Italian Names for Boys

A melodic and floral choice for boys that feels as upbeat and summery as Elio, Lilio has seen notable use in France in recent years, featuring in the latter end of the Top 500 between 2018 and 2023. Contemporary spelling Lylio has also been finding favor since 2021 and ranked at #371 in a recent year.
 
Ultimately from the Latinate form of English Lily, it remains undiscovered in the US.

Lilio

Generoso might look like a virtuous name, inspired by generosity and giving, and while they do share the same root, as a name, it's more directly descended from the Latin generosus meaning "well-born, excellent, noble". It's link to generosity may come from the idea that those who were well-born had money, time, and resources to share, so you could still see it as virtue-adjacent, especially since it is the Italian and Spanish word for generous.
 
Briefly popular in Spain in the early 19th-century, it may appeal to those who enjoy rare word names and those who enjoy Ambrose or Ambrosio. In Italian, it would be pronounced jeh-neh-RO-zo, while in Spanish, it would be kheh-neh-RO-so, kh like the -ch of Scottish Loch.

Generoso

An Italian variation of the popular, spiritual word name, Genesis, and of the Latin name Genesius, Genesio is associated with both the first book of the Bible and with the patron saint of actors. Also used in Brazil, it is a rare choice in Italy itself, not given to more than five boys since 1999. 

Genesio

While this name might lean feminine to English speakers, it is in fact a unisex name notably borne by 15th-century physicist and mathematician, Evangelista Torricelli, who invented the barometer. Derived from the from the Greek euangelos, may be interpreted as meaning "preacher of gospel", though for a more secular option, you could read it as "sharer of good news". It is closely associated with the Four Evangelists in The New Testament, Mathew, Luke, Mark, and John, which could help it appeal to Evangelicals.

Evangelista

The Judeo-Italian form of an ancient relative of Matthew, Mattitia may also be spelled as Mattatia. It is notably associated with a 2nd-century (BC) priest who helped to lead the Maccabean revolt to reclaim Jerusalem. As such, the name is mentioned in one of the Hannukah prayers.  

Mattitia

Also spelled as Cosmaele, this intriguing Medieval Italian name has modern potential. Likely an elaboration of Cosmo or Cosimo, this name draws inspiration for names such as Raffaele, though it may even be considered a blend of the two. 
 
As an elaboration, it could simply share Cosmo's meaning of "order, universe and beauty", however, if you do consider it a compound name with Raffaele, or an invention using that -el element, there are other possibilities. "God heals the universe" could be one, while "God is beauty" or "God (created) order" is another.

Cosmael

A Medieval Italian name, also spelled as Cosmael, this rare name could appeal to contemporary parents, thanks to its stylish -ele/-el ending. It can be considered in several different ways: an elaboration of Cosmo or Cosimo, a blend of Cosmo and names such as Raffaele or Daniele, or as a mix of Cosmo with the Hebrew element "el".
 
As an extended form of Cosmo, it would share the same meaning: "order, universe, beauty". As a compound name with Raffaele, it could mean "God heals the universe", while as a combination with Daniel, "God is the judge of beauty and the universe" could work. As an invention using that -el element, "God is beauty" or "God (created) order" could be used.

Cosmaele

Spirited and cool, Zeco is used as a short form of Francesco, Francisco, Frederico, and Franco, along with José and José Carlos. It's plausible however that it could be used for Zechariah too.
 
Other theories however suggest the name relates to Zeno, an Italian name derived from that of the highest Greek God, Zeus, or to Željko, a Croatian, Serbian, and Slovene name meaning "desire".

Zeco

Conventionally used as a light-inspired, feminine Hebrew name — also spelled Orli — Orly may also be interpreted as an nickname for the Italian Orlando, the Latin Aurelius, the Icelandic Örlygur, and the Bulgarian Orlin, associating it in turn with fame, shades of gold, war, and eagles. 
 
