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Southern Europe

Italian names

510 names used by Italian families, arranged by the age in which each first appears, oldest first.

AllGirlsBoys

The Biblical WorldAbout 1200 BC to AD 100

AdamBoyHebrew adam, 'man, humankind', which Genesis connects with adamah 'earth, ground'.Biblical · peak 1984

AndrewBoyGreek Andreas, from anēr (andros) 'man'; andreia means 'manliness, courage'.Biblical · peak 1987

AnnaGirlGreek and Latin form of Hebrew Ḥannah, 'grace, favour'.Biblical · peak 1891

BarnabasBoyActs 4:36 explains it as 'son of encouragement', but the underlying Aramaic is debated; 'son of Nebo' and 'son of…Biblical

BartholomewBoyAramaic bar Talmai, 'son of Talmai'; the meaning of Talmai itself is uncertain.Biblical · peak 1885

BenjaminBoyHebrew Binyamin, 'son of the right hand', which can also mean 'son of the south'.Biblical · peak 1981

BerniceGirlGreek Berenikē, the Macedonian form of Pherenikē 'bringing victory'.Biblical · peak 1911

ClaudiaGirlLatin, feminine of the Roman family name Claudius, usually linked to claudus 'lame'.Biblical · peak 1952

DanielBoyHebrew Daniyyel, 'God is my judge'.Biblical · peak 1985

DavidBoyHebrew Dawid, usually read as 'beloved'.Biblical · peak 1955

ElijahBoyHebrew Eliyahu, 'my God is YHWH'.Biblical · peak 2020

ElizabethGirlFrom Hebrew Elisheva 'my God is an oath'.Biblical · peak 1887

EmmanuelBoyHebrew Immanu'el, 'God is with us' (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23).Biblical · peak 2015

EveGirlFrom Hebrew Ḥawwah, which Genesis 3:20 connects with ḥay 'living'. The link to 'life' is the accepted reading,…Biblical · peak 2018

GabrielBoyFrom Hebrew Gavri'el 'God is my strength'.Biblical · peak 2010

IsaacBoyHebrew Yitsḥaq, 'he laughs' or 'he will laugh', echoing the laughter of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis.Biblical · peak 2013

JacobBoyFrom Hebrew Ya'aqov. Genesis links it to aqev 'heel' (Jacob held his twin's heel), and 'supplanter' is the…Biblical · peak 1998

JamesBoyFrom Latin Iacomus, a form of Iacobus (Jacob), from Hebrew Yaakov.Biblical · peak 1880

JoachimBoyHebrew Yehoyaqim, 'YHWH will raise up, establish'.Biblical · peak 1928

JoannaGirlFeminine of John, from Hebrew Yoḥanan 'YHWH is gracious'.Biblical · peak 1984

JohnBoyHebrew Yoḥanan, 'YHWH is gracious', through Greek Iōannēs.Biblical · peak 1880

JosephBoyFrom Hebrew Yosef 'he will add', i.e. may God add another son.Biblical · peak 1914

JudithGirlHebrew Yehudit, 'woman of Judea, Jewish woman'.Biblical · peak 1940

JuliaGirlLatin, feminine of Julius, a Roman family name of uncertain origin; the meaning 'youthful' found on name lists is a…Biblical · peak 1885

LeahGirlUncertain. Suggestions include Hebrew la'ah 'weary' and an Akkadian word for 'cow'; none is settled.Biblical · peak 2009

LukeBoyGreek Loukas, probably 'man from Lucania' in southern Italy.Biblical · peak 2014

LydiaGirlGreek, 'woman from Lydia', a region of western Asia Minor.Biblical · peak 1890

MagdaleneGirlGreek Magdalēnē, 'woman of Magdala', a town whose name comes from Hebrew migdal 'tower'.Biblical · peak 1904

MarkBoyLatin Marcus, probably from the god Mars.Biblical · peak 1960

MarthaGirlAramaic marta, 'lady, mistress'.Biblical · peak 1887

MaryGirlFrom Hebrew Miryam, through Greek and Latin Maria; the meaning is uncertain, with many proposals and none settled.Biblical · peak 1891

MatthewBoyHebrew Mattityahu, 'gift of YHWH', through Greek Matthaios.Biblical · peak 1983

MatthiasBoyGreek form of Hebrew Mattityahu, 'gift of YHWH'.Biblical · peak 2018

MichaelBoyHebrew Mikha'el, 'who is like God?', a rhetorical question.Biblical · peak 1969

MiriamGirlUncertain. Proposals include an Egyptian word mry 'beloved' and Hebrew roots meaning 'bitter' or 'rebellion'; the…Biblical · peak 1917

NaomiGirlHebrew No'omi, from no'am 'pleasantness'. In Ruth 1:20 she plays on the name, asking to be called Mara 'bitter' instead.Biblical · peak 2020

NoahBoyHebrew Noaḥ, 'rest'. Genesis 5:29 plays on a similar word for 'comfort'.Biblical · peak 2020

PaulBoyLatin Paulus, 'small'.Biblical · peak 1964

PaulusBoyLatin paulus 'small'.Biblical

PeterBoyGreek petros 'stone, rock', translating the Aramaic nickname Kepha given by Jesus to Simon.Biblical · peak 1957

PhilipBoyGreek Philippos, 'fond of horses' (philos 'loving' and hippos 'horse').Biblical · peak 1949

PriscaGirlLatin, feminine of Priscus, 'ancient, old'.Biblical

PriscillaGirlLatin, a diminutive of Prisca, from priscus 'ancient, old'.Biblical · peak 1940

RachelGirlHebrew Raḥel, 'ewe'.Biblical · peak 1985

RaphaelBoyHebrew Refa'el, 'God has healed'.Biblical · peak 2020

RebeccaGirlHebrew Rivqah. Often connected with a Semitic root meaning 'to tie, bind' (as in a tethering rope), but this is not…Biblical · peak 1974

SamuelBoyHebrew Shmu'el. Usually read as 'name of God' or 'God has heard'; 1 Samuel 1:20 links it to asking and hearing, and…Biblical · peak 1880

SarahGirlHebrew Sarah, 'princess, noblewoman', from sar 'prince'. In Genesis she is first called Sarai, an older form of the…Biblical · peak 1981

SilvanusBoyFrom silva 'forest, wood'; also the name of the Roman god of woodlands.Biblical

SimonBoyGreek form used for Hebrew Shim'on (Simeon, 'he has heard'); Simōn was also an existing Greek name meaning 'snub-nosed'.Biblical · peak 2015

StephenBoyGreek stephanos, 'crown, wreath'.Biblical · peak 1951

SusannaGirlHebrew Shoshannah, 'lily' (or lotus), probably from an Egyptian word for the lotus flower.Biblical · peak 1886

ThaddeusBoyAramaic, of uncertain meaning; the 'heart, courageous' meaning often given is not established.Biblical · peak 1918

ThomasBoyAramaic te'oma, 'twin'; John 11:16 gives its Greek equivalent Didymus.Biblical · peak 1951

TitusBoyA Latin first name of unknown origin.Biblical · peak 2015

TobiasBoyGreek form of Hebrew Toviyyah, 'YHWH is good'.Biblical · peak 2016

ZechariahBoyHebrew Zekharyah, 'YHWH has remembered'.Biblical · peak 2015

Ancient Greece800 BC to 146 BC

AchillesBoyUncertain. Linked by some to achos 'grief' and laos 'people', but this is debated.Greece · peak 2018

AeneasBoyUncertain. Ancient writers linked it with ainos 'praise' or ainos 'terrible', but neither is settled.Greece · forgotten

