For fresh names with crowd-pleasing appeal, search internationally. Italian parents have already given their seal of approval to the names in this list — they all rank in the top 200 in Italy, but have yet to make the top 500 in the United States. Some will sound familiar, some more surprising, but each of these names has a feminine sweetness that could easily appeal to American moms-to-be. Some of these names come from saints, mythology, Shakespeare, and other beautifully artistic associations. Most of them are elegant and will be distinctive when used in the US.
Some of the names in this list have famous namesakes, such as Viola and Rita. Others, may be completely new to the mama and well worth considering. Names such as Flavia, Gaia, and Rossella are rarely heard in the US. All of these top Italian baby girl names have a lot of life and color. They are sure to work for any new bundle of joy in need of a graceful name. Many of these options have a feeling of sophistication. Some also resemble names that are popular in the US, so they may be a slightly different version than something a mama was already considering. For example, if parents are considering the name Gia or Gemma, why not Gioia! Or if one likes Katrina or Catherine, then how about Caterina? These popular Italian names may just be exactly what parents-to-be are looking for! Here are 15 of the top Italian baby girl names that have not gained popularity in the US yet — but, they totally should!
Chiara
Melodious Chiara is the Italian version of Claire, commonly associated with Saint Chiara of Assisi (a follower of Saint Francis). While many European parents have embraced this beautiful name, it’s yet to gain comparable recognition in Anglophone communities — perhaps its similarities to Cora and Keira will encourage English speakers to give it a try.
Celebrity Namesake: Chiara Ferragni
Chiara Ferragni is an Italian fashion designer and influencer. She originally gained fame as the founder of the popular style blog The Blonde Salad.
Viola
Sophisticated and dramatic, Viola is a gorgeous choice currently flying under the radar. Its Shakespearean background will appeal to literary tastes, and its closeness to favorites like Olivia and Violet will help it fit in on the playground — but Viola’s confident personality makes it stand out from the crowd.
Celebrity Namesake: Viola Davis
Viola Davis is an American actress and producer. She was the first black actress to be nominated for three Academy Awards, and she won one of them.
Rita
While Americans may associate this sassy name with 1940s starlet Rita Hayworth, Rita is also well-used internationally as a nickname for the longer Margherita. With short vintage classics like Ava and Ruby back on the scene, Rita’s retro style and multicultural appeal are sure to attract attention.
Celebrity Namesake: Rita Ora
Rita Ora is an English singer and actress. Her first album debuted at number one in the UK and she is also known for her bold fashion choices.
Caterina
With Katrina out of the picture, the elegant, Italian form of Catherine is perfectly primed to cross the Atlantic. Caterina combines a musical sound, a pleasant meaning — from the late Greek word for “pure” — and an array of fabulous nicknames, making this name particularly attractive.
Celebrity Namesake: Caterina Scorsone
Caterina Scorsone is a Canadian actress. She starred in the crime drama series, Missing from 2003 to 2006 and she appeared as Amelia Shepherd in the ABC dramas Private Practice and Grey's Anatomy.
Flavia
From the Latin flavus, meaning “golden-haired,” Flavia is a shining option with an unusual sound. The name has been used in a number of books and movies, and also boasts connections with at least two Saint Flavias. Striking yet accessible, Flavia merits more attention in English-speaking countries.
Gioia
Pronounced “ZHOY-ah,” this pretty name adds a syllable of flair to the already delightful Joy. It’s rarely used in the United States, but would work well as an alternative to Gia or Gemma. If mom-to-be likes virtue names but want something with a little more glamour, Gioia is the one!
Eleonora
Stately Eleanor remains in the top 100 for a number of countries, but lilting Eleonora has yet to achieve similar popularity. Its euphonic sound matches modern trends, but Eleonora has an uncommon sense of regality and inherent grace. The name is also a gold mine for nicknames — Ellie, Leo, Leonie, and Nora are just a few of the possibilities.
Livia
There’s a balance of strength and femininity in this lovely name, dating back to the days of Roman emperor Augustus and his wife, Livia Drusilla. American audiences are likely to relate the name to Olivia or Lydia, but Livia has its own history, separate from those of soundalike choices.
Ilaria
Refreshing and vibrant, Ilaria feels like a pleasant pick for a little girl today — especially since English variant Hillary hasn’t been popular since the 1980s. The name comes from the Greek hilaros, meaning “happy,” and it’s been worn by a variety of notable Italian athletes and actresses.
Gaia
In Greek mythology, Gaia is the personification of the Earth and the divine mother from whom all life originated — a powerful and awe-inspiring namesake. This illustrious history has led to Gaia’s inclusion in everything from rock music to science fiction, yet the name remains comparatively rare in modern usage.
Marika
This variant of Mary is decidedly not Italian — Greek and Slavic languages claim Marika — but this upbeat name has already reached #111 on the Italian popularity charts. Marika blends a spirited melody with a friendly vibe, and it works exceptionally well as a cross-cultural choice.
Morena
Originally a name for a woman with darker hair or skin, Morena fits in stylistically with modern “raindrop name” trends — think Melanie, Ariana, or Maya. As a word, Morena can be found in a number of global languages, relating to religion, physiology, and even geology.
Annamaria
Romantic and refined, Annamaria is a name combination that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Popular among Italian Catholic families, Annamaria might offer a beautiful, multisyllabic alternative to the -ella and -bella names of today.
Giada
Many Americans were first introduced to this charming choice through Giada De Laurentiis, the Food Network star and mother to namesake Jade (who wears the Anglicized version of the name). Today, Giada feels more approachable next to Gia and Gianna, but holds its own as an unexpected choice.
Rossella
If Scarlett and Ruby are too mainstream for mama's taste, why not Rossella? Vivacious and colorful, Rossella gained recent attention in Italy as the heroine of an eponymous television show. It’s also another unorthodox route to a variety of sweet nicknames, like Rosie and Ella.
