It’s no wonder that so many parents love Italian baby names — even if they don’t have Italian roots. With their poetic cadences and the trendy “o” ending on the boys’ names, they’re lovely alternatives to the same old name picks. Here are 20 of my favorites (if only I had another baby to name!):
Allegra
Yeah, it’s also an allergy medication, but Allegra means happiness, and is a subtle nod to music theory, if you’re musically inclined.
Amadeo
Amadeo means “beloved of God,” and can pay homage to legendary composer Amadeus Mozart.
Anthony
One of the most time-honored Italian baby names; odds are, if your family’s Italian, you have multiples of this name in your family tree.
Aria
Both this and the soundalike Arya are red-hot, thanks to “Game of Thrones.” But this is the more traditional spelling, and the name of a type of operatic song. It’s a melodic choice for your baby.
Aurelia
It’s in the top 1000 baby name picks out there; it means “golden child.”
Bianca
A Shakespearean favorite, Bianca means white or fair, and is perfect for a blond daughter.
Carina
Carina means darling or dear in Italian, and it’s a more poetic way to pay homage to a Carrie or Karen in your family tree.
Cielo
This name hasn’t hit the big time yet, but given that trendy “o” ending, the soft consonants and its lovely meaning (sky), I’d expect to see more Cielos on the playground.
Dario
Dario’s a regal baby name that means kingly. It’s is currently on a bit of an uptick after nearly falling out of the top 1000.
Emilia
Like Emily or Amelia, but don’t like how popular they’ve become? Try this Italian version of them.
Fiero
This fiery name means “proud”—and it’s also associated with a Pontiac car model.
Fiorella
Love the floral theme? Fiorella means lovely flower.
Giada
This name has seen more buzz of late, thanks to the celebrity chef. The name is Italian for “Jade.”
Giovanni
Forget plain-Jane John. If you want to pay homage to a John in your past, go with Giovanni, the Italian version of the same name.
Lorenzo
Cute nickname “Enzo” is a nice byproduct of this charming name, the Italian take on Laurence.
Luciana
This poetic baby name can be shortened to Luci or Lucy for nicknames. It’s currently in the top 500 for baby girls.
Matteo
The Italian version of Matthew, Matteo shares its meaning, gift from God, but not its popularity. (Matteo is at #375, while Matthew’s a consistent top-20 favorite.
Orlando
Ignore the theme-park mecca in Florida, and think Lord of the Rings heartthrob Orlando Bloom when you’re talking about this name.
Rocco
Rocco comes with the spirited (and forever linked with boxing) nickname Rocky, though it actually has a more serene meaning — “rest.” It was chosen by several stars for their kids, including Madonna,
Violetta
This sweet Italian baby name means (as you can probably guess) Violet.
More on Baby Names:
- Baby Names from the 1980s That Nobody Names Their Kid Anymore
- Biblical Girl Names
- 31 Spanish Baby Names You’ve Never Heard Before
- 30 Baby Names You Should Never Give Your Kid
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