AlexanderBoyFrom Greek alexein 'to defend' and anēr (andros) 'man'.Greece · peak 1993

AriadneGirlLikely from ari- 'most' and Cretan Greek adnos 'holy', according to the ancient lexicographer Hesychius.Greece · peak 2016

ClioGirlFrom Greek kleiein 'to make famous, celebrate'.Greece · forgotten

CorinnaGirlFrom Greek korē 'maiden' with a diminutive ending.Greece · peak 1972

CynthiaGirlGreek, 'woman of Mount Kynthos', an epithet of Artemis.Greece · peak 1957

ElectraGirlFrom Greek ēlektron 'amber'.Greece · peak 1910

HectorBoyFrom Greek hektōr 'holding fast', from echein 'to hold'.Greece · peak 2005

HelenGirlUncertain. Greek Helenē is often linked to helanē 'torch' or to selēnē 'moon', but no derivation is agreed; 'light'…Greece · peak 1911

HelenaGirlGreek Helenē, of uncertain origin; a link to words for 'torch' or 'light' is often claimed but unproven.Greece · peak 1899

HerculesBoyLatin form of Greek Hēraklēs, likely from Hēra and kleos 'glory'.Greece · peak 1928 · forgotten

HippolytusBoyGreek Hippolytos, 'loosener of horses'.Greece · forgotten

IreneGirlGreek eirēnē, 'peace'.Greece · peak 1909

LeanderBoyFrom Greek leōn 'lion' and anēr 'man'.Greece · peak 1882

LedaGirlUncertain. Possibly from a Lycian word meaning 'woman', but this is not settled.Greece · peak 1904 · forgotten

MelissaGirlFrom Greek melissa 'honeybee'.Greece · peak 1979

NicholasBoyGreek Nikolaos, 'victory of the people' (nikē 'victory' and laos 'people').Greece · peak 1995

OlympiaGirlFrom Greek Olympia, 'of Olympus', the mountain home of the gods.Greece · peak 1917

OrestesBoyLikely from Greek oros 'mountain'.Greece · forgotten

TheodoraGirlGreek, 'gift of God' (theos 'god' and dōron 'gift').Greece · peak 1908

TheodoreBoyGreek Theodōros, 'gift of God' (theos 'god' and dōron 'gift').Greece · peak 2020

ZenoBoyFrom Greek Zēnōn, derived from Zeus.Greece · peak 1902 · forgotten

Ancient Rome750 BC to AD 476

AemiliaGirlFeminine of Aemilius, a Roman family name of uncertain origin; ancient writers linked it to aemulus 'rival'. It is…Rome

AemilianusBoyDerived from Aemilius, used for someone adopted out of or connected to the Aemilian family.Rome

AemiliusBoyRoman family name of uncertain origin; ancient writers linked it to aemulus 'rival'.Rome

AgrippinaGirlDerived from Agrippa, of uncertain origin (see Agrippa).Rome · forgotten

AlbinaGirlFrom the Roman cognomen Albinus, from albus 'white'.Rome · peak 1903 · forgotten

AnthonyBoyFrom the Roman family name Antonius, of unknown origin. The 'h' in English comes from a false link with Greek anthos…Rome · peak 1987

AntoniaGirlFeminine of Antonius, a Roman family name of unknown, possibly Etruscan, origin. The link to Greek anthos 'flower'…Rome · peak 1996

AntoninaGirlFeminine of Antoninus, derived from Antonius.Rome · peak 1899

AntoniusBoyRoman family name of unknown, possibly Etruscan, origin. The popular link to Greek anthos 'flower', which gave the…Rome

AugustinaGirlFeminine of Augustinus, from Augustus 'venerable, majestic'.Rome · peak 1903

AugustineBoyLatin Augustinus, from Augustus 'venerable, majestic'.Rome · peak 2020

AugustinusBoyDerived from Augustus 'venerable, majestic'.Rome

AugustusBoyLatin augustus 'venerable, majestic, consecrated', related to augere 'to increase'.Rome · peak 1880

AureliaGirlFeminine of Aurelius, a Roman family name possibly from a Sabine word for the sun; the link to aurum 'gold' is a…Rome · peak 2020

AureliusBoyRoman family name. Ancient grammarians said the family was originally the Auselii, from a Sabine word for the sun;…Rome

BenedictusBoyLatin benedictus 'blessed', literally 'well spoken of'.Rome

BibianaGirlUncertain. Probably from Vibius, a Roman family name; the spelling Viviana links it to vivus 'alive', which may be a…Rome · peak 1999

BlandinaGirlLatin, from blandus 'flattering, charming'.Rome · forgotten

BonifatiusBoyFrom bonum 'good' and fatum 'fate'. The later spelling Bonifacius came from a folk link to facere 'to do', read as…Rome · forgotten

CaeciliaGirlFeminine of Caecilius, a Roman family name; ancient writers linked it to caecus 'blind', which is not proven.Rome

CaesarBoyUncertain. Ancient writers proposed caesaries 'head of hair', caesus 'cut (from the womb)', and a Moorish word for…Rome · peak 1904

CamillaGirlFeminine of Camillus, 'attendant at religious rites'.Rome · peak 2019

CamillusBoyLatin camillus 'boy attendant at religious rites'.Rome

CassianusBoyDerived from Cassius.Rome

CeciliaGirlLatin, feminine of the Roman family name Caecilius, traditionally derived from caecus 'blind'.Rome · peak 1904

ChristianusBoyLatin christianus 'Christian, follower of Christ'.Rome

ClaudiusBoyRoman family name; ancient writers linked it to claudus 'lame', which is not proven. The family was of Sabine origin.Rome

ClemensBoyLatin clemens 'merciful, mild, gentle'.Rome · peak 1913

ClementBoyLatin clemens, 'merciful, gentle'.Rome · peak 1915

ConstantiaGirlLatin constantia 'constancy, steadfastness'.Rome

ConstantinusBoyDerived from constans 'steadfast, constant'.Rome

CrispinusBoyDerived from the cognomen Crispus 'curly-haired'.Rome · forgotten

DesideriusBoyLatin desiderium 'longing'; the name means 'desired'.Rome · forgotten

DominicaGirlLate Latin dominica 'of the Lord', also used for Sunday (dies dominica).Rome · peak 1911

DomitillaGirlLatin, a diminutive of Domitia, from the Roman family name Domitius, whose origin is uncertain.Rome · forgotten

EmilianaGirlFeminine of Aemilianus, derived from Aemilius.Rome · peak 2018

EmilyGirlFrom Latin Aemilia, the feminine of the Roman family name Aemilius, possibly from aemulus 'rival'. The meaning…Rome · peak 1999

FabiaGirlFeminine of Fabius, which Pliny derived from faba 'broad bean'.Rome · forgotten

FabianaGirlFeminine of Fabianus, derived from Fabius.Rome · peak 2010

FabiolaGirlDiminutive of Fabia.Rome · peak 1996

FabiusBoyRoman family name that Pliny the Elder derived from faba 'broad bean'.Rome

FabriciusBoyRoman family name, probably from faber 'craftsman, smith'.Rome

FaustaGirlFeminine of Faustus 'lucky, auspicious'.Rome · forgotten

FaustinaGirlDerived from Faustus 'lucky, auspicious'.Rome · peak 1893 · forgotten

