Italian Parents’ Preferred Names for Their Children
According to the latest data from Istat, released in October 2025, Sofia, Aurora, and Ginevra are the top three names chosen by Italian parents for their daughters. On the other hand, Leonardo, Edoardo, and Tommaso are the most popular names for boys. Notably, Maria, which held the top spot for two and a half centuries, has fallen out of the top 50 most loved names. Linguist Enzo Caffarilli has analyzed the data and provided insights into the reasons behind these choices on the treccani.it portal.
Top Female Names: Sofia, Aurora, and Ginevra
Sofia, a Greek name meaning “science, wisdom,” has become a global phenomenon, ranking number one in Europe and America. Its variations, such as Sophia and Sophie, have also gained popularity worldwide. Aurora, which means “dawn” in Latin, has become a favorite due to its rich meanings and mythological connotations. Ginevra, a name from the Breton saga, has also gained popularity, likely due to its literary and historical significance.
Top Male Names: Leonardo, Edoardo, and Tommaso
Leonardo, with its Germanic origin, has become the most popular name for boys, followed closely by Edoardo and Tommaso. The success of these names may be attributed to their strong, robust meanings. Other popular male names include Thomas, Matthias, and Andrew, which have remained stable in the top ten. Aeneas, a figure from classical epic literature, has also gained popularity, along with other epic names such as Ascanius, Hector, and Achilles.
Jewish Names Gain Popularity
Jewish names have become an international phenomenon, with names like Elijah, Gabriel, Samuel, Michael, and Daniel gaining popularity. These names often end in -ele, which is derived from Elohim, one of the names of God. The name Noah, which was previously associated with the biblical figure, has also gained significance, thanks to the Anglophone addition of the letter “h”.
Classic Names Remain Popular
A core group of classic names from the 20th century, such as Andrea, Giuseppe, Antonio, and Pietro, continue to remain popular, particularly in Southern Italy and small towns. These names have withstood the test of time and remain afloat without the need for revival. In contrast, names like Matteo and Maria, which were once extremely popular, have experienced a decline in popularity.
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