Italian Beauties

A list of Italian names that I love or are high contenders for my affections.
  1. Alessandra
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Alexandra
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      This softened version is even prettier than the original.
  2. Elettra
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Latin Electra
    • Meaning:

      "shining, bright"
    • Description:

      Less electric and melodramatic, more serene, than Electra. Isabella Rossellini's daughter (and Ingrid Bernman's granddaughter) is named Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann.
  3. Emiliana
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Emily
    • Meaning:

      "rival"
    • Description:

      The enormous popularity of Emily and Emma means that parents will be looking further afield for substitutes -- and this is one of the prettiest.

  4. Francesca
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Frances
    • Meaning:

      "from France or free man"
    • Description:

      Francesca is a lighter and much more feminine choice than the classic Frances, and one that is increasingly popular with upscale parents.
  5. Gabriela
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish, feminine variation of Gabriel
    • Meaning:

      "God is my strength"
    • Description:

      This strong yet graceful feminine form of Gabriel is a modern favorite. The double L spelling is given to more than three times as many girls as the Gabriela version.
  6. Serra
    • Origin:

      Italian, Portuguese and Catalan
    • Meaning:

      "ridge"
    • Description:

      This topographical name, more suited to a girl than a boy--though it would inevitably be confused with SARAH--has some distinguished bearers: famous Spanish missionary to Mexico Father Junipero Serra, and sculptor Richard Serra, known for his challenging large-scale metal works.