FaustusBoyLatin faustus 'lucky, auspicious'.Rome · forgotten

FelicitasGirlLatin felicitas 'good fortune, happiness'.Rome · peak 1928

FelicityGirlLatin felicitas, 'good fortune, happiness'.Rome · peak 2017

FelixBoyLatin felix, 'lucky, happy'.Rome · peak 2020

FlaviaGirlFeminine of Flavius, from flavus 'golden, yellow-haired'.Rome · peak 1884

FlaviusBoyRoman family name from flavus 'golden, yellow-haired'.Rome

FloraGirlLatin flora, from flos 'flower'; also the name of the Roman goddess of flowers.Rome · peak 1885

FortunataGirlLatin fortunata 'fortunate, lucky'.Rome · forgotten

FortunatusBoyLatin fortunatus 'fortunate, lucky'.Rome · forgotten

FulviaGirlFeminine of Fulvius, probably from fulvus 'tawny, reddish-yellow'.Rome · forgotten

GaiusBoyOrigin unknown. Ancient writers linked it to Latin gaudere 'to rejoice', but modern scholars treat that as a guess.Rome

GiuliaGirlFrom the Roman family name Julius, of uncertain origin; the ancient link to Iulus, son of Aeneas, is legend.Rome · peak 2020

GratianusBoyDerived from gratus 'pleasing, grateful'.Rome · forgotten

HadrianusBoy'Man from Hadria', a town in Picenum in central Italy (modern Atri).Rome

HilariusBoyFrom Latin hilaris 'cheerful', from Greek hilaros.Rome · forgotten

HonoriaGirlDerived from honor 'honour'.Rome · forgotten

HoratiusBoyRoman family name of unknown origin.Rome

HortensiaGirlFeminine of Hortensius, probably from hortus 'garden'.Rome · peak 1928 · forgotten

IgnatiusBoyFrom the Roman family name Egnatius, of unknown origin. The association with Latin ignis 'fire' is a later folk…Rome · peak 1913

InnocentiusBoyLatin innocens 'harmless, innocent'.Rome · forgotten

JulianaGirlFeminine of Julianus, derived from Julius.Rome · peak 2012

JuliusBoyUncertain. The family claimed descent from Iulus, son of Aeneas; scholars have proposed a link to Jupiter. The…Rome · peak 1912

JustinaGirlLatin, feminine of Justinus, from justus 'just, fair'.Rome · peak 1990

LaurentiusBoy'Man from Laurentum', a town near Rome. The town's name is often linked to laurus 'laurel', but that connection is…Rome

LaviniaGirlName of the legendary wife of Aeneas, linked to the town Lavinium; its origin is unknown.Rome · peak 1886

LawrenceBoyLatin Laurentius, 'man from Laurentum', a town near Rome; a link to laurus 'laurel' is possible but uncertain.Rome · peak 1949

LeoBoyLatin leo 'lion', from Greek leōn.Rome · peak 2020

LiviaGirlFeminine of the Roman family name Livius, of uncertain origin; possibly from lividus 'bluish'. It is not a short…Rome · peak 2018

LiviusBoyRoman family name of uncertain origin, possibly from lividus 'bluish'.Rome

LuciaGirlFeminine of Lucius, which Roman writers linked to lux 'light'.Rome · peak 2019

LucianaGirlFeminine of Lucianus, derived from Lucius.Rome · peak 2018

LucianusBoyDerived from Lucius.Rome

LucillaGirlDiminutive of Lucia.Rome · forgotten

LucinaGirlFrom lux 'light'; Lucina was a title of Juno as goddess of childbirth, 'she who brings into the light'.Rome · peak 1880 · forgotten

LuciusBoyRoman writers such as Varro linked it to Latin lux 'light', explaining it as a name for a child born at daybreak;…Rome · peak 1881

LucretiaGirlFeminine of Lucretius, a Roman family name of uncertain origin, possibly linked to lucrum 'profit'.Rome · peak 1882 · forgotten

LucyGirlLatin Lucia, feminine of Lucius, which is generally derived from lux 'light'.Rome · peak 1891

LunaGirlFrom Latin luna 'moon', also the name of the Roman moon goddess.Rome · peak 2020

MarcellaGirlFeminine of Marcellus, a diminutive of Marcus.Rome · peak 1922

MarcellusBoyDiminutive of Marcus.Rome · peak 2020

MarciaGirlFeminine of Marcius, a family name derived from Marcus.Rome · peak 1951

MarcusBoyProbably derived from Mars, the Roman god of war.Rome · peak 1984

MarianaGirlFeminine of Marianus, derived from Marius; later understood as an adjective of Maria, and sometimes as Maria plus Anna.Rome · peak 2005

MarianusBoyDerived from Marius. Christians later associated it with the Virgin Mary.Rome

MarinaGirlFrom the Roman name Marinus, probably a derivative of the family name Marius; it was early associated with Latin…Rome · peak 1994

MarioBoyFrom Latin Marius, a Roman family name probably connected with the god Mars.Rome · peak 1980

MariusBoyRoman family name of uncertain origin, possibly from Mars or from mas 'male'. It is not related to Maria.Rome · peak 1881

MartinaGirlFeminine of Martino (Martin), from Latin Martinus, derived from the god Mars.Rome · peak 1899

MartinusBoyDerived from Mars, the Roman god of war.Rome

MaximilianusBoyDerived from Maximus 'greatest'.Rome

MaximusBoyLatin maximus 'greatest'.Rome · peak 2016

ModestusBoyLatin modestus 'moderate, restrained'.Rome · forgotten

NataliaGirlFrom natalis 'of birth, birthday', especially dies natalis Domini 'Christmas Day'.Rome · peak 2020

OctaviaGirlFeminine of Octavius, from the old praenomen Octavus 'eighth'.Rome · peak 2020

OctavianusBoyAdoptive name derived from Octavius, ultimately from Octavus 'eighth'.Rome

OctaviusBoyRoman family name, from Latin octavus 'eighth'.Rome · peak 1991

OvidiusBoyRoman family name, possibly from ovis 'sheep'; not proven.Rome

PaulaGirlLatin, feminine of Paulus 'small'.Rome · peak 1963

PaulinaGirlFeminine of Paulinus, derived from Paulus 'small'.Rome · peak 2002

PerpetuaGirlLatin, 'everlasting, continual'.Rome · forgotten

PetronillaGirlFrom the Roman family name Petronius, of uncertain meaning; legend made Saint Petronilla a daughter of Saint Peter,…Rome · forgotten

PiaGirlLatin pia 'dutiful, devout'.Rome · peak 2020

PiusBoyLatin pius 'dutiful, devout'.Rome · forgotten

PlacidusBoyLatin placidus 'calm, gentle, peaceful'.Rome · forgotten

PrimusBoyLatin for 'first'.Rome · forgotten

ProsperBoyLatin prosper 'fortunate, successful'.Rome · forgotten

ReginaGirlLatin regina 'queen'.Rome · peak 1967

RenatusBoyLatin renatus 'born again', a reference to baptism.Rome

RomanaGirlLatin romana 'Roman woman'.Rome · peak 1904

RomanusBoyLatin romanus 'Roman'.Rome

RufinaGirlFeminine of Rufinus, from Rufus 'red, red-haired'.Rome · peak 1910 · forgotten

SabinaGirlLatin, 'Sabine woman', the Sabines being an ancient people of central Italy.Rome · peak 1889

SabinusBoyLatin sabinus 'Sabine', one of the peoples of ancient Italy.Rome · forgotten

SebastianusBoy'Man from Sebastia', a city named from Greek sebastos 'venerable'.Rome

