her name means “most holy.” It’s been softened over the years to Arianna. The single N spelling – Ariana – is more popular in English.

ASIA

A modern favorite in Italy, borrowed from the name of the continent.

ASSUNTA

A religious name, from Mary’s title, Our Lady of the Assumption.

AURELIA

An ancient name with a glittering meaning – golden.

AURORA

Borrowed from the Roman goddess of the dawn.

AZZURRA

American parents adore Scarlett, but Italians? They’re all about this lovely name meaning blue.

BEATRICE

During the fourteenth century, Dante Aligheri penned his epic poem, Divine Comedy. Inspired by his real-life love, Beatrice, Dante named a character after her.

BELLA

From the Italian word meaning beautiful, though it’s not popular in Italy.

BENEDETTA

Buttoned-up Benedict becomes romantic Benedetta in Italian.

BETTINA

A nickname for Elisabetta, this could also stand on its own as a vintage, romance language charmer.

BIANCA

Blanche feels very Golden Girls, but Bianca offers a certain kind of European glam.

BRUNA

The feminine form of Bruno, rare in the US.

CAMILLA

In Virgil’s Aenid, Camilla is a warrior maiden. American parents prefer to spell it with one L, Camila.

CARLOTTA

Charlotte is the Top Ten choice in the English-speaking world, but Carlotta is big in Italy.

CARMELA

As in Mrs. Soprano, from Mary’s title “Our Lady of Carmel.” Carmel means garden in Hebrew, mentioned in the Old Testament, so this is a little bit Biblical, and almost a nature name, too.

CAROLINA

Caroline picks up an a, like the southern states, but the pronunication becomes car-oh-LEE-nah.

CASSIANA

A feminine form of Cassian, this name combines ancient roots and Star Wars cred.

CATERINA

The Italian form of Katherine.

CECILIA

The same name that we know in English, except the Italians say the Cs like “ch” rather than “ess.”

CELESTE

It’s a soft C and two syllables in English; in Italian, it’s three syllables, again with “ch” sounds: cheh LEH steh. 

CHIARA

It sounds like Kiara, but Chiara is the Italian equivalent of Clara, used for centuries.

CLARA, CLARISSA

The Latin form of Claire and Clare, sometimes elaborated to Clarissa. While Chiara is more popular in Italy, Clara also ranks in the current Top 100.

CLAUDIA

An ancient Roman name, Claudia is mentioned in the New Testament, but remains relatively uncommon in much of the world.

CONCETTA

In heavily Catholic countries, women’s names are often taken from titles of the Virgin Mary. Concetta refers to the Immaculate Conception.

COSTANZA

The Italian form of Constance. The missing N isn’t a mistake; Constanza is more typically Spanish. (Think of the way Victoria becomes Vittoria.) Connie feels like an Italian-American stereotype kind of name, and that’s fair – but it can come from multiple Italian names for girls.

COSIMA

A name with centuries of history, Cosima comes from cosmos – order.

CRISTINA

Drop the ‘h’ and Cristina is the romance language form of the classic name.

DALILA

Delilah by way of Venice.

DANIELA

The Italian feminine form of Daniel, Daniela sounds very similar to the Italian masculine: Daniele.

DIANA

A Roman goddess name, we associate Diana with royalty from singer Ross to the late Princess of Wales. But it’s also Italian.

DILETTA

Popular in Italy, Diletta means beloved.

DOMENICA

The feminine form of Dominic, it’s much less common than the masculine.

DONATELLA

Designer and business exec Donatella Versace reinforces this name’s Italian style. It comes from donatus – given, a popular name element for early saints. It’s also the source of Donatello, the Renaissance artist/ninja turtle.

EDVIGE

Hedwig is best for snowy owls, but the enchanting Edvige – pronounce the last e as “jeh” – might be different enough to appeal.

ELENA

A nicely pan-European form of Helen.

ELEONORA

Elaborate Euro twist on tailored Eleanor.

ELETTRA

In Greek myth, Electra is the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. Theirs is a dark and twisted tale of venegance. Maybe that’s why Electra has never caught on in English; or maybe it’s just too charged. But lovely Elettra is trending in Italy.

ELIANA

A pretty, flowing name used in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. It ultimately comes from the Roman family name Aelius, meaning “the sun.”

ELISA

Eliza is the trending favorite, but this short form of Elizabeth has potential, too.

ELISABETTA

The pretty, frilly Italian cousin to Elizabeth.

