Favorite male names
In Lazio, some very clear trends emerge among the most commonly used names for newborns , confirmed by both local data and national trends. Lazio parents’ favorite male name for a boy remains Leonardo. This name has Germanic origins and is composed of two elements: “leo,” meaning “lion,” a symbol of strength and courage, and “hard,” meaning “strong,” “valiant,” or “bold.” Thus, it can be interpreted as “strong like a lion.”
It is the name of the great Leonardo da Vinci; painter, scientist, inventor and multifaceted genius of the Italian Renaissance.
In short, Leonardo is a name that evokes strength, courage, nobility and intelligence.
Other beloved names include Tommaso, Francesco, Alessandro, Lorenzo and Edoardo, Mattia, Andrea and Riccardo. Aeneas also gains popularity because of its classical resonance.
Most popular female names
Ginevra is the fastest-growing female name and-according to Istat’s region-specific rankings-is the one that ranks first in Lazio. This name has Celtic origins and is the Italian form of the Welsh name “Guinevere” or “Gwenhwyfar.” Its meaning is generally interpreted as “white,” “pure,” or “bright-bodied,” with a reference to light and purity.
Guinevere is a name also linked to Arthurian legend, being the name of Queen Guinevere, wife of King Arthur, a woman of great charm and nobility. We also remember Ginevra Cantofoli, an Italian painter of the Baroque period who was well-known in the artistic scene.
Among other widely used names: Sofia, Aurora and Giulia, which remain steadily among the most chosen in our country.
Preference also increases for names such as Vittoria, Beatrice, Ludovica, Alice, Emma, Matilde and Camilla.
These rankings reflect the desire to combine Italian tradition and new trends, with a preference for names that are classic but also modern, international-sounding or have strong meanings.