SerenaGirlLatin serena 'clear, calm, serene'.Rome · peak 2000

SergioBoyFrom the Roman family name Sergius, which is of unknown, probably Etruscan, origin.Rome · peak 1995

SergiusBoyRoman family name of unknown, possibly Etruscan, origin.Rome

SeverinaGirlFeminine of Severinus, from Severus 'stern, serious'.Rome · forgotten

SeverinusBoyDerived from Severus 'stern, serious'.Rome

SeverusBoyLatin severus 'stern, serious, strict'.Rome · forgotten

SilvanaGirlFeminine of Silvanus, from silva 'forest, wood'.Rome · peak 2017

SilviaGirlFrom silva 'forest, wood'.Rome · peak 1974

SilviusBoyFrom silva 'forest, wood'.Rome

TiberiusBoyTaken from Tiberis, the river Tiber at Rome.Rome · peak 2017 · forgotten

TitianusBoyDerived from Titus, a praenomen of unknown origin.Rome

TulliaGirlFeminine of Tullius, a Roman family name of unknown origin.Rome · forgotten

TulliusBoyRoman family name of unknown origin.Rome · forgotten

UrbanusBoyLatin urbanus 'of the city, refined'.Rome · forgotten

ValentinaGirlFeminine of Valentinus, from valens 'strong, healthy'.Rome · peak 2019

ValentineBoyLatin Valentinus, from valens 'strong, healthy'.Rome · peak 1885

ValentinusBoyDerived from valens 'strong, vigorous, healthy'.Rome

ValeriaGirlFrom the Roman family name Valerius, from valere 'to be strong'.Rome · peak 2009

ValeriusBoyRoman family name from valere 'to be strong, healthy'.Rome

VergiliusBoyRoman family name of unknown, possibly Etruscan, origin. The medieval spelling Virgilius came from folk links to…Rome · forgotten

VictorBoyLatin victor, 'conqueror'.Rome · peak 1918

VictoriaGirlLatin victoria 'victory'.Rome · peak 1993

VincentiusBoyFrom vincens 'conquering'.Rome

VirginiaGirlFrom the Roman family name Verginius, of uncertain origin, though long associated with Latin virgo 'maiden'.Rome · peak 1922

VitalisBoyLatin vitalis 'of life, vital'.Rome · forgotten

VitusBoyOrigin uncertain; often linked to vita 'life', which is not proven.Rome

The Early Middle Ages400 to 800

AdelaideGirlFrom Germanic Adalheidis: adal 'noble' and heid 'kind, sort'.Early Medieval · peak 1893

AgathaGirlGreek agathē, 'good'.Early Medieval · peak 1899

AgnesGirlGreek hagnē, 'pure, holy'. It was later associated with Latin agnus 'lamb', which is why the saint is shown with a…Early Medieval · peak 1899

AlfonsoBoyVisigothic, from adal 'noble' (or hild 'battle') and funs 'ready, eager'.Early Medieval · peak 1930

AmbroseBoyGreek ambrosios, 'immortal, divine'.Early Medieval · peak 1881

AnastasiaGirlGreek anastasis, 'resurrection'.Early Medieval · peak 2019

ApolloniaGirlGreek, feminine of Apollonios, 'belonging to Apollo'.Early Medieval · forgotten

BarbaraGirlGreek barbara, 'foreign woman'.Early Medieval · peak 1938

BenedictBoyLatin benedictus, 'blessed'.Early Medieval · peak 1914

BlaiseBoyFrom Latin Blasius, probably from blaesus 'lisping'.Early Medieval · peak 2015

BonifaceBoyLatin Bonifatius, 'good fate' (bonum and fatum); it was later reinterpreted as 'doer of good' (from facere).Early Medieval · forgotten

CatherineGirlGreek Aikaterinē, of unknown origin. Its link to katharos 'pure' is a later folk etymology that changed the Latin…Early Medieval · peak 1909

ChristinaGirlLatin christiana, 'Christian, follower of Christ'.Early Medieval · peak 1978

ChristopherBoyGreek Christophoros, 'bearing Christ'.Early Medieval · peak 1984

ClotildeGirlFrom Germanic hlod 'fame' and hild 'battle'.Early Medieval · peak 1885 · forgotten

CosmasBoyFrom Greek kosmos 'order, adornment'.Early Medieval · forgotten

DamianBoyLikely from Greek damazein 'to tame, subdue'.Early Medieval · peak 2013

DominicusBoyLate Latin dominicus 'of the Lord'.Early Medieval

ElviraGirlBelieved to be of Visigothic origin, but its elements are not known with any certainty.Early Medieval · peak 1909

EmmaGirlGermanic short form of names beginning with ermen/irmin 'whole, great, universal'.Early Medieval · peak 1885

EugeniaGirlGreek eugeneia, 'nobility, good birth' (eu 'good' and genos 'birth').Early Medieval · peak 1911

EuphemiaGirlGreek euphēmia, 'good speech, good repute'.Early Medieval · forgotten

EusebiusBoyFrom Greek eusebēs 'pious'.Early Medieval · forgotten

GeorgeBoyGreek geōrgos, 'farmer, earth-worker'.Early Medieval · peak 1880

GregoryBoyGreek grēgorios, 'watchful, vigilant'.Early Medieval · peak 1962

HermenegildBoyFrom Germanic ermen 'whole, great' and gild 'payment, sacrifice'.Early Medieval · forgotten

HilaryGirl or boyLatin Hilarius, from hilaris 'cheerful'.Early Medieval · peak 1990

HildebrandBoyFrom Germanic hild 'battle' and brand 'sword, flame'.Early Medieval · forgotten

JeromeBoyGreek Hierōnymos, 'sacred name' (hieros 'holy' and onoma 'name').Early Medieval · peak 1938

MargaretGirlGreek margaritēs, 'pearl', a word probably borrowed from Persian.Early Medieval · peak 1907

MariaGirlFrom Hebrew Miryam, of uncertain meaning; many explanations ('bitter', 'beloved', an Egyptian root) have been…Early Medieval · peak 1966

MartinBoyFrom Latin Martinus, derived from Mars.Early Medieval · peak 1880

MonicaGirlUncertain, possibly of Punic or Berber origin; links to Greek monos 'alone' or Latin monere 'to advise' are folk…Early Medieval · peak 1973

PancrasBoyGreek Pankratios, 'all-powerful'.Early Medieval · forgotten

PantaleonBoyFrom Greek pan 'all' and leōn 'lion'.Early Medieval · forgotten

RosamundGirlFrom Germanic hros 'horse' and mund 'protection'. The popular reading 'rose of the world' (Latin rosa mundi) is a…Early Medieval · forgotten

ScholasticaGirlLatin, 'scholar, of the school'.Early Medieval · forgotten

SebastianBoyFrom Latin Sebastianus 'man of Sebaste', from Greek sebastos 'venerable'.Early Medieval · peak 2018

SophiaGirlGreek sophia, 'wisdom'.Early Medieval · peak 2012

SylvesterBoyLatin silvester, 'of the woods'.Early Medieval · peak 1880

TheclaGirlGreek Theokleia, 'glory of God' (theos 'god' and kleos 'glory').Early Medieval · forgotten

TheodelindaGirlFrom Germanic theud 'people' and lind, which may mean 'soft, gentle' or 'linden-wood shield'.Early Medieval · forgotten

VincentBoyLatin vincens, 'conquering'.Early Medieval · peak 1963

ZoeGirlGreek zōē, 'life'.Early Medieval · peak 2012

The High and Late Middle Ages1100 to 1450

AdaGirlUncertain. Usually taken as a short form of Germanic names in adal 'noble', but it has also been linked with Hebrew…Middle Ages · peak 1888