ELVIA

In Latin, helvus means blonde, and so forms of this name have been used across the ages. Elvia seems especially promising, a mix of Evelyn and Amelia.

EMMA

This long-time favorite means whole or universal. And that meaning applies! It’s been a chart-topper across much of the western world, including Italy.

EMILIA, EMILIANA

The Roman family name Aemilius gives us both of these lovely names. Emilia is a popular choice in both Italy and the US. Emiliana is comparatively rare, but has plenty of potential.

ENRICA

Henry’s feminine form in English is the antique Henrietta. But in Italian, Henry becomes Enrico … and Enrica.

EUGENIA

Rare, but familiar, Eugenia could be one of those so-far-out-they’re-in kind of picks.

EULALIA

If Eugenia is known, but rare, then Eulalia is very rare … and little known! It literally means “good speaking,” and has roots in medieval Spain.

EVA

A mini name at home in nearly any language.

EVELINA

Mix Aveline and Evelyn, and you’ll arrive at the lovely Evelina.

FABIA, FABIOLA

In Latin, faba means bean. It’s the root of Fabius and Fabian, as well as feminine names Fabia and Fabiola.

FAUSTINA

A saintly favorite with an auspicious meaning: lucky.

FEDERICA

Frederick’s sister, by way of Verona.

FIAMMA, FIAMETTA

Fiamma means “flame” in Italian. The elaborate Fiametta adds frills to the fire.

FILOMENA

An Isabella alternative with an appealing meaning: to be loved. Filomena is spelled with an F in Italian and Spanish, but Philomena is the typical English version.

FIORELLA

Fiore means flower in Italian; add an -ella and it’s an irresistible name.

FLAVIA

The Latin word flavus refers to someone blonde, or golden-haired. Flavia (and the masculine Flavio) are given names from flavus.

FLORA

Fiorella means flower, but Flora was the Roman goddess of springtime and flowers – which means that this name has history around Naples and Rome, too.

FRANCESCA

Among the most popular Italian baby names in the US, Francesca is a favorite with American parents.

GABRIELLA

Gabriel’s girl equivalent.

GAIA

The mother goddess from Greek myth, and a potential name for a daughter in many languages.

GALILEA

Galileo was a giant amongst scientists. Galilea is the feminine form of his name. Both refer to Galilee, the ancient place name so significant in the New Testament.

GELSOMINA

The Italian equivalent of Jasmine.

GEMMA

A logical alternative to Emma, Gemma means jewel.

GENOVEFFA

The Italian form of Genevieve, far more rare, but possibly closer to the original.

GIA

A short form of Gianna – or nearly any similar G- name for a daughter.

GIACINTA

Hyacinth makes for an unwieldy flower name in English, but it’s lovely when translated to Giacinta. In 2002’s Die Another Day, Halle Berry appeared as Giacinta “Jinx” Johnson, an American agent assigned to work with James Bond.

GIACOMA

Giacomo is the Italian version of James, and Giacoma, the feminine form.

GIADA

The Italian equivalent of Jade, made famous by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis – who named her daughter Jade.

GIANNA

The feminine form of John, made more popular due to the tragic death of Gianna Bryant.

GINEVRA

Famous as the full name of Ginny Weasley in the Wizarding World, Ginevra is also the Italian equivalent of Jennifer.

GIOIA

Word names aren’t just an English language phenomenon. Gioia literally means “joy.”

GIORGIA

Georgia by way of Rome.

GIOVANNA

Effortlessly Italian, Giovanna is the feminine form of Giovanni, the Italian equivalent of John. It shares that name’s religious meaning: God is gracious. American parents sometimes respell it Giavanna.

GISELLA

From a Germanic word meaning hostage or pledge, Gisella brings to mind a ballet and a Disney princess, too.

GIULIA, GIULIANA, GIULIETTA

The Italian spelling of Julia, as well as elaborations Juliana and Juliet/Julietta. The last one is quintessentially Shakesperean, thanks to the tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet. But the Giulietta spelling would be an extravagant choice in American English.

GLORIA

While it’s out of favor in the US, Gloria has appeared in Italy’s Top 100 for all of the twenty-first century. It feels like a promising alternative to Sophia.

GRAZIA, GRAZIANA

Grazia is the Italian equivalent of Grace. Graziana adds even more sounds and syllables.

GRETA

We think of Greta as German or Scandinavian – and it is! But Greta is also heard elsewhere in Europe, and in Italy, it’s been a Top Ten favorite in recent years, and a Top 100 pick for all of the twenty-first century.

