Italian Names for Boys

Donatelli is a masculine name of Italian origin, derived from the surname Donatelli or Donatello. It stems from the Latin name 'Donatus,' meaning 'given' or 'gifted,' often in a religious context as 'given by God.' The name carries cultural prestige through its association with the famous Renaissance sculptor Donatello. As a first name, Donatelli is quite rare, offering a distinctive option for parents seeking an Italian name with artistic and historical connections. The name has a melodious, flowing quality typical of Italian names, with its four syllables creating a rhythmic sound. Donatelli presents a bold choice that combines cultural richness with uniqueness while maintaining strong masculine characteristics.

Donatelli

Edmondo is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing the Italian variation of Edmund, which combines the elements 'ed' meaning 'wealth, fortune' and 'mund' meaning 'protection.' This sophisticated name carries an aristocratic European flair while maintaining strong historical roots. Though more common in Italy and Spanish-speaking countries, Edmondo remains relatively rare in English-speaking regions, offering distinction while still being recognizable. The name was popularized in part by the renowned Italian writer Edmondo De Amicis, author of the classic novel 'Heart.' With its melodious sound and noble connotations, Edmondo provides a distinguished alternative to the more common Edward or Edmund, appealing to parents seeking a name with international sophistication.

Edmondo

Elmo, like fellow Sesame Street characters Kermit and Grover, has a hard time being taken seriously. (It isn't easy being red either.)
 But Elmo also calls to mind the image of St. Elmo's fire--the light show sometimes visible around ships' masts during storms at sea, which is quite appropriate since Saint Elmo (another name for Erasmus) is the patron saint of sailors. St. Elmo's Fire was also the title of a classic Brat Pack film of the 1980s.
 There were a lot more Elmos around a century ago, when Elmo was in the top third of the popularity list.

Elmo

A fresh, Italianized take on the Hebrew classic Emmanuel. But beware of the similarities to the feminine name Emmanuelle.

Emanuele

Mano

Elegant and flowing, Ettore is the Italian form of the ancient Hector, with gentler sounds and a more poetic feel. It's a popular choice in Italy right now, where it ranked in the Top 40 in a recent year. 

Ettore

Eustachio is a masculine name with ancient Greek origins, derived from 'Eustachius,' meaning 'fruitful' or 'abundant harvest.' This name carries rich historical significance, notably through Saint Eustace, a 2nd-century Roman general who converted to Christianity. The Italian form of Eustace, Eustachio maintains the classical dignity of its origins while adding a melodic, Mediterranean quality. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has maintained modest usage in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities. Eustachio offers parents a distinctive name with authentic historical roots and a sophisticated sound. The name suggests steadfastness and prosperity, with its connection to abundance. Despite its relative rarity, Eustachio's familiar suffix pattern makes it recognizable as a traditional Italian masculine name.

Eustachio

Fabroni is an unusual masculine name of Italian origin, possibly derived from the Italian surname Fabroni or Fabbroni. The surname itself likely stems from the Latin 'faber,' meaning 'craftsman' or 'artisan.' Extremely rare as a first name, Fabroni has a distinctive Italian flair that evokes Mediterranean heritage. The name carries a musical quality with its three-syllable rhythm and soft consonants. While almost unheard of in mainstream naming practices, it might appeal to parents seeking a unique name with Italian roots. The name could potentially yield the friendly nickname Fab or Ronny. Its scarcity in historical records suggests it may have originated as a surname given as a first name to honor family heritage.

Fabroni

If you're looking for a really unusual international occupational name, this could be it!

Fabbro

Names ending with O are popular, but this one is almost unheard-of. Faro has the advantages of being easy to spell and pronounce (unless it's confused with Pharaoh), and a bright meaning. Ultimately it comes from Pharos, the island where the great Lighthouse of Alexandria was built, and there's a district and city in Portugal called Faro. Be aware: it's also the name of a gambling card game, highly popular in the nineteenth century before poker took over.

Faro

Ferrando is a masculine name of Spanish and Italian origin, representing a variant of Ferdinand, which derives from Germanic elements meaning 'journey' and 'brave.' This name carries the weight of European royal history, as Ferdinand was the name of several Spanish and Holy Roman Empire monarchs. Ferrando offers a melodious, romantic alternative to the more formal Ferdinand, with its flowing rhythm and open ending. Uncommon in the United States, it maintains popularity in Spanish and Italian-speaking regions. The name conveys strength, nobility, and a cosmopolitan sensibility, appealing to parents seeking names with historical depth and international flair. Its distinctive sound makes it memorable without being difficult to pronounce.