AgataGirlFrom Greek agathe 'good'.Middle Ages

AgneseGirlFrom Greek hagne 'pure, holy', later associated with Latin agnus 'lamb'.Middle Ages

AlbertoBoyThe Italian, Spanish and Portuguese form of Albert, from Germanic adal 'noble' and beraht 'bright'.Middle Ages · peak 1993

AldoBoyItalian form of a Germanic short name from ald 'old'.Middle Ages · peak 2007

AliceGirlFrom Old French Aalis, a contraction of Germanic Adalheidis ('noble kind').Middle Ages · peak 1906

AmedeoBoyFrom medieval Latin Amadeus, from amare 'to love' and Deus 'God'.Middle Ages

AmerigoBoyAn Italian form of Germanic Emmerich (Haimirich), probably from haim 'home' and ric 'ruler', though the first…Middle Ages · forgotten

AndreaGirl or boyFrom Greek Andreas, from aner, andros 'man'. In Italy it is a boys' name; in much of Europe it is used for girls.Middle Ages · peak 1981

AngelaGirlFrom Greek angelos 'messenger, angel', through Latin.Middle Ages · peak 1975

AngeloBoyFrom Greek angelos 'messenger', the word for angel.Middle Ages · peak 1914

AnselmBoyFrom Germanic ans 'god' and helm 'helmet, protection'.Middle Ages · forgotten

ArnolfoBoyFrom Germanic Arnulf, from arn 'eagle' and wulf 'wolf'.Middle Ages · forgotten

BartolomeoBoyFrom Aramaic bar Talmai 'son of Talmai'.Middle Ages · forgotten

BeatriceGirlFrom Latin Beatrix, probably an altered form of Viatrix 'voyager', reinterpreted as from beatus 'blessed'.Middle Ages · peak 1910

BenedictaGirlLatin benedicta 'blessed'.Middle Ages · forgotten

BenvenutoBoyFrom Italian benvenuto 'welcome'.Middle Ages · forgotten

BernardoBoyFrom Germanic Bernhard, from bern 'bear' and hard 'hardy, brave'.Middle Ages · peak 1995

BiancaGirlFrom Italian bianco 'white', a word of Germanic origin (blank 'bright, white').Middle Ages · peak 1991

BiceGirlA Tuscan short form of Beatrice.Middle Ages · forgotten

BindoBoyA Tuscan short form of names such as Aldobrandino or Ildebrando; the exact source varies.Middle Ages · forgotten

BrunettoBoyA diminutive of Bruno, from Germanic brun 'brown'.Middle Ages · forgotten

BrunoBoyGermanic, from brun 'brown' (possibly also 'armour').Middle Ages · peak 1915

BuonaccorsoBoyFrom Italian buon 'good' and accorso 'help, aid', so 'good help'.Middle Ages · forgotten

CassandraGirlUncertain. Sometimes linked to kekasmai 'to excel' with anēr 'man', but this is a guess.Middle Ages · peak 1990

CaterinaGirlFrom Greek Aikaterine, whose origin is unknown; the popular meaning 'pure', from katharos, is a later folk etymology…Middle Ages · peak 2014

ChiaraGirlFrom Latin clara 'clear, bright, famous'.Middle Ages · peak 2002

CioneBoyA medieval Tuscan short form taken from the ending of longer names; which names it shortened is uncertain.Middle Ages · forgotten

ClaraGirlLatin clara 'clear, bright, famous'.Middle Ages · peak 1890

ClariceGirlFrom medieval Latin Claritia, from clarus 'clear, bright, famous'.Middle Ages · peak 1906 · forgotten

ContessinaGirlA diminutive of contessa 'countess', so 'little countess'.Middle Ages · forgotten

CostanzaGirlFrom Latin constantia 'steadiness, constancy'.Middle Ages · forgotten

CristoforoBoyFrom Greek Christophoros 'bearer of Christ'.Middle Ages · forgotten

DanteBoyA medieval short form of Durante 'enduring, steadfast'.Middle Ages · peak 1998

DinoBoyA short form of names ending in -dino, such as Bernardino or Aldobrandino.Middle Ages · peak 1960 · forgotten

DomenicoBoyFrom Latin dominicus 'of the Lord'.Middle Ages · peak 1913

DominicBoyFrom Latin Dominicus 'of the Lord', from dominus 'lord'.Middle Ages · peak 2013

DonatoBoyFrom Latin donatus 'given'.Middle Ages · peak 1926 · forgotten

DuranteBoyFrom Italian durante 'enduring, lasting'.Middle Ages · forgotten

ElenaGirlA form of Helen, from Greek Helenē; the meaning is uncertain, and the popular 'torch' or 'light' link is unproven.Middle Ages · peak 2020

EleonoraGirlFrom Occitan Alienor, whose origin is uncertain; popular derivations from Greek or from 'another Aenor' are unproven.Middle Ages · peak 1892

ElisabettaGirlFrom Hebrew Elisheva, usually explained as 'my God is an oath'.Middle Ages

ElsaGirlShort form of Elisabeth, from Hebrew Elisheva.Middle Ages · peak 1895

EnricoBoyFrom Germanic Heinrich, from haim 'home' and ric 'ruler'.Middle Ages · peak 1921

EnzoBoyUsually a short form of names ending in -enzo, such as Lorenzo or Vincenzo; the medieval King Enzo of Sardinia's…Middle Ages · peak 2020

FedericoBoyFrom Germanic Frederick, from frid 'peace' and ric 'ruler, power'.Middle Ages · peak 1976

FiammettaGirlA diminutive of Italian fiamma 'flame'.Middle Ages · forgotten

FilippoBoyFrom Greek Philippos, from philos 'lover' and hippos 'horse'.Middle Ages

FolcoBoyFrom Germanic Fulco, from folk 'people'.Middle Ages · forgotten

FrancescaGirlFeminine of Francesco, 'Frenchman', from Late Latin Franciscus.Middle Ages · peak 1996

FrancescoBoyFrom Late Latin Franciscus 'Frenchman'.Middle Ages · peak 2006

GemmaGirlFrom Italian gemma 'gem, jewel' (also 'bud').Middle Ages · peak 2019

GerardoBoyThe Spanish and Italian form of Gerard, from Germanic gēr 'spear' and hard 'brave, hardy'.Middle Ages · peak 2000

GinevraGirlThe Italian form of Guinevere, from Welsh Gwenhwyfar; the first element is usually taken as gwen 'white, fair,…Middle Ages

GiorgioBoyFrom Greek Georgios, from georgos 'farmer'.Middle Ages · peak 2016

GiottoBoyProbably a short form of names such as Ambrogiotto or Angiolotto; the exact source is uncertain.Middle Ages · forgotten

GiovannaGirlFeminine of Giovanni, from Hebrew Yohanan 'Yahweh is gracious'.Middle Ages · peak 2020

GiovanniBoyFrom Hebrew Yohanan 'Yahweh is gracious'.Middle Ages · peak 2010

GriseldaGirlPossibly from Germanic gris 'grey' and hild 'battle', but the origin is not settled.Middle Ages · peak 1993 · forgotten

GuglielmoBoyFrom Germanic Willahelm, from wil 'will, desire' and helm 'helmet, protection'.Middle Ages · forgotten

GuidoBoyFrom a Germanic name built on wid 'wood' or wit 'wide'; which element is meant is uncertain.Middle Ages · peak 1914 · forgotten

HyacinthGirl or boyFrom Greek hyakinthos, a flower name of pre-Greek origin.Middle Ages · forgotten

