Endings that signal gender
Italian names usually end in -o for boys and -a for girls — Paolo and Paola, Giulio and Giulia. But watch for the famous exceptions: Andrea, Nicola and Luca end in -a yet are boys’ names in Italy.
Roots in Latin and the saints
Most Italian names descend from Latin and from the vast calendar of Catholic saints — Giovanni (John), Francesco (Francis), Chiara (Clare). Affectionate diminutives are everywhere: -ino/-ina, -etto/-etta and -ella turn a name into a term of endearment.
Named for the grandparents
A strong tradition names the first children after their grandparents, which is why classic names cycle back into fashion generation after generation.
Sound and music
Italian names are prized for their openness and rhythm — most end in a vowel, giving them their characteristic lilt.