Alternative possibilities are that it's a spin on the English surname Orley, meaning "meadow of Odwulf" or "meadow of the wolf sword" or perhaps a blending of the Irish elements or and láech, giving it the meaning "golden warrior".
 
It was used as a masculine name by author Charlotte McConaghy in her 2025 novel Wild Dark Shore, and is borne by Icelandic film maker, Orly Orlyson.

Orly

Notably borne by musician Chieli Minucci, Chieli is a rare Italian name, taken from the word cielo, making it a celestial choice.

Chieli

An international nature name, Gelso was originally given to those who grew mulberry trees or lived near a place where they grew. More conventionally used as an Italian surname, Gelso has very occasionally been given as a first name. 

Gelso

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

Typically used as a feminine name, it likely appeared in the US stats in the 20th-century, possibly as the result of data input errors. It could be used as a short form of a double name, however, such as Luis Ángel.

Luisa

Abrahamo is a masculine name that represents a Latin or Italian variant of Abraham, which has Hebrew origins meaning "father of multitudes." The name carries significant religious importance across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as Abraham is considered a patriarch in all three traditions. While Abraham is common in many countries, Abrahamo is considerably rarer, primarily found in some Italian-speaking regions or Latin American communities. The additional 'o' ending follows Romance language naming patterns. Despite its relative obscurity compared to Abraham, Abrahamo carries the same rich historical and religious significance, making it an option for parents seeking a less common variation of the biblical classic.

Abrahamo

Abramo

Achilleo is a masculine name derived from Greek origins, specifically as a variation of Achilles, the legendary hero of Homer's Iliad. The name stems from Greek mythology where Achilles was known for his strength, bravery, and tragic vulnerability (his heel). Achilleo represents qualities of courage, strength, and martial prowess. This variant, with its melodious ending, is more common in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Greek and Italian communities. While not widely used globally, it carries a classical dignity and powerful historical connections that appeal to parents drawn to mythological names. The additional syllable gives Achilleo a more flowing, romantic quality compared to the sharper sound of Achilles, while still evoking the same heroic associations.

Achilleo

Alexius is a masculine name with ancient Greek and Latin origins, derived from the Greek word 'alexein' meaning 'to defend' or 'to help.' It represents the original Latin form that later evolved into Alexis and Alex. Historically, Alexius was borne by several Byzantine emperors and Christian saints, giving it royal and religious significance. The name carries a scholarly, classical dignity with its Latin ending. While uncommon in modern English-speaking countries, Alexius retains popularity in Eastern European and Orthodox Christian communities. The name offers the familiar nicknames Alex or Lex while providing a distinguished, full form with historical gravitas. Its rarity makes it a distinctive choice for parents drawn to names with classical roots and historical depth.

Alexius

Alvino is a masculine name with Italian and Spanish roots, derived from the Latin 'albus' meaning 'white' or 'bright.' It's a variation of Alvin, with the Italian/Spanish suffix giving it a more melodic quality. Alvino carries connotations of clarity, purity, and brightness. While relatively uncommon in the United States, the name has maintained steady usage in Hispanic and Italian communities. Historically, the name gained some recognition through Alvino Rey, a pioneer of electric guitar and big band music in the 20th century. Alvino offers parents a distinctive yet accessible option with a pleasant sound and positive meaning, blending classic origins with a slightly exotic feel for English speakers.

Alvino

Amato

Ambrogio is the Italian form of Ambrose, deriving from the Greek word 'ambrosios' meaning 'immortal' or 'divine'. In Greek mythology, ambrosia was the food of the gods that conferred longevity or immortality. The name carries significant historical weight through Saint Ambrose, a 4th-century Bishop of Milan and one of the four original doctors of the Catholic Church. While Ambrogio remains in use in Italy, particularly in northern regions, it's quite rare in English-speaking countries. The name has a rich, melodious quality with its Italian pronunciation and conveys both classical sophistication and religious significance. For parents seeking an Italian name with historical depth, Ambrogio offers considerable cultural resonance.

Ambrogio

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 12)

Italian Boy Names