When it comes to choosing an Italian name for your little one, you’ve probably heard the usual suspects – Maria, Gina, Michele, Giovanni, etc. Classic? Absolutely. But if you’re looking for something more distinctive, then you’re in the right place. I’ve rounded up 20 unique Italian names that catch your ear without sounding out of place.
Unique Italian names for baby girls
1. Armida
Strong, mysterious, and with a dash of magic: that’s the vibe the name Armida exudes! Some say its origins are Germanic, meaning “combative woman,” while others trace it back to Celtic roots, where it means “one who’s suited.” Its rise to fame comes from Gerusalemme Liberata, Torquato Tasso’s epic poem, where Armida is a beautiful witch who lures Christian knights into her enchanted castle. That is, until she falls for the brave Rinaldo and, plot twist, chooses love (and Christianity) over deception. After all, even the fiercest women can’t resist the power of love!
2. Celestina
There’s something undeniably dreamy about the name Celestina. Sure, it might feel a bit old-fashioned, but in a really endearing way. Coming from the Latin caelestis, meaning “heavenly” or “of the sky,” it instantly brings to mind images of angels, stardust, and celestial beings bathed in moonlight. Celestina is also rooted in Christianity, tied to a Roman matron who sheltered persecuted Christians and became a victim of martyrdom herself. Its masculine counterpart, Celestino, also brings ecclesiastical prestige to the name: five Popes bore it!
3. Clelia
Clelia is a name that carries bravery, resilience, and a legacy of greatness. Rooted in the Latin cluere, meaning “to be famous” or “glorious,” it’s exactly the kind of name you’d expect from a Roman heroine. And fittingly, one of the most legendary Clelias in history was a fearless Roman girl who escaped captivity under the Etruscan king Porsenna by swimming across the Tiber River, leading her fellow prisoners to freedom in the process. Another notable bearer of the name was Clelia Garibaldi, the daughter of the famous Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi. Clearly, big shoes to fill come with this name!
4. Egle
Derived from the Greek aigle, meaning “the shining one” or “the radiant one,” the name Egle carries a certain mythical glow. In Greek mythology, Egle was one of the Hesperides, the nymphs tasked with guarding the golden apple tree in the gods’ garden. But Egle was also the name of one of the Tre Grazie (the three Graces), daughters of Zeus who personified beauty and feminine elegance. You’ve probably seen them before: Botticelli immortalized them in La Primavera, where they dance ethereally in their flowing gowns, radiating grace and charm.
5. Ersilia
The name Ersilia is thought to come from the Latin Hersilia, and is thought to mean “tender” or “soft.” But don’t let its gentle sound fool you—there’s some pretty cool strength behind it. According to myth, Ersilia was one of the Sabine women caught up in the infamous Rape of the Sabines. She then married Romulus, the founder of Rome, and rather than being a passive figure in this story, she stepped into the political spotlight and managed to mediate between her husband and her father, ultimately preventing a war between the Romans and the Sabines.
6. Mirta
The name Mirta carries a quiet, peaceful vibe, like the gentle flutter of leaves in a slow breeze. It’s derived from the Greek word myrtos, meaning “myrtle tree,” which, was sacred to Venus because, according to the myth, as she emerged from the sea, she covered her naked body with myrtle branches. This connection to the goddess of love and beauty gives this beautiful Italian name rich symbolism.
7. Giustina
Giustina is a name with some serious moral weight. Rooted in the Italian word iustus, meaning “fair” or “just,” it evokes all those good things like integrity, balance, and doing the right thing. This name is also steeped in history and spirituality thanks to the figure of Saint Giustina of Padua, a young martyr who lived in the 4th-century who’s remembered with a grand Basilica near Padua’s iconic Prato della Valle square.
8. Ombretta
Derived from the Italian word ombra meaning “shadow” or “shade,” Ombretta is one of those names that sounds like it stepped right out of a novel—and, fun fact, it actually did! This name first appeared in Piccolo Mondo Antico by Antonio Fogazzaro, where it was given as a nickname to daughter of the main characters. The book was a success, and just like that, Ombretta became a name that stayed with people, evoking a certain grace and quiet allure
9. Oriana
Oriana is a name that just shines. No surprise there: it comes from the Latin aurum, meaning “gold.” And like gold, it is beautiful, strong, and timeless. If you’re into Italian culture, the name might ring a bell thanks to Oriana Fallaci, the legendary journalist and writer who always spoke her mind, even when the world wasn’t ready to hear it, perfectly embodying the strength and brilliance this name suggests.
10. Ornella
Ornella comes from orniello, a type of flowering ash tree known for its fragrant blossoms. But here’s a fun fact: the name was actually invented by Gabriele D’Annunzio, a master of Italian literature and prolific creator of beautiful words, for a character in his play La figlia di Jorio. More recently, the name has gained a bit of glamour thanks to Italian icons like singer Ornella Vanoni and actress Ornella Muti, adding a dash of star power to an already literary, poetic name.