IsabellaGirlA Latinized form of Isabel, the medieval Spanish and Occitan form of Elizabeth (Hebrew Elisheva).Middle Ages · peak 2010

IsottaGirlThe Italian form of Isolde, whose origin is uncertain (Celtic and Germanic roots have both been proposed).Middle Ages · forgotten

JacopoBoyA Tuscan form of Iacobus (Jacob), from Hebrew Ya'aqov, traditionally explained as 'holder of the heel' or 'supplanter'.Middle Ages

LapaGirlA Tuscan feminine of Lapo, itself a short form of Jacopo (Jacob), from Hebrew Ya'aqov, traditionally explained as…Middle Ages · forgotten

LapoBoyA Tuscan short form of Jacopo (Jacob).Middle Ages · forgotten

LauraGirlUsually explained from Latin laurus 'laurel'; it may also be a short form of Laurentia.Middle Ages · peak 1968

LeonardBoyFrom Germanic leon 'lion' and hard 'hard, brave'.Middle Ages · peak 1920

LeonardoBoyFrom Germanic Leonhard, from Latin leo 'lion' and Germanic hard 'hardy, brave'.Middle Ages · peak 2019

LorenzoBoyFrom Latin Laurentius 'man of Laurentum', a town near Rome.Middle Ages · peak 2019

LucaBoyFrom Latin Lucas, Greek Loukas, 'man from Lucania'.Middle Ages · peak 2020

MaddalenaGirlFrom Magdalene, 'woman from Magdala', a town on the Sea of Galilee whose name comes from a word for 'tower'.Middle Ages

MafaldaGirlPortuguese and Italian form of Matilda, from Germanic maht 'might, strength' and hild 'battle'.Middle Ages · peak 1915

ManfredBoyFrom Germanic man 'man' (or magin 'strength') and frid 'peace'.Middle Ages · peak 1936 · forgotten

ManfrediBoyFrom Germanic Manfred, from man 'man' and frid 'peace'.Middle Ages · forgotten

MarcoBoyFrom Latin Marcus, probably derived from the god Mars.Middle Ages · peak 2001

MargheritaGirlFrom Greek margarites 'pearl'.Middle Ages · peak 1898

MatildeGirlGermanic, from maht 'might, strength' and hild 'battle'.Middle Ages · peak 1883

MatteoBoyFrom Hebrew Mattityahu 'gift of Yahweh'.Middle Ages · peak 2020

MicheleBoyFrom Hebrew Mikha'el 'who is like God?'.Middle Ages · peak 1968

NeriBoyA Tuscan short form of Ranieri (Rainier), from Germanic ragin 'counsel' and hari 'army'.Middle Ages · forgotten

NiccolòBoyFrom Greek Nikolaos, from nike 'victory' and laos 'people'.Middle Ages

NicolaGirl or boyFrom Greek Nikolaos, from nike 'victory' and laos 'people'. Italian Nicola is a boys' name; in English it is used…Middle Ages · peak 1972

PaoloBoyFrom Latin Paulus 'small'.Middle Ages · peak 2007

PhilippaGirlFeminine of Philip, from Greek philos 'loving' and hippos 'horse'.Middle Ages · peak 2017

PiccardaGirlUncertain; perhaps a feminine of Piccardo, which may refer to a man from Picardy.Middle Ages · forgotten

PieroBoyA Tuscan form of Pietro (Peter).Middle Ages · forgotten

PietroBoyFrom Greek Petros 'rock', translating Aramaic Kepha.Middle Ages · peak 1974

RobertoBoyThe Italian, Spanish and Portuguese form of Robert, from Germanic hrōd 'fame' and beraht 'bright'.Middle Ages · peak 1981

RolandBoyFrom Germanic hrod 'fame' and land 'land'.Middle Ages · peak 1931

RosaGirlLatin rosa 'rose'; in Spanish America chiefly after Saint Rose of Lima.Middle Ages · peak 1888

SelvaggiaGirlFrom Italian selvaggio 'wild, of the woods', from Latin silvaticus.Middle Ages · forgotten

SimoneGirl or boyThe French feminine and the Italian masculine form of Simon, from Hebrew Shim'on, usually linked to shama 'he has…Middle Ages · peak 1988

TeresaGirlOf uncertain origin; it first appears in Spain and Portugal, and proposed links to Greek therizein 'to harvest' are…Middle Ages · peak 1962

TessaGirlIn medieval Tuscany a short form of Contessa; the English Tessa is usually a short form of Teresa instead.Middle Ages · peak 2007

TheresaGirlUncertain. Proposed links to Greek therizein 'to harvest' or the island of Therasia are unproven.Middle Ages · peak 1961

TommasoBoyFrom Aramaic te'oma 'twin'.Middle Ages

UgoBoyFrom Germanic Hugo, from hug 'mind, spirit'.Middle Ages · forgotten

VanniBoyA Tuscan short form of Giovanni.Middle Ages · forgotten

VeronicaGirlProbably a Latin form of Greek Berenikē 'bringing victory'. The popular explanation vera icon 'true image', from the…Middle Ages · peak 1974

ViolanteGirlUncertain. Linked to French Yolande, whose origin is unclear; the resemblance to Latin viola 'violet' may be secondary.Middle Ages · forgotten

ZitaGirlFrom an old Tuscan word zita 'girl, young woman'.Middle Ages · peak 1901 · forgotten

ZorziBoyThe Venetian form of Giorgio (George), from Greek georgos 'farmer'.Middle Ages · forgotten

The Renaissance1400 to 1600

AdrianaGirlFeminine of Hadrianus, 'from Hadria'.Renaissance · peak 2006

AlessandraGirlFeminine of Alessandro, from Greek Alexandros, from alexein 'to defend' and aner, andros 'man'.Renaissance · peak 2015

AlessandroBoyFrom Greek Alexandros, from alexein 'to defend' and aner, andros 'man'.Renaissance · peak 2018

AlviseBoyThe Venetian form of Luigi (Louis), from Germanic hlud 'famous' and wig 'battle'.Renaissance · forgotten

AngelicaGirlFrom Latin angelica 'angelic'.Renaissance · peak 1996

ArtemisiaGirlFrom Greek, connected with the goddess Artemis, whose own name is of unknown origin.Renaissance · forgotten

BaldassareBoyFrom Balthazar, the traditional name of one of the Magi, from Babylonian Bel-sharra-usur 'Bel, protect the king'.Renaissance · forgotten

BenedettaGirlFrom Latin benedicta 'blessed'.Renaissance

ClementinaGirlDerived from Clemens 'merciful, mild'.Renaissance · peak 1908

CosimoBoyFrom Greek Kosmas, from kosmos 'order, decency'.Renaissance

DeliaGirlGreek, 'woman of Delos', an epithet of Artemis.Renaissance · peak 1883 · forgotten

EmiliaGirlFrom the Roman family name Aemilius, often linked to aemulus 'rival', though this is uncertain.Renaissance · peak 2020

FerdinandoBoyFrom Germanic, uncertain.Renaissance · forgotten

FrancesGirlFeminine of Francis, from Latin Franciscus 'Frenchman'.Renaissance · peak 1911

GiacomoBoyFrom Iacobus (Jacob), from Hebrew Ya'aqov, traditionally explained as 'holder of the heel' or 'supplanter'.Renaissance · peak 1914

GirolamoBoyFrom Greek Hieronymos, from hieros 'sacred' and onoma 'name'.Renaissance · forgotten

