Italian Word Names

Giada is a fresh spin on Jade, which has been quietly and stylishly used in English-speaking countries for several years now. Popular cook Giada De Laurentiis made this a possibility, then semi-subtly self-referenced when she named her daughter Jade.

Both rhythmic and serene, Serenella is one of the Italian names for girls virtually unknown in the US but definitely usable. An unusual route to Ella as a short form?

Could be a short form of Sylvia, Olivia, or any other similar name. Or a vivid Italian word name.

Alea is a genuine girls' name as a sleeker variation of Aleah, a name with both Arabic and Persian roots that means exalted or God's being. But in Italian, Alea means risk or hazard, so it can also be considered an Italian word name...but a risky one.

Musical term with a lot of energy.

A highly unusual Italian word-name that is nevertheless attractive and easy to pronounce and spell.

Names ending with O are popular, but this one is almost unheard-of. Faro has the advantages of being easy to spell and pronounce (unless it's confused with Pharaoh), and a bright meaning. Ultimately it comes from Pharos, the island where the great Lighthouse of Alexandria was built, and there's a district and city in Portugal called Faro. Be aware: it's also the name of a gambling card game, highly popular in the nineteenth century before poker took over.

A pretty addition to the Au-girl names like Audrey, Aurora and Autumn. The beginning Aur syllable, which often relates to gold, makes this an appropriate and one of the more unusual names for autumn babies.

An underused member of the Lily group of names. The spelling makes it clear you want it to rhyme with Willa.

An attractive Italian color and rock word name that doesn't sound anything like its meaning.

Fiery sound and uplifting meaning, but it's also among the Top 100 dog names. Spelled Fiyero, it's the hero of the book and musical "Wicked."

Primo is number one among the Latin birth-order names--Octavius et al--and the one most likely to be used in these days of smaller families. It has that jaunty 'o' ending and Italian flavor that many modern parents like so much. And what little boy wouldn't appreciate being prime?

Consistently popular Latina gem name; good choice for those who can't shake Pearl's grandmotherly vibe.

This is an outside possibility for opera-lovers, with the additional eco/color factor.

Short and slight, with great potential now that names like Ava, Ida and Orla are popular. Ora Beach is a tourist destination on Seram Island, Indonesia.

A spin on Calia or Calla, with a lot of fashionable sounds.

A modernization of the Hebrew Rivka, which doesn't sound so modern anymore.

Laguna Beach is a famous California spot -- though there's "goonie" teasing potential.

While this is an ancient male name, it's too similar to modern girls' choices like Mia and Pia to work for a boy today.