Top Baby Names in Italy

Ciao, lettori!

As Italian names are sweeping the US, I think it's a good time to look at their country of origin and find some new(ish) names to bring across the Atlantic. This is another part of my Global Names series, so check out the link to travel the world of naming!

I'm look at the top 30 baby names for Italy in the year 2014 (still no 2015 data yet for a lot of countries). I'll choose five for each gender, and include their English equivalents (if they exist). And there's a uniqueness factor - all but one of these names aren't in the US top 1000!

Source: Top Italian Names

Female Names

Greta - Margaret

Currently at #7 in Italy and at #594 in the United States, Greta hits all the right notes - the old Hollywood feel, the hard and soft sounds, and the childhood sweetness that translates into adulthood elegance. Greta's previous peaks were in 1932 and 1967, and with the upswing of retro names it's been climbing back up the list since 2011. So while it's not unheard-of, its positive traits far outweigh its popularity!

Gaia 

This name comes from the Greek goddess who ruled over the earth in mythology - feminine and powerful, Gaia is not a bad namesake! Sound similarities to Maya and Naya will help it fit in on the playground. Also, for those of you ecologically-minded, the earth connection is a major plus. Gaia is currently at #11 in Italy, but it's never ranked in the US!

Ginevra - Guinevere, Jennifer

This name has sparked more interest lately due to its Harry Potter connection - Ginevra is the full first name of spunky Ginny Weasley. But that interest hasn't yet translated to popularity charts, so this name is a very unique pick! Meaning "white spectre", Ginevra also has many of the same sounds as Virginia - a not-too-distant honorific possibility?

Viola - Violet

While Violet verges on overabundance, the alternative Viola is an excellent almost-unused choice (its at #19 in Italy). The name was used in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, and it was a very popular name in the late 19th and early 20th century. If you're looking for a name that's retro but classic, strong but lovely, and established but not trendy, Viola is a great option. 

Ludovica - Louisa

Unusual to the ear of an English speaker, Ludovica is glamorous and transoceanic (its English equivalent isn't too popular either). At #29 in Italy, it's never been on a US list. And while its length is effeminate and graceful, the nickname possibilities are fantastic: Lulu, Louie, Dove, Vicky. It's another example of a subtle honorific for any familial Louis'!

Male Names

Mattia - Matthew

Both Mattia and similar Matteo are at #6 and #7 in Italy, with the latter rising up the charts in the US. So let's look at sweet Mattia: the a-sound-ending ties in with well-loved Noah and Elijah, the initial syllable lends itself to classic nickname Matt, and statistics say your Mattia will be the only one in his class. It's also a great unisex choice!

Federico - Frederick

Take this road-less-traveled to get to the cute nicknames Freddie or Rico. Federico was in the US top 1000 on and off for over 100 years before disappearing entirely in 1992. Its exciting sound and masculine feel make it totally usable now, especially next to Leonardo and Alessandro. Portuguese variation Frederico is another great pick!

Pietro - Peter

As Peter continues to slide off the charts, look abroad for better alternatives - Pietro, Pierre, Pedro. Meaning "rock", the Biblical connection may be positive for some namers, but the sound is anything but old-fashioned. There are quite a few historical Italian artist namesakes as well, giving Pietro a more well-rounded aura. 

Simone - Simon

While Simone has become a feminine option in English-speaking nations, I say, why let the girls have all the fun? Simon has been a classic, religious option, and changing the pronunciation to See-MONE adds oomph. Meaning "he has heard", Simone could be a great option for musically-inclined families or relative honorifics. 

Filippo - Philip or Phillip

A whimsical Italian name that offers a bunch of fun nickname opportunities, Filippo livens up the old-fashioned Philip. It means "lover of horses", but doesn't have the dude ranch sound of Austin or Blake. Spanish variation Felipe is also a viable option.

Which are your favorites? Tell me in the comments!

Artist Names: Italian Renaissance

Hello, readers!

For my next series, I'll be focusing on the names of famous artists and their relevance as first names today! Obviously, these lists aren't complete - there are too many artists to name! So let me know in the comments who I missed, and what you think about their name.

To Florence!

The Renaissance era in Italy produced some of the most well-known artists and works in the Western world today. Despite the fact that this took place about 500 years ago, creative namers today might want to take inspiration from names then. 

Disclaimer - only male names today. But be on the lookout for female artists in the future!

Leonardo da Vinci

If you've ever heard of the Mona Lisa, you've heard of da Vinci. He was more than an artist - he invented dozens of gadgets, performed experiments, and met with many famous figures of the era - a true Renaissance man. Today, Leo is at #97, Leonardo is at #114, Leon is at #321, and Leonard is at #662 - hardly unique. But if you want to inspire your child to greatness, this name stands the test of time. And if you're really looking for something unusual, why not try the last name? There were 8 little Davinci's born last year, about 74 in the last decade. 

Raphael Sanzio

The wunderkind of the Italian Renaissance, Raphael (known by his first name) was the artist of School of Athens (the painting above) and dozens of paintings at the Vatican. He's known as one of the great masters - check out his artwork online if you get a chance! Today, the name Raphael, meaning "God has healed", is at #596, and Rafael is at #293. Both are lovely, artistic options for any little painting prodigy. 

Michelangelo Buonarroti

While I initially found this name a bit too long, it turns out 74 (there's that number again) little Michelangelo's were born last year. So while it's not in the top 1000, it's not exactly unheard-of. As for the namesake - known for his volatile temper and incredible works of art, including the Sistine Chapel ceiling, Michelangelo was considered the greatest living artist during his lifetime. The name is a reference to the archangel Michael, a warrior angel. 

Giotto di Bondone

One of the first artists of the Renaissance, Giotto is credited with being one of the first artists to draw "from life", complete with perspective and lighting. His name means "pledge of peace", and Giotto is the Italian variation of former-star Jeffrey. If you're looking for a name to honor a familial Jeff, but not something found on a playground already, try Giotto. It also fits in well with rising Giovanni or Giacomo, but hasn't appeared in any US name data at all. 

Sandro Botticelli

My favorite painting of the Renaissance is Botticelli's Primavera, and readers might also know The Birth of Venus. He's incredibly graceful and soft with his paintings - who wouldn't want to look like his Venus? Sandro is short for Alessandro, currently at #623, and I think the long name is better on a birth certificate. But the short form is an absolutely adorable nickname. 

Titian (Tiziano Vecelli)

There's a shade of red hair dye named after him, which might be due to his extensive portraits of red-headed women. Titian's paintings are sumptuous and detailed, proving his interest in color. On the name side, though, no data has been collected for any little Titian's. The name isn't too far off from Tyson or Tina, so it might make a nice option. The Italian version Tiziano was used for 26 babies last year, and it means "title of honor".