GiulianoBoyFrom Latin Julianus, derived from Julius.Renaissance

GiuseppeBoyFrom Hebrew Yosef 'he will add'.Renaissance · peak 1975

IlariaGirlFrom Latin hilaria, from hilaris 'cheerful'.Renaissance

IppolitaGirlFrom Greek Hippolyte, from hippos 'horse' and lyein 'to loose'.Renaissance · forgotten

LisaGirlA short form of Elisabeth.Renaissance · peak 1965

LucreziaGirlFrom the Roman family name Lucretius, of uncertain origin; a link to Latin lucrum 'profit' has been suggested but is…Renaissance

LudovicaGirlFeminine of Ludovico, from Germanic hlud 'famous' and wig 'battle'.Renaissance

LudovicoBoyFrom Germanic Hludwig, from hlud 'famous' and wig 'battle'.Renaissance · forgotten

MarinBoyThe Venetian form of Marino, from Latin Marinus 'of the sea'.Renaissance · peak 2007

MichelangeloBoyA compound of Michele (Michael) and Angelo, honouring the archangel Michael; Michael is Hebrew for 'who is like God?'.Renaissance · peak 2015 · forgotten

OlimpiaGirlFrom Greek Olympias, 'of Olympus', the mountain home of the gods.Renaissance · forgotten

OliviaGirlCoined or popularized by Shakespeare in Twelfth Night (around 1601), apparently from Latin oliva 'olive'.Renaissance · peak 2014

OrlandoBoyThe Italian form of Roland, from Germanic hrod 'fame' and land 'land'.Renaissance · peak 1975

OrsolaGirlFrom Latin Ursula, 'little she-bear', from ursa 'bear'.Renaissance · forgotten

RaffaelloBoyFrom Hebrew Rafa'el 'God has healed'.Renaissance

RenataGirlLatin renata 'born again'.Renaissance · peak 1980

SandroBoyA short form of Alessandro.Renaissance · peak 1975

SimonettaGirlA feminine diminutive of Simone (Simon), from Hebrew Shim'on, usually explained as 'he has heard'.Renaissance · forgotten

SmeraldaGirlFrom Italian smeraldo 'emerald'.Renaissance · forgotten

SofonisbaGirlFrom Sophonisba, a Carthaginian noblewoman; a Punic origin is assumed but its meaning is uncertain.Renaissance · forgotten

TizianoBoyFrom Latin Titianus, derived from Titus, of uncertain origin.Renaissance · forgotten

VincentiaGirlFeminine of Vincentius 'conquering'.Renaissance · forgotten

VittoriaGirlFrom Latin victoria 'victory'.Renaissance · peak 2010

The Age of Revolutions1750 to 1837

BettinaGirlItalian and German pet form of Elisabeth, from Hebrew Elisheva.Revolutions · peak 1965 · forgotten

CarolineGirlFeminine form of Carolus (Charles), from Germanic karl 'man, free man'.Revolutions · peak 1889

GaetanoBoyFrom Latin Caietanus 'from Gaeta', a coastal town in southern Lazio.Revolutions · peak 1914 · forgotten

GeorgiaGirlFeminine of George, from Greek geōrgos 'farmer'.Revolutions · peak 1904

LetiziaGirlFrom Latin laetitia 'joy, gladness'.Revolutions

VincenzoBoyFrom Latin Vincentius, from vincere 'to conquer'.Revolutions · peak 2020

Victorian and Belle Époque1837 to 1914

AchilleBoyFrom Greek Achilleus, of uncertain origin.Victorian

AddolorataGirlFrom the Marian title Our Lady of Sorrows (Addolorata 'sorrowful').Victorian · forgotten

AlbertaGirlFeminine of Albert, from Germanic adal 'noble' and berht 'bright'.Victorian · peak 1909 · forgotten

AllegraGirlFrom Italian allegra 'cheerful, lively'.Victorian · peak 1997

AnitaGirlA Spanish and Portuguese diminutive of Ana (Anna).Victorian · peak 1958

AssuntaGirlFrom Latin assumpta 'taken up', referring to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.Victorian · peak 1912 · forgotten

AuroraGirlFrom Latin aurora 'dawn', also the Roman goddess of the dawn.Victorian · peak 2020

BellaGirlA short form of Isabella (a form of Elizabeth, Hebrew Elisheva 'my God is an oath'), coinciding with Italian bella…Victorian · peak 2010

CarlottaGirlA feminine diminutive of Carlo (Charles), from Germanic karl 'free man'.Victorian · peak 1948

CarmelaGirlFrom Our Lady of Mount Carmel; Hebrew karmel means 'garden, orchard'.Victorian · peak 1911 · forgotten

CarmineBoyFrom Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Madonna del Carmine); Hebrew karmel 'garden, orchard'.Victorian · peak 1912 · forgotten

CelesteGirlFrom Latin caelestis 'heavenly'.Victorian · peak 2004

ConcettaGirlFrom the Marian title Immacolata Concezione (Immaculate Conception).Victorian · peak 1914 · forgotten

EdoardoBoyFrom Old English Eadweard, from ead 'wealth' and weard 'guardian'.Victorian

ElisaGirlA short form of Elisabetta; for its root see Elizabeth, usually explained as 'my God is an oath'.Victorian · peak 2012

EmanueleBoyFrom Hebrew Immanu'el 'God is with us'.Victorian

EttoreBoyThe Italian form of Hector, from Greek ekhein 'to hold', so 'holding fast'.Victorian

FernandaGirlFeminine of Fernando, a name of Visigothic origin whose elements are uncertain.Victorian · peak 2009

FilomenaGirlFrom Greek Philoumene 'beloved', from philein 'to love'.Victorian · peak 1907 · forgotten

GabrieleBoyFrom Hebrew Gavri'el 'God is my strength'.Victorian · peak 1999

GennaroBoyFrom Latin Ianuarius 'of January', after St Januarius, patron of Naples.Victorian · peak 1913 · forgotten

GiuseppinaGirlA feminine diminutive of Giuseppe (Joseph), from Hebrew Yosef 'he will add'.Victorian · forgotten

GraziaGirlFrom Italian grazia 'grace', in the religious sense of divine favour.Victorian · forgotten

GretaGirlA short form of Margareta, from Greek margarites 'pearl'.Victorian · peak 1932

ItaliaGirlFrom Italia, the name of the country.Victorian · peak 2014 · forgotten

ItaloBoyFrom Latin Italus 'Italian', also the name of a legendary king of Italy.Victorian · forgotten

LeliaGirlFrom Latin Laelia, feminine of the Roman family name Laelius, whose meaning is unknown.Victorian · peak 1892 · forgotten

LorettaGirlAssociated with Loreto in Italy, the shrine of the Holy House of Mary, and treated as a diminutive of Laura (Latin…Victorian · peak 1938

LuigiBoyFrom French Louis, from Germanic hlud 'famous' and wig 'battle'.Victorian · peak 1913

NinaGirlOriginally a Russian pet form of names like Antonina and Anna; also linked to Spanish niña 'little girl'.Victorian · peak 1899

NormaGirlPopularised by Bellini's opera Norma (1831), whose heroine's name may be from Latin norma 'rule'; the librettist's…Victorian · peak 1931

PasqualeBoyFrom Late Latin Paschalis 'of Easter'.Victorian · peak 1914 · forgotten

PatriciaGirlFeminine of Patricius 'patrician, of the noble class'.Victorian · peak 1951

PhilomenaGirlGreek, usually explained as 'beloved' (philoumenē) or 'friend of strength' (philos and menos); the first is the more…Victorian · peak 1908