Unique Italian names for baby boys
11. Ascanio
Ascanio is one of those unique Italian names that just oozes charisma and feels important. In Virgil’s Aeneid, Ascanio is the eldest son of Aeneas and Creusa, a brave kid who’s destined for greatness. According to the myth, he’s the founder of the gens Iulia, the family line that eventually gave the world none other than Julius Caesar. Fast forward a few centuries, and Ascanio pops up again during the Renaissance as Ascanio Sforza, a very influential cardinal who played a key role in the election of Pope Alexander VI.
12. Biagio
There’s a sense of kindness and wisdom to the name Biagio. It originates from the Latin blaesus, meaning “stammering”—not exactly the refined vibe you’d expect from an Italian name, right? But in ancient times, names often reflected physical traits, and that’s how Biagio came to be. Then, over the centuries, Biagio became strongly associated with San Biagio (Saint Blaise), a 4th-century bishop and martyr who, according to legend, saved a child from choking on a fishbone. Thanks to this miraculous act, he’s now the patron saint of throat illnesses and all things voice-related, adding a touch of the divine to this already meaningful name.
13. Brando
The name Brando has deep roots in medieval Europe, where swords symbolized power, honor, and the kind of courage that inspired epic ballads. It comes from the ancient German brant, meaning “sword,” making it a name once fit for knights and noble families. And today, that same bold energy endures, thanks to legendary figures like Marlon Brando.
14. Cosimo
Cosimo comes from the Greek word kosmos, meaning an “orderly arrangement” or, more broadly, “universe.” Historically, it’s tied to the glory days of Renaissance Florence and the Medici family. It was the name of Cosimo de’ Medici (also known as Cosimo the Elder), the grandad of Lorenzo il Magnifico and the political genius who set the Medici dynasty on its path to power, shaping an entire era. So, if you name someone Cosimo, you’re kind of passing down a legacy of brilliance and influence. And for the record, there’s a feminine version too: Cosima!
15. Gaspare
Gaspare is thought to come from the ancient Persian word khazāndār, which means “treasurer,” conveying the idea of keeping valuable things safe. This sounds pretty fitting, since Gaspare was one of the Three Wise Men who followed a star to bring precious gifts to baby Jesus (he’s the one with the incense). Fast forward a few centuries, and we meet another legendary Gaspare: Gaspare Campari, the brilliant Italian who invented the iconic red bitter we all raise our glasses to during aperitivo hour—Campari!
16. Goffredo
Goffredo comes from the Germanic words Got (yep, God) and fridu (which means peace). So, it can be interpreted as something like “peace of God.” It’s got this quiet strength to it, with just a touch of divine energy. And it had its moments in the spotlight too: Goffredo Mameli, for instance, is the guy who wrote the lyrics to Italy’s national anthem in 1847. So, there’s also a bit of history and national pride in this name!
17. Lucio
If you’re looking for a name with classic charm, a bit of historical weight, and a dash of good energy, then Lucio is a fantastic choice. With roots stretching back to ancient Rome, it comes from the Latin lux, meaning “light” or “splendor.” Back in the day, it was a popular name, often favored by the Roman elite and even by emperors. One of the most notable Lucios was Lucio Vero, the adoptive brother of the legendary Marcus Aurelius. The two co-ruled the Roman Empire from 161 to 169 AD.
18. Oreste
Think of the name Oreste as a mix of outdoorsy vibes and epic mythological drama. It comes from the Greek word oros, meaning “mountain,” so it can be interpreted as “someone who lives among the mountains.” There’s something beautifully earthy about it, like the kind of person who’s spent their life rooted in nature, always in tune with its rhythms. But Oreste’s story doesn’t end with the natural world: he’s also a key figure in Greek mythology, where he’s the son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, caught in the middle of one of ancient Greece’s most intense family sagas.
19. Vitale
Derived from the Latin word vitalis, which means “full of life” or “energetic,” Vitale embodies vigor, strength, and a zest for life all wrapped up in one name. Beyond the meaning, this name has deep roots in Christian tradition, with quite a few saints bearing this name. The most famous? Probably San Vitale of Ravenna, an early Christian martyr with an entire basilica dedicated to him. This beautiful monument is one of the crown jewels of early Christian art in Italy, adorned with dazzling Byzantine mosaics that have earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
20. Zeno
The name Zeno comes from the Greek word zen, which can mean “life,” or “of Zeus,” so depending on how you look at it, you’re either channeling vitality or divine lineage (not a bad choice either way!). This name has been worn by a few influential figures, such as Zeno of Citium, the founder of the Stoicism philosophy, and Zeno of Elea, who developed the art of dialectic. And in Italy, when you mention Zeno, it’s impossible not to think of La Coscienza di Zeno (The Consciousness of Zeno), the famous novel by Italo Svevo.
Valentina Nicastro is a travel writer in love with her home country, Italy. Having travelled widely around the globe, she realised there was more to explore closer to home and decided to put the passport aside for a while. When she is not immersed in documenting Italy, you’ll find her donning her communication consultant hat, weaving words as a content writer and bridging linguistic divides as a translator.
