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

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

Mano

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

Emanuele

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

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

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

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

Donati is a distinguished Italian surname that can easily work as a first. The last name Donati is a patronymic from an ancestral Donato or may be a plural of Donato.

Donati

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

Durante is a masculine name of Italian origin, derived from the Latin 'durans' meaning 'enduring' or 'persistent.' Historically used in medieval Italy, it conveys qualities of strength, resilience, and longevity. The name gained some recognition through the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, whose full name was Durante degli Alighieri, and later through American entertainer Jimmy Durante. Despite its distinguished history, Durante remains relatively uncommon in most Western countries, giving it an air of uniqueness and old-world sophistication. The name carries a musical quality with its flowing syllables while maintaining masculine strength. It appeals particularly to parents with Italian heritage or those seeking a name with classical roots and a distinctive Mediterranean flair.

Durante

Daniele is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, representing the Italian, French, and Portuguese version of Daniel, meaning 'God is my judge.' While primarily used for boys in these European cultures, it's important to note that in English-speaking countries, this spelling might be confused with the feminine 'Danielle.' The name carries biblical significance through the prophet Daniel, known for wisdom and dream interpretation. With its melodic three-syllable pronunciation (dah-nee-EH-leh), it offers a sophisticated European flair to the classic name. Daniele remains consistently popular in Italy and has moderate usage in other Mediterranean and Latin countries. Its international character makes it appealing for families with Italian or European heritage or those seeking a name that works well across different languages.

Daniele

Damone is a masculine name with Italian origins, functioning as a variant of Damon or a diminutive form of Damian. The name Damon comes from Greek meaning 'to tame' or 'to subdue,' while Damian derives from the Greek 'Damianos,' meaning 'to tame' or 'to conquer.' The addition of the final 'e' gives Damone a melodic Italian flair. The name gained some recognition in America through Italian-American communities and was further popularized by singer Vic Damone (born Vito Rocco Farinola) in the mid-20th century. Damone carries a smooth, musical quality while maintaining masculine strength, offering a distinctive variation on more common classical names.

Damone

Cirillo is a masculine Italian name derived from the Greek name Kyrillos (Cyril in English), meaning 'lordly' or 'masterful.' This melodious Italian form carries the same dignified heritage as its Greek ancestor while incorporating characteristic Italian phonology and the distinctive double 'l' sound. The name has strong historical connections to Saint Cyril, who along with his brother Methodius, created the Cyrillic alphabet and spread Christianity among Slavic peoples. In Italy, Cirillo maintains modest usage, particularly in southern regions, though it has never ranked among the most common names. Outside Italy, the name remains relatively rare, offering a distinctive choice that still feels accessible through its connection to the more familiar Cyril. Cirillo combines historical depth with a rhythmic, appealing sound.

Cirillo

Constanzo is a masculine Italian name derived from the Latin name Constantius, which means 'constant' or 'steadfast.' It shares roots with the more common Constantine, which was borne by several Byzantine emperors and an early Christian saint. Constanzo represents strength of character and unwavering dedication. While popular in Italy and among Italian-American families, it remains relatively uncommon in broader English-speaking countries. The name carries a dignified, traditional quality with its strong consonants and classic Italian ending. For families with Italian heritage, Constanzo offers a way to honor cultural roots while providing a distinctive name that embodies admirable qualities of persistence and reliability.

Constanzo

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