PrimoBoyFrom Italian primo 'first', traditionally given to a first son.Victorian · forgotten

RobertaGirlFeminine of Robert, from Germanic hrod 'fame' and berht 'bright'.Victorian · peak 1937 · forgotten

RoccoBoyAfter St Roch; the name is probably Germanic, perhaps from hrok 'rest' or a word for 'crow', but this is uncertain.Victorian · peak 2009

RosaliaGirlFrom Saint Rosalia of Palermo; usually linked to Latin rosa 'rose' or the Roman rose festival Rosalia.Victorian · peak 2020

SabrinaGirlThe Latin name of the River Severn (Sabrina, earlier Sabrinna), a Celtic river name whose meaning is unknown; the…Victorian · peak 1997

SalvatoreBoyFrom Italian salvatore 'saviour', referring to Christ.Victorian · peak 1927

StellaGirlFrom Latin stella 'star'.Victorian · peak 1889

ToscaGirlFrom Italian tosca 'Tuscan woman'.Victorian · forgotten

UlyssesBoyLatin Ulixes, the name of the hero Odysseus.Victorian · peak 1886

UmbertoBoyFrom Germanic Humbert; the second element is berht 'bright', the first is uncertain.Victorian · forgotten

VittorioBoyFrom Latin Victorius, from victor 'conqueror'.Victorian · peak 1969

The Modern Age1880 to today

AlexiaGirlA feminine form of Alexios, from Greek alexein 'to defend, protect'.Modern · peak 2002

AlinaGirlOf several origins: often a short form of Adelina or Albina, and in some regions linked to other names; no single…Modern · peak 2019

AntonellaGirlItalian diminutive of Antonia, from the Roman family name Antonius, of unknown (possibly Etruscan) origin.Modern · peak 2018

ArianaGirlA form of Ariadne, from Greek, traditionally explained as 'most holy' (ari- intensive and hagnos 'pure, holy'),…Modern · peak 2014

AriannaGirlFrom Greek Ariadne, often explained as 'most holy' (ari- 'very' and a Cretan word adnos 'holy'), though the second…Modern · peak 2014

ArmandoBoyThe Spanish, Italian and Portuguese form of Herman, from Germanic heri 'army' and man 'man'.Modern · peak 1997

AsiaGirlFrom the name of the continent, of uncertain ancient origin.Modern · peak 1997

AzzurraGirlFrom Italian azzurro 'azure, sky blue'.Modern

CaraGirlFrom Italian cara 'dear, beloved', and also associated with Irish cara 'friend'.Modern · peak 1977

CarlaGirlFeminine of Carl/Karl, from Germanic karl 'man, free man'.Modern · peak 1962

CiroBoyThe Italian form of Cyrus, from Old Persian Kurush, of uncertain meaning.Modern · peak 1923

DavideBoyFrom Hebrew Dawid, usually explained as 'beloved'.Modern

DelfinaGirlFrom Latin Delphina 'woman of Delphi', connected with Greek delphis 'dolphin'.Modern · peak 1896

DilettaGirlFrom Italian diletta 'beloved, dear', from Latin dilecta.Modern

DominickBoyA spelling of Dominic, from Latin Dominicus 'of the Lord'.Modern · peak 2003

DonnaGirlFrom Italian donna 'lady', from Latin domina 'mistress of a household'.Modern · peak 1959

ElettraGirlFrom Greek Elektra, connected with elektor 'shining, the beaming sun'.Modern

EliaBoyFrom Hebrew Eliyyahu 'my God is Yahweh'.Modern · peak 2020

ElianaGirlFrom Hebrew, 'my God has answered' (eli 'my God' and anah 'to answer'); in Latin countries it is also a feminine of…Modern · peak 2020

EmilioBoyFrom the Roman family name Aemilius, often linked to Latin aemulus 'rival', though that is not certain.Modern · peak 2020

GabriellaGirlThe Italian feminine of Gabriel, from Hebrew Gavriel 'God is my strength' (or 'strong man of God').Modern · peak 2010

GaiaGirlTwo sources meet in this name: Greek gaia 'earth', the name of the earth goddess, and Latin Gaia, feminine of the…Modern · peak 2020

GiannaGirlAn Italian short form of Giovanna, the feminine of Giovanni (John), from Hebrew Yohanan 'Yahweh is gracious'.Modern · peak 2020

GinaGirlA short form of Italian names such as Luigina and Georgina, or of Regina (Latin 'queen').Modern · peak 1967

GioiaGirlFrom Italian gioia 'joy'.Modern

LilianaGirlA Latinate elaboration of Lillian or Lily, generally linked with Latin lilium 'lily', though Lillian may also have…Modern · peak 2018

LoredanaGirlPopularised by Luciano Zuccoli's novel L'amore de' Loredana; usually traced to the Venetian noble surname Loredan.Modern · forgotten

MarisaGirlA Spanish and Italian blend of Maria and Luisa; Mary is from Hebrew Miryam, of uncertain meaning.Modern · peak 1995

MassimoBoyFrom Latin maximus 'greatest'.Modern · peak 2010

MattiaBoyFrom Matthias, the Greek form of Hebrew Mattityahu 'gift of Yahweh'.Modern

MiaGirlA Scandinavian, German and Dutch short form of Maria. The Italian and Spanish word mía 'mine' is a coincidence.Modern · peak 2015

MirellaGirlThe Italian form of Provençal Mirèio, heroine of Frédéric Mistral's 1859 poem; probably linked to mirar 'to admire',…Modern · peak 1997 · forgotten

NivesGirlFrom Latin nives 'snows', after the Marian title Our Lady of the Snows (Madonna della Neve).Modern · forgotten

NoemiGirlThe Italian form of Naomi, from Hebrew No'omi 'pleasantness'.Modern · peak 2001

OrnellaGirlCoined by Gabriele D'Annunzio for a character in La figlia di Iorio (1904), from Tuscan ornello 'manna ash tree'.Modern · forgotten

PaolaGirlFeminine of Paolo, from Latin paulus 'small'.Modern · peak 1999

RiccardoBoyFrom Germanic Richard, from ric 'ruler, power' and hard 'hardy, brave'.Modern · peak 1979

RitaGirlA short form of Margherita.Modern · peak 1930 · forgotten

RominaGirlAn Italian name of uncertain origin, perhaps a diminutive linked to Roma; it is popular in Argentina.Modern · peak 2020

SamueleBoyFrom Hebrew Shemu'el, often explained as 'name of God' or 'God has heard'; the meaning is debated.Modern

SandraGirlA short form of Alessandra, the Italian feminine of Alexander ('defender of men').Modern · peak 1946

SantinoBoyItalian diminutive of Santo 'saint'.Modern · peak 2020

SofiaGirlFrom Greek sophia 'wisdom'.Modern · peak 2015

SoniaGirlFrom Russian Sonya, a pet form of Sofia, from Greek sophia 'wisdom'.Modern · peak 1973

SvevaGirlFrom Italian sveva 'Swabian woman', recalling the Swabian (Hohenstaufen) dynasty.Modern

TinaGirlA short form of names ending in -tina, especially Christina, from Latin Christianus 'a Christian'.Modern · peak 1968

ValentinoBoyItalian form of Valentinus, from Latin valens 'strong, healthy'.Modern · peak 2020

ViolaGirlFrom Latin viola 'violet'.Modern · peak 1908

Meanings and histories are drawn from the study of names and their languages, each with a confidence rating; popularity figures come from official birth records. Name histories are a living field: if you know of a correction, we would be glad to hear it.