Italian names for boys are becoming increasingly popular among American parents of all ethnicities, in part because many of them feature the oh-so-trendy final letter "O." This has contributed to rise of such names as Matteo and Emiliano. However, some Italian boys names, like Graziano or Terenciano, might sound a little over-dramatic or be difficult to pronounce for Americans.
 
Along with Matteo and Emiliano, other Italian boys’ names in the US Top 1000 include Aldo, Dante, Enzo, Luca, Maximo, Rocco, Romeo, and Santino.
 
Baby boy names popular in Italy include Francesco — currently ranking Number 1 — Alessandro, Leonardo, and Giuseppe.
 
See if any of the charming names in our list of Italian names for boys strike your fancy. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
 
For more, check out our list of <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/505/italian-names-for-girls">Italian names for girls</a> or see the full complement of <a href="https://nameberry.com/boys-names">boy names</a>.

Italian Names for Boys

Orfeo

Orson is being rediscovered and Orsino is every bit as attractive.

Orsino

Otello is a masculine Italian name best known as the Italian form of Shakespeare's character Othello. The name gained prominence through Giuseppe Verdi's opera 'Otello,' based on Shakespeare's tragedy. While Shakespeare's character has Moorish origins, the name itself doesn't have clear etymological roots beyond its literary creation. In Italian-speaking regions, Otello has been used as a given name since the popularity of Verdi's opera in the late 19th century. The name carries dramatic and artistic associations, evoking themes of passion, jealousy, and tragic nobility from both Shakespeare's play and Verdi's operatic adaptation. Though never extremely common, Otello appeals to parents with literary or operatic interests and those seeking a distinctively Italian name with cultural depth and artistic resonance.

Otello

Ottone is a masculine name with Italian origins, serving as the Italian form of Otto or Otho. It derives from Germanic roots, meaning 'wealth' or 'prosperity.' Historically significant, Ottone was the name of several Holy Roman Emperors and Italian nobles during the medieval period. The name carries an aristocratic European flair with its melodious Italian pronunciation. Despite its historical prominence, Ottone remains uncommon in contemporary usage, even in Italy. Outside of Italian-speaking regions, it offers a distinctive alternative to more common names like Otto. The name combines classical dignity with melodic Italian phonetics, creating a sophisticated impression while maintaining accessibility.

Ottone

Patrizio is the Italian form of Patrick, derived from the Latin name Patricius, meaning 'nobleman' or 'of patrician rank.' This masculine name has deep historical roots in ancient Rome, where patricians represented the elite ruling class. It gained widespread usage after Saint Patrick, the 5th-century missionary who became the patron saint of Ireland. In Italy, Patrizio remains moderately popular, embodying a sense of dignified heritage and cultural pride. The name carries a sophisticated European flair while maintaining its connection to the more widely recognized Patrick. Men named Patrizio often appreciate their name's distinguished quality and historical significance.

Patrizio

Derived from Italian bello "beautiful" and vedere "view", Belvedere is a dramatic name that was used for a cartoon hound dog in George Webster Crenshaw's comic strip by the same name, which ran from 1962 to 1995.

Belvedere

Pellegrino

Pierluigi

Bello is as handsome as Bella is beautiful, but rarely heard outside the Italian community. With its energetic 'o' ending, it could be ripe for export.

Bello

There are many more substantial Italian choices. 

Pino

Placido was commonly used by early Christians to convey their serenity in the faith, and it was borne by several minor saints.


Placido

A river (in Italy), a writer (Bronson), a Teletubby: the Bo of the new millennium. 

Shakespeare's Tempest has kept the name Prospero alive.

Prospero

Ranieri is a masculine name of Italian origin, derived from the Germanic name Rainer or Rainier, composed of the elements "ragin" (advice, counsel) and "heri" (army). It represents a distinctly Italian form of the name, maintaining its Mediterranean flair and cultural significance. Historically, Ranieri has been used among Italian families for centuries, with notable bearers including several nobles and religious figures. While not commonly found outside Italy and Italian communities, the name carries a sophisticated, melodic quality typical of Italian masculine names. Its four-syllable structure gives it a rhythmic, flowing pronunciation that embodies Italian linguistic aesthetic. For families with Italian heritage, Ranieri offers a traditional option that connects to cultural roots while providing a distinctive alternative to more common Italian names internationally.

