Italian Names for Boys

Egidio is a masculine Italian name derived from the Latin name Aegidius, which ultimately comes from the Greek 'aigidion,' meaning 'young goat' or 'kid.' The name has ancient roots and carries significant historical weight in Catholic tradition due to Saint Giles (Sant'Egidio in Italian), a 7th-century hermit and abbot who became one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers venerated in medieval Catholicism. Egidio remains moderately common in Italy, particularly in southern regions, though it's rarely encountered in English-speaking countries. The name has a melodic, rhythmic quality typical of Italian names, with its flowing vowels and soft consonants. For those with Italian heritage seeking an authentic name that connects to their cultural roots while remaining distinctive outside Italy, Egidio offers both tradition and uniqueness. The name combines historical depth with a pleasant, musical sound.

Egidio

This appealing Italian name is associated with the great Florentine painter and architect Giotto di Bondone, a major force in the Italian Renaissance.

Giotto

Italian form of Gratian, the name of a Roman emperor who campaigned across the Rhine and favored Christianity over paganism. Graziano isn't common either in the English-speaking world or its native Italy, although the boxer Rocky Graziano adopted it from his grandfather's surname. In the current vogue for names ending in -o and Italian names, it may be worth a second look.

Graziano

Guido was very popular in Renaissance Italy, with many namesakes including painter Fra Angelico (born Guido di Pietro) and mathematician Guido Fubini. Guy Fawkes, of gunpowder plot fame, sometimes used this version. Nowadays it's unfairly overlooked, but in the current trend for snappy international names ending in -o, this cultured gem deserves more use.

Guido

Guntero is a masculine name that represents the Spanish or Italian form of Gunther, which derives from the Germanic elements 'gund' (war) and 'hari' (army). This name carries medieval chivalric associations, notably through the character of King Gunther in the Nibelungenlied epic poem and Wagner's opera cycle. While the German Gunther and French Gonthier have maintained some usage over centuries, Guntero remains quite rare. The name has a strong, dignified quality with its connection to Germanic warrior tradition, while the Romance language ending softens its sound somewhat. Guntero might appeal to parents seeking a name with medieval European heritage and a distinctive character. Despite its rarity in modern usage, the name carries historical weight and cross-cultural European connections.

Guntero

No-no appelation of a child saint and martyr whose name is a term for the nervous condition known as Saint Vitus' Dance. Its one recommending feature is that it's among the elite group <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/608/boy-names-that-mean-life">Boy names that mean life</a>.

Vitus

Araldo is a masculine Italian name with Germanic roots, derived from 'hari' meaning 'army' and 'wald' meaning 'ruler' or 'power.' Essentially sharing etymology with Harold, Araldo represents the Italian adaptation of this ancient name. Historically, an 'araldo' in Italian refers to a herald or messenger, particularly in medieval contexts. While never among the most common Italian names, Araldo has maintained consistent usage throughout Italy, particularly in northern regions. The name carries a noble, somewhat antique quality that evokes images of Renaissance courts and classical Italian culture. Outside Italy, Araldo remains quite rare, offering distinctive heritage connections for Italian diaspora families. Its strong vowel sounds and rolling 'r' give it a melodic, distinctly Italian character.

Araldo

An Italian form of the clunky classic Harold, Aroldo has a touch more flair. Derived from the Old English elements here and weald, it means "powerful, mighty arm", lending it plenty of strength. 
 
Popular in Brazil in the 20th century and occasionally used in the US, it may also be appear as Eraldo.

Aroldo

Herberto is a masculine name representing the Spanish and Portuguese form of Herbert, which derives from Germanic elements 'hari' meaning 'army' and 'beraht' meaning 'bright.' This multicultural variant carries the strength of its Germanic origins while offering a melodic Mediterranean quality through its ending. Most popular in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, Herberto has never achieved widespread use in English-speaking regions, maintaining its exotic appeal. The name experienced modest popularity in the early to mid-20th century in Latin American countries but has become less common in recent decades. Herberto conveys a distinguished, somewhat formal character while offering the friendly nickname options of Herbie or Berto. The name's international quality makes it an interesting choice for parents seeking a name with cross-cultural appeal and historical depth.

Herberto

Ercole is the Italian form of Hercules, the legendary hero from Greco-Roman mythology known for his extraordinary strength and courage. The name derives from the Greek 'Herakles,' which means 'glory of Hera' – ironically referring to the goddess who persecuted him in mythology. Ercole has been used in Italy since the Renaissance period when classical names experienced a revival. While not extremely common, it has maintained steady usage in Italian-speaking regions. The name carries connotations of exceptional strength, endurance, and heroic qualities. Ercole has a distinctive, powerful sound with its strong 'er' beginning and flowing Italian ending, making it both classical and memorable.