ILARIA

In Latin, hilarus means cheerful. Hillary rose in the 1980s, a sister for Kimberly and Courtney. But the romance language Ilaria feels like an entirely different name.

IMMACOLATA

If you know your Marian names, you’ll recognize Immacolata as the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. It’s a Catholic-y Catholic kind of pick, but probably found on more than one Italian-American family tree.

ISA

A sweet mini name, short for Isabella. It sounds a little bit like Eva with an S in Italian.

ISABELLA

We think of Isabella as Spanish, probably thanks to the powerful Spanish queen from the Age of Exploration. But it’s every bit as Italian, sometimes spelled Ysabella in the Middle Ages.

ISIDORA

Also spelled Isadora, this name means “gift of Isis.” But it’s remained in use mostly thanks to two Spanish saints, the sixth-century theologian Isidore of Seville and the late eleventh/early twelfth-century Isidore the Farmer.

ISOTTA

We all know the story of Romeo and Juliet; the medieval tale of Tristan and Isolde is similar. Isotta is the Italian version of Isolde.

ITALIA

While it’s not used as a given name in Italy, Italia might appeal to parents seeking a heritage choice.

LARA

A pan-European name with a host of associations, Lara is both familiar and rare.

LAURA

Traditional Laura brings to mind the laurels once awarded to the victors of ancient sporting events.

LAVINIA

Ancient and elaborate, Lavinia has been a Top 100 pick in Italy for much of the twenty-first century.

LEA

Drop the H and Leah becomes the Italian Lea.

LEDA

A queen from Greek myth, Leda is another nicely portable name, easily used in many western languages.

LEONORA

An Italian take on elegant Eleanor.

LEONTINA

Leontios and Leontius were ancient names, worn by saints and rulers. Leontina is a logical feminine alternative.

LETIZIA

The Latin Letitia means joy. Italian swaps the second T for a Z. Letizia appears in history books as the mother of Napoleon, as well as the current queen of Spain.

LIA

An even slimmer, trimmer version of Lea and Leah, though it ranks behind the E spelling – in Italy, as well as the US.

LIDIA

Lydia is more commonly spelled with two Is in several European languages; celebrity chef and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich makes this version even more familiar.

LILIA

Lily by way of Milan.

LILIANA

An even longer Lily name.

LINA

Americans shorten names to create affectionate forms. But Italians? Like many romance language speakers, they elaborate. So Angela becomes Angelina … and a nickname for Angelina is Lina. But also for Paolina or Nicolina or many other possibilities.

LIVIA

It looks like the end of Olivia, but Livia has separate roots, stretching back to Ancient Rome – and a notable empress.

LOREDANA

French author George Sand invented this name for a character in an 1883 novel set in Venice; years later, an Italian writer gave the name to a title character in another book. It might trace back to the tiny Italian city of Loreo; residents are known as Loredani. The wealthy Loredan family wielded power in Venice – and beyond – well into the 1700s.

LUCIA

The Latin and romance language form of Lucy, Lucia is a favorite across cultures. The pronunciation changes slightly, though. Italians say the “C” like a “CH.”

LUCREZIA

Another T-for-Z swap transforms the Roman Lucretia into the contemporary Italian Lucrezia. If you know your Borgias, then Lucrezia needs no introduction. It’s also the name of the main character in Maggie O’Farrell’s 2022 bestseller The Marriage Portrait.

LUDOVICA

Few names have transformed as dramatically as Louis across languages and place. The dramatic Ludovica is one of many cousins.

LUNA

Borrowed from the Roman goddess of the moon, and the word for it in Spanish and Italian, too.

MADDALENA

Madelyn and Madeline have been powerfully popular choices for nearly three decades in the US. Maddalena, the Italian form, remains seldom heard in English.

MARCELLA

Elaborate, romantic Marcella can be traced back to Mars, the Roman god of war.

MARGHERITA

It’s a pizza, true. But it’s also the Italian word for daisy and the translation of Margaret.

MARIA

Does it get any more classic – and quintessentially Italian? It’s often bestowed as a double name – think Maria Vittoria. But in combination or on its own, Maria is an elegant, romantic and so very wearable option.

MARIASOLE

Quite stylish in Italy today, Mariasole is a smoosh of classic Maria and contemporary Sole – sun.

MARIELLA, MARIETTA, MARILINA

So many ways to elaborate on Maria.

MARISTELLA

Another double name, this time Maria plus Stella – star.

MARTA

Martha in nearly any European city – including Rome.

MARTINA

The feminine form of Martin, used across Europe, but surprisingly rare in the US.

