Italian Girl Names
By Dixie Legare – August 28, 2024
Dreaming of a beautiful Italian name for your baby girl?
Italian names carry a melodic and romantic quality that many find appealing. Whether you have Italian roots or simply love the charm these names offer, there’s a wide array to explore.
Many of these names date back to Roman and Renaissance times, each holding unique and significant meanings.
Read on to discover some of the top Italian baby girl names, including those that are unique, common, beautiful, cute, and traditional.
Common and Popular Italian Girl Names
Sofia
Sofia, often spelled Sophia, means “wisdom” in Greek. This name is popular in many languages.
In the United States, it was the top girl’s name from 2011 to 2013. Notable people with this name include filmmaker Sofia Coppola and actress Sophia Loren.
Aurora
Aurora means “dawn” in Latin. In Roman mythology, Aurora is the goddess of the morning. This name appeals to those who like names with a mythological background.
Giulia
Giulia is derived from the Roman name Julius, meaning “downy bearded” in Greek. It may also refer to the Roman god Jupiter. Variations of the name include Giuliana and Giulietta.
Ginevra
Ginevra is the Italian version of the Welsh name Guinevere, which means “white phantom.” In Arthurian legend, Guinevere is the wife of King Arthur.
Alice
Though initially seeming to be an English name, Alice is also common in Italian, pronounced a-LEE-cheh.
It has Old French and Germanic roots and became popular in the twelfth century. The name saw a resurgence in the nineteenth century due to Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Emma
Emma means “whole” or “universal” in Germanic. This name has been associated with royalty and literature, particularly Jane Austen’s Emma. It became the most popular girl’s name in the U.S. in 2008.
Giorgia
Giorgia comes from George, meaning “farmer” or “earth worker” in Greek.
Many notable Georges include kings and a saint known for defeating a dragon. The Italian spelling is distinct from the English Georgia.
Beatrice
Pronounced beh-a-TREE-cheh in Italian, Beatrice means “voyager” or “traveler” in Latin.
The name appears in Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy and Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.
Greta
Greta, a short form of Margareta, means “pearl” in Greek. It possibly has Iranian roots.
As Margaret declined in popularity, Greta became more common, especially in Italy, peaking in 2014.
Vittoria
Vittoria is the Italian version of Victoria, meaning “victory” in Latin.
The name is linked to the Roman goddess of victory and gained popularity in the English-speaking world during Queen Victoria’s reign.
Anna
Anna is a name found in many languages, including Italian. It originated as Hannah in the Old Testament and has been widely used since Byzantine times.
It is the Latin form and is thought to be the name of the Virgin Mary’s mother. It has also been used by Russian royalty. Variations include Annabella, Annachiara, Annamaria, and Annetta.
Martina
Martina is the female version of Martin, which comes from Martinus, related to Mars, the Roman god of war. It offers a shorter nickname option, Tina.
Chiara
Chiara is the Italian equivalent of Clare or Clara, meaning “clear,” “bright,” or “famous” in Latin.
Saint Chiara is notable for leaving her wealthy family to follow Saint Francis of Assisi. A diminutive form could be Claretta.
Matilde
Matilde is the Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese form of Matilda, which means “strength in battle” in Germanic. A rarer variant of this name is Mafalda.
Ludovica
Ludovica is the female Latin form of Ludwig, meaning “famous battle.” This formal-sounding name has seen a modern resurgence, peaking in Italy in 2019.
Rare and Unique Italian Girl Names
Alessia
Alessia stands out with a melodic touch. It’s not widely used but has a timeless charm.
Beatrice
Beatrice is a name that means “bringer of joy.” It has a classic feel and isn’t too common.
Fiorella
Fiorella translates to “little flower.” It’s a delicate and rare name that captures a sense of beauty.
Gemma
Gemma, meaning “gem” or “jewel,” is unique and carries a sense of elegance and rarity.
Viviana
Viviana is an enchanting name that signifies life. It’s less common and has an uplifting sound.
Beautiful Italian Girl Names
Isabella
Isabella is elegant and timeless. It means “pledged to God” and has a graceful sound.
