This list brings together 32 Italian girl names that start with N, from “Nadia” to “Nuria”. The names range from short, modern choices like “Nina” and “Nora” to older, traditional ones like “Nunziata” and “Natalina”. Parents can use it to find a name for a baby girl, and writers can use it to name characters. It also helps anyone curious about Italian culture and language.
Italian girl names are first names given to girls in Italy, often shaped by religion, history, and the arts. Many come from opera and literature, such as “Norma” from Bellini’s opera and “Nedda” from Pagliacci.
Below you’ll find the table with the name, pronunciation, meaning, and description of each entry.
Name: The Italian name itself, listed in alphabetical order, so you can scan the list quickly and find the ones you like.
Pronunciation: A simple guide to saying each name aloud, with the stressed syllable in capital letters, so you can say it with confidence.
Meaning: What the name means or where its roots come from, which helps you choose a name with a story you like.
Description: A short note on the name’s origin, style, and how common it is in Italy today, so you know how it feels.
Italian girl names
Name
Pronunciation
Meaning
Nadia
NAH-dyah
Hope
Nadina
nah-DEE-nah
Little hope
Nara
NAH-rah
Happy, or from Narni
Narda
NAR-dah
Spikenard, a fragrant plant
Natalia
nah-TAH-lyah
Born at Christmas
Natalina
nah-tah-LEE-nah
Little Christmas
Natalizia
nah-tah-LEE-tsyah
Christmas-born
Natascia
nah-TAH-shah
Christmas-born
Nausica
now-ZEE-kah
Burner of ships
Nazarena
nah-tsah-REH-nah
From Nazareth
Nedda
NEHD-dah
Pure, noble
Neera
neh-EH-rah
Maid, new one
Nella
NEHL-lah
Bright one
Nelly
NEHL-lee
Light, torch
Nerina
neh-REE-nah
Sea nymph
Nicla
NEE-klah
Victory of the people
Nicoletta
nee-koh-LEHT-tah
Victory of the people
Nicolina
nee-koh-LEE-nah
Little victory of the people
Nicole
nee-KOHL
Victory of the people
Nilde
NEEL-deh
Battle
Nina
NEE-nah
Little girl, grace
Ninfa
NEEN-fah
Nymph, bride
Nives
NEE-vehs
Snow
Nobile
NOH-bee-leh
Noble
Nora
NOH-rah
Honor, light
Norina
noh-REE-nah
Little honor
Norma
NOR-mah
Rule, norm
Novella
noh-VEHL-lah
New, young
Nunzia
NOON-tsyah
Messenger
Nunziata
noon-TSYAH-tah
Announced
Nuccia
NOOT-chah
Messenger
Nuria
NOO-ryah
Light
Descriptions
Nadia
A name of Slavic origin that became popular in Italy in the 20th century. It is short, easy to say, and widely used across the country.
Nadina
A diminutive form of Nadia. It is an affectionate variant that appears occasionally in Italian families.
Nara
An uncommon name that some link to the Umbrian town of Narni. It has a soft, melodic sound.
Narda
Taken from the aromatic spikenard plant mentioned in ancient texts. It is a rare, old-fashioned Italian choice.
Natalia
A classic name linked to the Latin word for birth, often given to girls born near Christmas. It is common throughout Italy.
Natalina
A traditional Italian name for girls born around Christmas. It has a warm, old-world feel, especially in southern Italy.
Natalizia
A rare, traditional form tied to the Nativity. It is mostly found in older generations.
Natascia
The Italian spelling of Natasha, a Russian form of Natalia. It became popular in Italy in the later 20th century.
Nausica
The Italian form of Nausicaa, the princess in Homer’s Odyssey who helps Odysseus. It is rare and literary.
Nazarena
A religious name referring to the town of Nazareth. It is found mostly among older Italian women.
Nedda
A short name made famous by the character in the opera Pagliacci. It is mostly found in Sicily and southern Italy.
Neera
A rare name with classical Greek roots. It has been used in Italian literature.
Nella
A short form of names such as Antonella or Giovannella. It is also used as a name in its own right.
Nelly
A friendly variant of Eleonora or Elena. It is informal and used in modern Italy.
Nerina
Based on the Nereids, the sea nymphs of Greek myth. The poet Giacomo Leopardi used it in his work.
Nicla
A feminine short form of Nicola used in some parts of Italy. It is rare today.
Nicoletta
A diminutive of Nicola for girls. It is a charming, widely recognized Italian name.
Nicolina
A diminutive of Nicola for girls. It is found mostly in southern Italy.
Nicole
The French form, widely used in modern Italy. It has been popular since the late 20th century.
Nilde
A short form of Brunilde or Clotilde. It was made well known by the politician Nilde Iotti.
Nina
A short, sweet name used in Italy as a pet form of names like Antonina or Giovannina. It is also used on its own.
Ninfa
Taken from the Greek word for a nymph. It is rare but poetic.
Nives
A name from the Latin word for snow, linked to the Madonna della Neve. It is found mostly in northern Italy.
Nobile
From the Italian word for noble. It is a rare, old-fashioned virtue name.
Nora
A short form of Eleonora or Onoria. It is simple, elegant, and widely used.
Norina
A diminutive of Nora, famous from Donizetti’s opera Don Pasquale. It is gentle and uncommon.
Norma
Made famous by Bellini’s opera of the same name. It is a classic Italian choice.
Novella
From the Italian word for a new or young thing. It also means a short story, and it is a literary name.
Nunzia
A short form of Annunziata, linked to the Annunciation. It is common in southern Italy.
Nunziata
Refers to the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary. It is a traditional religious name, mainly in the south.
Nuccia
An affectionate short form of Annunziata. It is mostly used in Sicily and Campania.
Nuria
A name used in some Italian regions, with roots in Arabic and Catalan. It has a modern, international feel.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.