Boy Names Lists · International Baby Names
Rare Italian Names for Boys
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About this list
These rare Italian names for boys are heard more often in Rome, Italy than Rome, New York, but are eminently usable here as Italian names continue to grow in favor. Some of the top boy names in Italy are ripe for American discovery — Nicolo and Giulio, Alessio and Vincenzo.
Along with Nicolo and Alessio, other Italian names that are rare in the US but common in Italy include Pietro, Elia, Emanuele, Jacopo, Giorgio, Domenico, and Raffaele. Classic Italian choices that would easily translate on an American child include Federico, Adriano, Francesco, and Marcello.
If you love Italian names but want to go beyond Luca and Leonardo, explore this list of our favorite rare Italian names for boys.
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The names
Luciano
Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese variation of Lucian
"light"
A vibrant, operatic choice with plenty of flair and plenty of familiarity too. Popular in Italy, Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil, it also ranks in the Top 500 in France and the US. Operatic tenor Luciano…
Elio
Italian, Spanish
"sun"
Elio is a sunny and spirited Italian and Spanish name that makes a great crossover prospect, which could catch on as Enzo has. Derived from the Roman Aelius and the Greek Helios, it has an appealing…
Valentino
Latin
"strength, health"
A dashing, dramatic and romantic Italian surname, associated with early movie heartthrob Rudolph, and later with Italian fashion designer Valentino (Garavani). Also the name of an early Roman saint,…
Camilo
Spanish
"young ceremonial attendant"
The increasing popularity of Camila may have pushed this underrated Spanish name into the Top 1000 — though it remains far less popular than its feminine counterpart. A perfect familiar-but-rare…
Vincenzo
Italian variation of Vincent
"conquering"
This classic yet poetic Italian name for boys , is a Top 50 choice in its native Italy, and has been climbing up the charts in the US and the UK too. It had sporadically made the US charts throughout…
Aurelio
Italian; Spanish, variation of Aurelius
"the golden one"
Aurelio is an energetic Italian name rarely heard in the US, with an attractive aura. As the female version Aurelia gains greater notice, we expect to hear more from Aurelio too. In fact, Aurelio has…
Dario
Italian variation of Darius
"possessing goodness"
More creative and artsy than Mario. Dario is starting to edge up the US popularity list after languishing near the bottom of the Top 1000 over the last four decades. Is that inspired by Dario's…
Clemente
Spanish, Portuguese, Italian
"mild, merciful"
A more romantic form of old school Clement, which ranks in the Top 100 boy names in Chile. Clemente, like Clement, derives from the Late Latin name Clemens, the name of 14 popes and several saints.
Alessio
Italian variation of Alexis
"defender"
Alessio, simpler than the related Alessandro, would be a welcome settler here.
Carlo
Italian variation of Charles, French
"free man"
An energetic and friendly Italian classic, Carlo is popular in its native Italy, but also familiar across Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, France, and Brazil. A variation of the regal French…
Orlando
Italian variation of Roland
"famous throughout the land"
Orlando, the ornate Italianate twist on the dated Roland, with a literary heritage stretching back to Shakespeare and before, has appealing book-ended o's, and is open to combination with almost any…
Gaetano
Italian
"from the city of Gaeta"
The progenitor of the English name Guy, Gaetano has a lot more gusto.
Enrico
Italian variation of Henry
One of several Latin names starting with E that would work and play well with others in any family.
Marcello
Italian and Spanish
"young warrior"
Based on the ancient name Marcellus, drawn from Mars the god of war, Marcello -- it's pronounced mar-chell-o -- is one of the most lush and attractive Latin names.
Federico
Italian and Spanish variation of Frederick, German
"peaceful ruler"
If Frederick feels too heavy, the Spanish and Italian has more energy. It's a long-term Top 20 name in Italy, and has neat nicknames like Fredo in Italian and Fede in Spanish. Famous bearers include…
Gennaro
Italian
"January"
This name of the patron saint of Naples would make an apt choice for a New Year's baby, or one with Neapolitan roots.
Silvio
Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese form of Silvius
"wood, forest"
A shiny and sylvan choice, this sleek yet spirited name feels familiar yet is rarely used.
Octavio
Spanish variation of Octavius
"eighth"
The most popular of the number names used by Hispanic parents, open to all. Octavia and Octavio are two Spanish baby names that are moving out into the wider world.
Domenico
Spanish, Italian variation of Dominic, Latin
"belonging to the Lord"
Romantic and artistic Domenico is ripe for the picking as a relatively rare name that fits in with current favorites such as Leonardo and Emiliano. Domenico is the name of many great creatives…
Massimo
Italian variation of Maximus
"the greatest"
Massimo is a Latin charmer and while it might feel like a big name for a baby (or anyone, really), it has a touch of gentleness about it too, owing to the S sounds. A charismatic member of the…
