This page lists 21 Italian girl names that start with P, from “Pace” to “Prudenza.” The names range from soft, classic choices like “Paola” and “Pia” to rare, mythological ones like “Proserpina.” Parents use them to name daughters, writers use them for characters, and many people simply enjoy exploring Italian names and their meanings.
Italian girl names are female given names used in Italy, often drawn from saints, Latin roots, and old virtues. Many come from the Church calendar, which is why “Paola” and “Pasqualina” are so common, with the latter given to girls born around Easter.
Below you’ll find the table with the name, pronunciation, meaning, and description of each one.
Name: the Italian girl name itself, listed in alphabetical order so you can scan the full set quickly and find the ones that catch your eye.
Pronunciation: a simple phonetic guide with the stressed syllable in capital letters, so you can say each name the way an Italian speaker would.
Meaning: the original or literal sense of the name, such as “peace” or “dove,” which helps you see what each name stands for.
Description: a short note on where the name comes from, how common it is in Italy today, and the feel it carries.
Italian girl names
Name
Pronunciation
Meaning
Pace
PAH-cheh
Peace
Palma
PAHL-mah
Palm tree, palm branch
Palmira
pahl-MEE-rah
From Palmyra, palm city
Paloma
pah-LOH-mah
Dove
Pamela
PAH-meh-lah
All honey
Pandora
pahn-DOH-rah
All-gifted
Paola
PAH-oh-lah
Small, humble
Paolina
pah-oh-LEE-nah
Little Paula
Pasqualina
pah-skwah-LEE-nah
Born at Easter
Patrizia
pah-TREE-tsyah
Noble, patrician
Pia
PEE-ah
Pious, devout
Piera
PYEH-rah
Rock, stone
Pierina
pyeh-REE-nah
Little rock
Pietra
PYEH-trah
Stone, rock
Pina
PEE-nah
God will add
Placida
PLAH-chee-dah
Calm, peaceful
Porzia
POR-tsyah
Offering, portion
Priscilla
pree-SHEEL-lah
Ancient, venerable
Prisca
PREE-skah
Ancient, old
Proserpina
proh-sehr-PEE-nah
To emerge, to creep forth
Prudenza
proo-DEHN-tsah
Prudence, caution
Descriptions
Pace
A traditional Italian name taken straight from the word for peace. It has been used for centuries and is now rare but gentle and meaningful.
Palma
A classic name tied to the palm branch, a symbol of victory and peace in Christian tradition. It is especially associated with Palm Sunday and southern Italy.
Palmira
Derived from the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria. It was fairly popular in Italy in the early 20th century and now sounds vintage.
Paloma
A name meaning dove, a symbol of peace. It is more common in Spanish but is used in Italy as a soft, modern choice.
Pamela
A name invented by the poet Sir Philip Sidney in the 16th century. It spread to Italy in the 20th century and is still occasionally used.
Pandora
From Greek mythology, where Pandora was the first woman. Italians use it as an unusual, literary name with classical roots.
Paola
The Italian feminine form of Paul. It is a long-standing favorite, common throughout the country and linked to several saints.
Paolina
A diminutive of Paola. It was famously borne by Pauline Bonaparte, Napoleon’s sister, and has an elegant, old-fashioned feel.
Pasqualina
Comes from the Italian word for Easter, Pasqua. Traditionally given to girls born around the holiday, especially in southern Italy.
Patrizia
The Italian form of Patricia. It was very popular in Italy in the mid-20th century and remains a well-known name.
Pia
A short name from the Latin word for dutiful or devout. It is simple, easy to pronounce, and has become popular again in recent years.
Piera
The feminine form of Piero, meaning rock. It is a traditional name found across northern Italy.
Pierina
A diminutive of Piera, from the same root as Peter. It has a warm, affectionate sound and was more common in earlier generations.
Pietra
The feminine form of Peter, taken from the Italian word for stone. It is rare but striking and suggests strength.
Pina
A short form of Giuseppina, the feminine form of Joseph. It is widely used as a pet name and a given name, especially in southern Italy.
Placida
From the Latin placidus, meaning gentle and serene. It is an uncommon, saintly name with a quiet charm.
Porzia
The Italian form of Portia, famous from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. It originates from a Roman family name.
Priscilla
From the Latin Prisca, meaning ancient. It appears in the New Testament and is used in Italy as a classic yet fairly modern name.
Prisca
The root of Priscilla, with early Christian roots. It is a rare name that sounds historic and distinctive.
Proserpina
The Roman goddess of spring and the underworld. In Italy it is a rare, mythological name used for its poetic character.
Prudenza
Taken from the Italian word for prudence. It is an old virtue name, now uncommon but still recognized.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.