Sofia
Sofia stands for wisdom and is popular for its simplicity and charm.
Giulia
Giulia is the Italian form of Julia, meaning “youthful.” It is both classic and refined.
Lucia
Lucia means “light” and has a soft, melodious ring to it. Perfect for a bright and happy girl.
Gabriella
Gabriella is majestic and means “God is my strength.” It has a noble appeal.
Valentina
Valentina is strong and passionate. It means “healthy” and conveys a sense of vitality.
Chiara
Chiara means “clear” or “bright.” It is a name with a luminous and pure vibe.
Italian-American Girl Names
Isabella
Isabella is a classic name with Italian roots. It has been popular among Italian-Americans for many years. The name means “devoted to God.”
Sofia
Sofia is another favored choice. It signifies “wisdom” and has a timeless appeal. Many find its sound both elegant and strong.
Gianna
Gianna, meaning “God is gracious,” is cherished in Italian-American families. It’s both simple and beautiful, making it a wonderful choice.
Mia
Mia is a short and sweet name that means “mine” in Italian. It’s easy to pronounce and has a warm, affectionate feel.
Lucia
Lucia, which means “light,” is a lovely name that brings brightness. It’s been a beloved name for generations and continues to be popular.
Valentina
Valentina, meaning “strong” or “healthy,” is a powerful and elegant name. It’s a name that carries a sense of grace and strength.
Cute and Pretty Italian Girl Names
Bella
Bella means “beautiful.” It is a name that rings with elegance and charm. Many find it simple yet enchanting.
Lucia
Lucia, meaning “light,” is a name that glows with warmth and brightness. It is a classic name that has stood the test of time.
Sofia
Sofia translates to “wisdom.” It is graceful and sophisticated, often chosen for its refined sound.
Gianna
Gianna means “God is gracious.” It carries a soothing, melodic tone that makes it a popular choice among parents.
Ariana
Ariana, meaning “most holy,” has a lyrical quality. It is both modern and traditional, making it versatile for any child.
Elena
Elena can be translated to “bright, shining light.” This name feels delicate and timeless, perfect for a little one.
Strong and Traditional Italian Girl Names
Alessandra
Alessandra means “defender of the people.” It’s a strong and classic Italian name that carries a sense of leadership.
Bianca
Bianca translates to “white” or “pure.” This name is timeless and often suggests elegance and simplicity.
Caterina
Caterina is another variant of Catherine, meaning “pure.” It’s a name that exudes grace and tradition.
Emilia
Emilia is a name that means “rival” or “eager.” It brings an air of tradition while still sounding fresh.
Francesca
Francesca means “free one.” It’s a powerful name with a long history and a melodious sound.
Gianna
Gianna stands for “God is gracious.” It’s a name with deep roots and a gentle, graceful vibe.
Isabella
Isabella means “pledged to God.” The name is both traditional and widely loved, carrying a regal quality.
Lucia
Lucia means “light.” Known for its historical significance, it’s a name that shines brightly through generations.
Martina
Martina means “war-like” or “dedicated to Mars.” It’s a strong and confident name with deep traditional roots.
Sofia
Sofia means “wisdom.” It’s both classical and popular, carrying a sense of intelligence and grace.
Additional Italian Girl Names
Alessia
A lovely choice, Alessia means “defender.” This name is both strong and elegant.
Bianca
Bianca translates to “white” or “pure.” It’s a timeless and graceful name.
Chiara
Chiara means “clear” or “bright.” It’s a name that shines with positivity.
Donatella
Donatella means “gift from God.” It’s a unique and precious name.
Eleonora
This name means “light” or “torch.” Eleonora is classic and radiant.
Francesca
Meaning “free” or “from France,” Francesca is both traditional and stylish.
Giulia
Giulia is the Italian form of Julia, meaning “youthful.” It’s vibrant and timeless.
Lavinia
A name with a sense of history, Lavinia means “purity” or “woman of Rome.”
Martina
Martina means “dedicated to Mars.” It’s strong and full of character.
Valentina
Valentina translates to “strong” or “healthy.” It’s a name full of vigor and grace.