35 Italian Baby Names for Your Bambino
Choosing a baby name is one of the most exciting parts of growing your family. The baby’s name is the very first part of their identity and will stick with them as they grow. Beautiful baby names are everywhere, but finding one that’s meaningful, lyrical, and unique...well, sometimes you have to look beyond your own borders. Like, to Italy!
Italian baby names fit all the above criteria. They tend to have a poetic quality, deep meanings, and stand out in a crowd. Whether your child has Italian roots or you just feel deep amore for the country of Italy, let these Italian baby names for girls and boys inspire you.
Italian Baby Girl Names
Antonella: The feminine of Antoni (Anthony), this princessy Italian baby name for girls means “praiseworthy.”
Bella: A classic and forever favorite from one generation to the next, Bella means “beautiful”...and sounds it, too!
Bettina: This is a quirky Italian girls’ name that’s picking up speed. It’s a name with both German and Italian roots (“God is my oath”) and is actually a composite in Italian of two other names: Elisabetta and Benedetta.
Camilla: The popular Italian name means “perfect,” and it would be just that for a new baby girl.
Contessa: This chic Italian baby name means “royalty,” making it a gorgeous pick for your little princess.
Donatella: With a connection to the fashion world thanks to the iconic Versace, this unique Italian baby girl name meaning “gift” or “gift of God” has undeniably stylish connotations.
Elia: It’s a pretty take on more common American baby girl names Ella and Ellie. Not to mention, you can adapt this Italian baby name for a boy by changing the “a” to an “o.”
Flavia: Meaning “golden” or “blonde,” this centuries-old traditional Italian baby girl name rolls beautifully off the tongue.
Grazia: It’s a short and sweet baby girl name meaning “grace” in Italian, and it has a luxe and exotic sound to it.
Luna: Luna means “moon,” and sounds just as glowy and lovely as this Italian baby name’s meaning implies.
Piera: A form of the more common Petra, this baby girl name means “rock,” and it is a lovely and solid choice for baby girls. Plus, it’s a clever way to name your baby girl after a beloved Peter in the family.
Raphaela: “God has healed.” It’s a gorgeous Italian name for baby girls that manages to sound flowery and powerful at once.
Serafina: The unique Italian baby girl name means “ardent” or passionate, and it has quite an ethereal quality to it.
Sicily: It’s a more contemporary choice to give a child an Italian place name, and this name, after the Italian island in the South, is a great way to do it.
Italian Baby Names for Boys
Abramo: The name means “father of many” and has a warm and inviting sound.
Alonzo: In Italian this name means “noble, ready” and is a solid pick for a son born anywhere.
Brando: This less-popular Italian baby name for boys translates to “brilliant raven; fiery torch; beacon,” setting him up for a lifetime of energy and influence. (Bonus: It has special meaning for movie buffs, as it’s the last name of the actor who portrayed The Godfather himself).
Cosimo: Your little boy would share this noble name with bold figures from history including three grand dukes of Tuscany. This Italian baby name sounds star-gazy despite its down-to-earth meaning: “Order.”
Dario: The common Italian baby boy name meaning “kingly” is a handsome choice for a sweet new son.
Emiliano: It’s a rebel name for boys meaning “rival.” Though its five syllables make this Italian baby name a mouthful, it isn’t overbearing. The adorable built-in nickname (Milo) makes it just about irresistible!
Enzo: This a form of Henry meaning “winner” or “ruler of the house.” It bears mentioning that your little boy would share this cool-kid name with Italian race-car driver Enzo Ferrari who founded the famed sports car line.
Giovanni: Italy’s version of Jonathan is a cool choice if you have a John in the family you’d like to name the baby after. The name means “God is gracious” and can be adapted for girls by simply changing the “i” at the end to an “a.” Gio is a cute nickname; Van or Vanni are the edgier options.
Lorenzo: It’s a classic choice for Italian baby boys, meaning Laurence—“from the laurel trees.” This Shakespeare name recently saw a popularity uptick after being given to MTV reality star Nicole Polizzi’s first son in 2012.
Luca: This popular Italian baby boy name technically translates to “citizen of Lucania,” a region of Italy known for its mountains and forests. The alternate meaning “bringer of light” launches it to the top of our favorites list.
Matteo: The Italian version of Matthew means “gift of God.” Matt is an easy, Americanized nickname, while Teo (“TAY-o”) would be cute, too.
Romeo: While the actual meaning is “a pilgrim from Rome,” this romantic Italian baby name for boys has obvious Shakespearean subtext. It would be a beautiful pick for your little one, who could easily go by Romy for short.
Santino: This is such a cute baby boy name for your “little saint.” While not overused at all, it’s easy to pronounce and spell—the best of both worlds in baby naming.
Sergio: The Italian baby boys’ name meaning “attendant” has an energetic connotation for English-speakers thanks to the proximity to our word “surge.” He can go by Gio for short, which is a fun nickname for any little boy.
Gender-Neutral Italian Baby Names
Gender-neutral baby names are just now becoming a phenomenon in Italy. As the words of the Italian language are gendered so, too, are the names. And for a long time your baby’s name would be rejected by the government if it was given to a baby of the “wrong” assigned gender. However, some Italian word-names or formerly gender-assigned names are starting to cross over into use for babies of both sexes. Here are some of our favorite, lovely unisex Italian baby names that are sure to catapult the Italian unisex name trend, here and abroad.
Ambrosi: It means “immortal,” and this gorgeous Italian baby name sounds as powerful as its meaning implies.
Armani: Another popular fashion name for your little girl or boy, this one means “warrior” and has obvious links to the celebrated designer.
Capri: In keeping with the newer influx of “place names” in Italian, this choice after the island off Naples, gives major beach vibes—and we’re loving it.
Gianni: While it’s technically a shortened version of Giovanni, this nickname (“Johnny”) meaning “God is gracious” is slowly being used as a stand-alone name for boys and girls.
Monaco: The Italian meaning is “monk-like,” but aside from those studious and frugal connotations, it also sounds like a place...and the country by this same name just happens to be Italy-adjacent!
Sole: The beautiful Italian word for “sun” would make a perfect name for your son… or daughter!
Volta: Meaning a “turn” or “rotation,” Volta is one of those rare Italian baby names that is truly and inherently gender-neutral.
Final Thoughts on Italian Baby Names
Italian baby names are melodic, full of meaning, and allow parents to pay tribute to their Italian heritage. But if the country that gave us spaghetti and pizza failed to also give you the baby name inspiration you crave, take a look at our other favorite baby names:
Though picking a baby name is one of the most important to-dos on your list, so is registering for baby gifts. As you’re looking ahead to the big day, don’t forget to register for the ultimate baby gift: SNOO Smart Sleeper!
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