MELANIA

From a Greek word meaning dark, Melania is more familiar in English as Melanie.

MIA

Originally a nickname for Maria, Mia is now more popular than the original in Italy, as well as the US. A mighty mini powerhouse, Mia wears equally well in Stockholm or Siena … or Southern California.

MICAELA, MICHELA

The 1990s were the golden age of Mc names for girls, with Mackenize opening the door to McKayla and Makayla – choose your spelling. While the latter might be a creative invention, it’s also a twist on Micaela, the feminine form of Michael. Always rare in English, but long used in romance languages. Michela is more distinctively Italian.

MIRABELLA

Dramatic, romantic Mirabella has an equally inspiring meaning. From the Latin mirabilis, it means wonderful.

MONICA

Famous across the Christian world thanks to Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine of Hippo. While the prounciation shifts slightly, Monica is relatively unchanged across languages and cultures.

NATALIA

Literally, Christmas Day, from the Latin phrase natale domini. Natalia is more common in much of Europe, though Americans prefer the French Natalie – though only by a little. Both names rank in the US Top 100.

NICOLETTA, NICOLINA

Nicola is masculine in Italian, though Niccolo is heard, too. But for a truly feminine equivalent of Nicole in Italian, opt for the elaborate Nicoletta or Nicolina. Nico is the unisex nickname go-to for them all.

NINA

All of those elaborations often end in Nina. That means Nina can be short for Antonina, Giannina, or any other ends-with-nina name.

NOEMI

Lovely, Hebrew Naomi is a familiar Old Testament favorite in English. In Italian, it sounds just a little different – and really quite lovely. Bonus? When the nickname-proof Naomi becomes Noemi, nicknames like Noe (rhyme it with Zoe) and Emi become logical possibilities.

OLIMPIA

As in the mythological seat of the gods, Mount Olympus, and the modern Olympic games that share the name. Serena Williams named her daughter Olympia, but the I-not-Y spelling is Italian.

OLIVIA

No one would guess that Olivia was an Italian heritage pick – it’s been too powerfully popular for so long in the English-speaking world. But Olivia is a Top 100 pick in Italy today, too – and olives and olive oil are quintessentially Italian.

ORIANA

Ariana is more popular in the US; and Arianna is a Top 100 pick in Italy. But golden Oriana is derived from the Latin aurum and the Italian oro. The name of a legendary British princess in a medieval Spanish epic, it’s Italian-ish.

ORTENSIA

Hortense is an obscure antique of a name. Ortensia, too, is fairly unknown. But dropping the H and adding the -sia ending makes it romantic and possibly just a little more wearable. Disney trivia alert: Walt Disney’s first creation, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, had a feline girlfriend named Ortensia.

OTTAVIA

Octavia in Orvieto.

PAOLA

There’s something a little challening about the vowel sounds in Paola (and Paolo), the equivalents of Paula (and Paul). But it’s an appealing sound … if you can slow down enough to say it properly.

PENELOPE

Strictly speaking, this is a Greek – and English – name. But it’s rising in use quickly in Italy, too. If your goal is to project Italian heritage, it’s the wrong choice. On the other hand, if your goal is a name that will wear well in Italy today? Penelope bears consideration.

PIERA, PIETRA

Feminine forms of Peter.

PERLA

The Italian and Spanish word for pearl, and a gemstone name in those languages, too.

PIA

A mini name like Mia, derived from a Latin name meaning pious.

PRIMA, PRIMAVERA

Prima means first; think prima ballerina. The masculine form is Primo. Vernal refers to spring, and so Primavera is literally “first spring.” Of course, Primavera is also pasta. Possibly a daring choice for a first-born daughter or a late March/early April arrival.

RAFFAELLA

Rafael and Raphael are attracting more attention for boys; this elaborate feminine form with the lovely -ella ending might deserve some more attention for our daughters.

REGINA

Literally the Latin and Italian word for queen. Regina languishes in style limbo in the US, even as we embrace names like Royalty and Reign. But it could be the perfect everyone-knows-it but nobody-is-choosing-it choice.

RENATA

From a Late Latin name, Renata means “born again.” Take it apart: natal means birth, and the first syllable means “once again.”

RITA

Like Nina and Lia, often Rita comes from the last syllable of a longer name. But it stands on its own, too. With all the glam of late Hollywood legend Rita Hayworth, Rita could fit right in with Ava and Audrey.

ROMINA

Possibly a feminine form of Roman, particularly popular in the 1970s and 80s.