Ranieri

More commonly spelled with two 'f's, Raffaele is every bit as attractive as the original, and could make a dashing choice.

Rafaele

Raimondo is an Italian masculine name derived from the Germanic elements 'ragin' meaning 'advice' and 'mund' meaning 'protection.' It is the Italian equivalent of Raymond, which was introduced to Italy during medieval times. Raimondo has been consistently popular in Italy, particularly in southern regions. The name carries connotations of wisdom and strength, with notable bearers including Italian politicians, artists, and sportsmen. While maintaining steady usage in Italy, it has not gained significant international popularity outside of Italian communities. Raimondo often appears in Italian literature and historical texts, reinforcing its cultural importance in Italian heritage.

Raimondo

Barrucio appears to be an extremely rare masculine name, possibly of Italian or Spanish derivation, though it has limited documented usage in standard naming traditions. It may be a variant or elaboration of names like Barrio or Barracio, or potentially a regional surname adapted for first name use. The name has a romantic, almost musical quality with its flowing syllables and distinctive ending. Barrucio carries an air of uniqueness and old-world charm that might appeal to parents seeking something genuinely uncommon with a Mediterranean flavor. Without widespread usage, the name doesn't have established associations or meanings, allowing it to develop its own character. Its rarity means a person named Barrucio would likely have a truly distinctive identity.

Barrucio

Rinaldo is a masculine Italian name derived from the Germanic name Reginald, composed of elements meaning "advice" and "power" or "ruler." This romantic-sounding name gained prominence through Italian Renaissance literature and opera, most notably in Torquato Tasso's epic poem "Jerusalem Delivered" and later in Handel's opera of the same name. With its melodic quality and noble associations, Rinaldo has maintained steady popularity in Italy and Italian diaspora communities. The name conveys strength and artistic sophistication while maintaining its Italian cultural identity. Though less common internationally than other Italian names like Marco or Antonio, Rinaldo remains recognizable and appreciated for its musical sound and literary connections. Its four syllables create a rhythmic, flowing quality that embodies Italian naming aesthetics.

Rinaldo

Ricciardo is a masculine Italian name derived from Germanic elements meaning "powerful" and "brave" or "hardy." It's the Italian form of Richard, which came to Italy during medieval times. The name carries a musical quality with its rolling Italian pronunciation, making it particularly melodious. Ricciardo gained cultural recognition through Rossini's opera character Ricciardo in "Ricciardo e Zoraide" and through references in Dante's works. In modern times, Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo has brought some international recognition to the surname version. While common in Italy historically, the name is less frequently used for newborns today. Outside Italy, Ricciardo remains rare, offering Italian heritage families an authentic option with historical depth. The name projects strength and masculinity while maintaining the lyrical quality characteristic of Italian names.

Ricciardo

Leonida is the modern Italian form of the name of the ancient Spartan king. Though names that end in a or the a sound are usually feminine, there are several examples popular in recent years -- Luca, Joshua, Noah -- that make this more plausible for a boy.

Leonida

Italian names for baby boys are becoming increasingly popular among parents of all ethnicities, in part because many of them feature the oh-so-stylish final letter "O." This has contributed to the rise of such Italian names for boys as Matteo and Leonardo.

Italian names for boys in the US Top 1000

 include Emiliano, Aldo, Dante, Enzo, Luca, Maximo, Rocco, Romeo, and Santino. 

 that are becoming more popular include Cassio, Piero, and Giorgio.

 in Italy include Leonardo — currently ranking Number 1 in its native land — Alessandro, Francesco, and Giuseppe. Some non-Italian names popular for boys in Italy include Christian, Nathan, and the international favorite Liam.

See if any of the charming names in our list of 

 might work for your son. The Italian boy names and meanings below are ranked according to their current popularity on Nameberry.

Italian boy names including meanings and popularity, with male names of Italian origin used in Italy, the US, and around the world. Includes top Italian boy names such as Enzo and Luca along with rare Italian names for baby boys. (Page 11)

Italian Boy Names