Ercole

Ermanno is a masculine Italian name derived from Germanic origins. It comes from the elements 'ermen' or 'irmin,' referring to an ancient Germanic deity or meaning 'whole, universal,' and 'mann' meaning 'man.' Essentially, Ermanno translates to 'whole man' or 'universal man.' The name has been used in Italy for centuries, with notable bearers including Italian fashion designer Ermanno Scervino. While common in Italy, particularly in northern regions, Ermanno remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries. It carries an air of sophistication and classic European charm, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with historical depth.

Ermanno

Ippolito is an Italian masculine name derived from the ancient Greek name Hippolytos, which consists of the elements 'hippos' meaning 'horse' and 'lytos' meaning 'freed' or 'loosened.' In Greek mythology, Hippolytus was the son of Theseus who was tragically killed after being falsely accused by his stepmother Phaedra. The name has been used primarily in Italy since medieval times, particularly among noble families. While never extremely common, Ippolito has maintained a steady, if modest, presence in Italian naming traditions. The name carries connotations of nobility and classical learning, though its use has declined in modern times in favor of more contemporary names.

Ippolito

Orazio is an Italian masculine name derived from the Latin 'Horatius,' which was a Roman family name of uncertain origin. It's the Italian equivalent of Horace, possibly connected to the Latin word 'hora' meaning 'hour' or 'time.' Historically associated with the renowned Roman poet Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus), the name carries literary and cultural significance. While common in Italy, particularly in earlier generations, Orazio remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries. The name conveys a sense of classical elegance and intellectual tradition, reflecting its ancient Roman heritage and enduring presence in Italian culture.

Orazio

Oratio is a masculine name with ancient Roman roots, derived from the Latin word 'orare,' meaning 'to speak' or 'to pray.' It's closely related to the more common Horatio, famously borne by characters in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' and naval commander Horatio Nelson. The name evokes associations with eloquence, rhetoric, and the classical tradition of public speaking, as reflected in the English word 'oration.' Though rare in contemporary usage, Oratio carries a dignified, scholarly quality that connects to classical education and literature. Its melodic sound and historical depth might appeal to parents drawn to names with intellectual associations and classical heritage. The name provides a distinctive alternative to more common classical revivals like Julius or Marcus.

Oratio

Uberto is a masculine Italian name derived from the Germanic element 'hug' meaning 'heart, mind, spirit' combined with 'beraht' meaning 'bright, famous.' Essentially the Italian form of Hubert, it carries the meaning 'bright heart' or 'famous intellect.' The name has a long history in Italy dating back to medieval times, including notable bearers such as Renaissance artists and nobility. While common in historical Italy, Uberto has become less frequently used in modern times, though it retains cultural significance. Outside Italy, the name remains rare but recognizable to those familiar with Italian naming traditions. Uberto offers a distinctive alternative to the more familiar Umberto or Roberto, with a strong masculine sound and noble heritage that connects to both Italian and broader European cultural traditions.

Uberto

Ubert is a masculine name of Germanic origin that serves as a variant of Hubert, which combines the elements 'hug' (heart, mind, spirit) and 'beraht' (bright, famous). This ancient name dates back to medieval Europe and was carried by several saints, most notably St. Hubert, the patron saint of hunters. The less common variant Ubert drops the initial 'H' while retaining the traditional meaning and heritage. Though rare in contemporary usage, Ubert carries historical gravitas and a certain distinguished quality. The name has a strong, classic sound with its two distinct syllables and firm ending consonant. Its rarity makes it an uncommon choice for modern parents, though its historical roots provide it with substantial depth and character.

Ubert

Ugo is a familiar choice in Italy and France, where it is used as variation of Hugh or Hugo, but also in Nigeria, where it means "eagle" in Igbo. 

A definite improvement over the English Humbert, Umberto has nevertheless been rarely heard outside the Italian community.
 The writer-semiotician Umberto Eco is a noteworthy namesake.

Umberto

Onofredo is a rare masculine name with Italian and Spanish origins. It derives from the Germanic name Hunfrid, composed of elements meaning "giant" or "bear" and "peace," similar to the English name Humphrey. This name carries a sense of historical gravitas and distinctive character, though it has never been widely used outside certain Mediterranean regions. The four-syllable structure gives Onofredo a rhythmic, melodious quality that reflects its Latin language influences. While uncommon in contemporary usage, it might appeal to parents seeking a name with historical depth and unique character. Some may use the shortened forms Onofre or Nofre as more casual alternatives.

Onofredo

Inocenzio is a masculine name of Italian origin, derived from the Latin 'innocens,' meaning 'innocent' or 'harmless.' It's a variation of the more common Innocenzo. This rare name carries strong historical and religious connotations, relating to innocence and purity of heart. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has maintained a presence in traditional Italian families and communities. Inocenzio has a distinguished, classic quality with its melodious five syllables and distinctive 'z' sound. The name evokes a sense of moral integrity and virtue, making it a meaningful choice for parents drawn to names with strong ethical implications.

Inocenzio

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 16)

Italian Boy Names