Ferrando

Fedele is a masculine name of Italian origin derived from the Latin 'fidelis,' meaning 'faithful' or 'loyal.' This traditional name carries strong connotations of reliability, trustworthiness, and devotion. Throughout Italian history, Fedele has been appreciated for its virtuous meaning and connection to the valued trait of fidelity. While common in Italy, particularly in older generations, the name remains relatively rare outside Italian communities. Fedele has a melodic three-syllable pronunciation (feh-DEH-leh) that maintains its distinctly Italian character. The name might experience renewed interest as parents increasingly explore heritage names with meaningful qualities. For families with Italian roots or those drawn to Italian naming traditions, Fedele offers cultural richness combined with a virtue-centered meaning.

Fedele

Fiery sound and uplifting meaning, but it's also among the Top 100 dog names. Spelled Fiyero, it's the hero of the book and musical "Wicked." 

Fiero

Filberte is a masculine name that represents an elaborate variant of Filbert or Gilbert. The name has Germanic origins, derived from "fil" (brilliant) and "berht" (bright or famous), literally meaning "brilliantly famous" or "very bright." The additional 'e' at the end gives it a French-influenced flair. Filberte carries a certain scholarly, distinguished quality that evokes medieval or renaissance Europe. This uncommon name might also connect to the filbert nut (hazelnut), which could suggest earthiness or natural associations. While quite rare in contemporary usage, it offers a distinctive alternative to more common Gilbert or Philip variations. The name combines historical depth with a touch of European sophistication, making it an unusual but culturally rich choice.

Filberte

Fiorello is one of the few floral names that works well for a boy. The colorful three-term World War II New York Mayor La Guardia made this one famous -- in fact he was nicknamed "the Little Flower". His life was the basis for the 1959 musical called, appropriately, "Fiorello!"
 The Spanish version is Florencio.

Fiorello

A masculine form of Florence, Fiorenzo has a bold, arty flair to it, while also giving the option of stylish nickname Enzo. It has been notably borne by  cyclist Fiorenzo Magni.

Fiorenzo

Quirky Italian baby name that works for any gender.

Gaspare is an Italian masculine name derived from the Persian 'Jasper,' meaning 'treasurer' or 'bringer treasure.' It carries historical significance as one of the traditional names attributed to the Three Wise Men (or Magi) who visited the infant Jesus according to Christian tradition. 

While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Gaspare remains in use throughout Italy, particularly in Sicily. The name conveys a sense of classical dignity, wisdom, and ancient nobility. With its distinctive sound and cultural richness, Gaspare offers parents seeking an Italian name an option that is both traditional and relatively uncommon internationally, with connections to both religious history and Persian linguistic origins.

Gaspare

Goffredo is a distinguished masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'god' (god) and 'fred' (peace), literally meaning 'God's peace.' This name represents the Italian variation of Godfrey or Geoffrey. Historically significant, Goffredo was borne by several notable medieval figures, including Goffredo di Buglione, a leader of the First Crusade. The name carries an air of nobility and classical refinement, remaining moderately popular in Italy while being relatively uncommon elsewhere. With its melodious four syllables and rich historical connections, Goffredo presents a sophisticated choice that bridges ancient Germanic traditions with Italian cultural heritage. The name evokes strength and dignity while maintaining a musical quality characteristic of Italian nomenclature.

Goffredo

Girlado is an extremely rare masculine name with unclear etymological origins. It may have developed as a variant of Gerald (meaning 'rule of the spear') or Geraldo, its Spanish equivalent. Alternatively, it could be related to the Italian surname Giraldi or represent a unique modern creation. Girlado has never ranked among popular baby names in the United States or other English-speaking countries. The name's unusual construction gives it a distinctive quality that combines melodic sounds with a strong ending. Parents choosing this name likely appreciate its uniqueness and potential international flair. Its rarity means a child named Girlado would rarely encounter others sharing this distinctive name.

Girlado

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 15)

Italian Boy Names