ROMOLA

Another name referring to Rome, and made familiar thanks to British actress Romola Garai.

ROSA

The enduring classic.

ROSALIA

One of several Rosa names used in Italian, a medieval Sicilian saint gets credit for making Rosalia feel particularly Italian.

ROSANNA

A combination Rosa-Anna name that feels particularly at-home in Italy.

SABRINA

There are Italian names, and then there are foreign names popular in Italy. With Welsh roots and a literary pedigree by way of Hollywood, Sabrina is more of an English name. But it’s only recently left the Italian Top 100, and sounds great in Italian.

SARA

Drop the H and Sara is the form of this enduring classic used in Italy.

SERAFINA

This fiery name isn’t common in English or Italian – even after Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner named their second daughter Seraphina. (Siblings are the far more mainstream Violet and Sam.)

SERENA

Serafina and Sabrina might not be obvious Italian heritage picks, but Serena could be. With Latin roots, this name means tranquil, and is a Top 100 favorite in Italy.

SIENA, SIENNA

An Italian place name, famous as the home of Saint Catherine of Siena. It’s also a color name, referring to the red-brown color of clay found there.

SILVIA

Like other names on this list, Silvia is more familiar to Americans with another spelling. (Sylvia, with a Y.) But Silvia is the authentically Italian version, from the Latin silva, meaning forest. It’s also a name from Shakespeare’s Two Gentlemen of Verona and Rhea Sivia is the mythical mom to twin brothers Romulus and Remus. Admist the drama of their story (hey, it’s mythology), Romulus founded Rome.

SIMONA

The feminine form of Simon favored in Italian. Elaboration Simonetta is another option.

STEFANIA

Like Stephanie in the US, Stefania’s most popular days in Italy are in the recent past. But it remains a valid feminine form of classic Stephen.

SOFIA

Along with Sophia and Sophie, a runaway favorite of a name across much of the western world right now. Sofia benefits from a strong meaning: wisdom.

SOLE

It looks like sole – as in the soles of shoes. Or feet. Or the fish. Think Dover sole. Except the Italian girls name Sole is pronounced with two syllables: SO leh. And it is the Italian word for sun, a fast-rising nature name possibility.

STELLA

If Sole is a relative newcomer, Stella – the Latin word for star – is a well-established favorite.

SUSANNA

Popular in Italy until relatively recently, Susanna is a nicely international name.

SVEVA

Sveva looks … Swedish, maybe? A little like a product line at Ikea. But Sveva is a fast-rising favorite in Italy. It comes from the Germanic tribe, called the Suebi in English, known in the ancient world as the inhabitants of Suevia. (Germany and the Czech Republic today.)

TADDEA

A promising feminine form for the rare, but handsome, Thaddeus.

TEODORA

Like Theodora and Theodora, this Italian name means “gift of God.”

TERESA

An overlooked classic, Teresa manages to feel accessible in English and effortlessly Italian – perhaps even conventionally Italian-American. That said, Teresa is common across several romance languages, as well as English.

TIMEA

The ancient name Timeaus became Timeo in Italian; Timea is the logical feminine form. Timothy is a cousin.

TIZIANA

The Roman Titus became Tiziano in Italian. (It likely means “title.”) Tiziana is the feminine form.

TOSCA

In Puccini’s opera Tosca, the main character’s name is Floria Tosca. There’s a minor saint called Tosca, too.

TULLIA

A name from the ancient world with history to spare.

VALENTINA

A pan-European favorite with plenty of romantic energy.

VALERIA

Valeria by way of Venice.

VERA

Another favorite across many European languages, rising in use in Italy.

VERONICA

Quirky-cool Veronica has been worn by at least two saints: the one who wiped the tears of Jesus with her veil, and a seventeenth-century mystic. Despite that history, this name doesn’t feel especially tied to religious belief or Italy, though it’s clearly a potential heritage pick.

VINCENZA

Vincent becomes Vincenzo and then Vincenza.

VIOLA

A musical name, a choice used by Shakespeare, and an Italian name meaning “violet.”

VIRGINIA

This name feels uniquely American, thanks to the US state. Except it originally referred to Queen Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen.

VITTORIA

Italian names sometimes drop a sound, like Victoria losing a C to become Vittoria.

VIVIANA

A cousin to Vivian and Vivienne, and the name of a fourth century martyr saint.

ZITA

Another saint’s name, this time from the thirteenth century.

What are your favorite Italian names for girls?

This post was first published on June 25, 2016. It was revised and updated on April 13, 2023 and again on March 21, 2024.