Italian Boy Names

  1. Marcello
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "young warrior"
    • Description:

      Based on the ancient name Marcellus, drawn from Mars the god of war, Marcello -- it's pronounced mar-chell-o -- is one of the most lush and attractive Latin names.
  2. Sergio
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Sergius, Roman family name
    • Meaning:

      "servant"
    • Description:

      Widely heard in both Italian and Spanish households, Sergio and his many international brothers are rooted in Sergius, one of the original Roman family names. The meaning is unknown, but possibly is related to servant or protector.
  3. Dario
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Darius
    • Meaning:

      "possessing goodness"
    • Description:

      More creative and artsy than Mario. Dario is starting to edge up the US popularity list after languishing near the bottom of the Top 1000 over the last four decades. Is that inspired by Dario's popularity in Italy, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland?
  4. Leandro
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian variation of Leander
    • Meaning:

      "lion-man"
    • Description:

      Leandro is a variation of the Ancient Greek name Leander, created by combining the Latin words leo and Andro together, to get a meaning that suggests strength, power, and bravery. The Hero and Leander myth lends the name a romantic, poetical feel, while it's association to Bishop Leander of Seville gives it a more saintly quality.
  5. Simone
    • Description:

      Simone as a masculine name originates from the Hebrew name Simon, meaning 'he who hears' or 'God has heard.' While Simone is primarily recognized as a feminine name in English-speaking countries, it maintains masculine usage in French and Italian cultures. As a male name, Simone has a sophisticated European flair, carrying associations with intellectualism and artistic sensibility. Notable bearers include Italian fashion designer Simone Porte Jacquemus and numerous Italian athletes and artists. The name's cross-cultural gender associations can create an interesting talking point for male bearers in English-speaking regions, where they might occasionally need to clarify its masculine usage in their cultural context.

  6. Aldo
    • Origin:

      Italian from German
    • Meaning:

      "old and wise"
    • Description:

      A spirited German name very popular in Italy and occasionally used here, Aldo is one of the unique baby names with international flair. And names that mean wise have an enduring appeal.
  7. Armando
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian and Portuguese form of Herman, German
    • Meaning:

      "soldier"
    • Description:

      Armando takes the flat-footed Herman and makes it romantic. This is another of the Latin names we expect to be seeing more of.
  8. Massimo
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Maximus
    • Meaning:

      "the greatest"
    • Description:

      Massimo is a Latin charmer and while it might feel like a big name for a baby (or anyone, really), it has a touch of gentleness about it too, owing to the S sounds. A charismatic member of the Maximus/Magnus family, Massimo means "greatest" and has been a enduring favorite in Italy, where it has remained in the Top 100 over the last two decades
  9. Alonzo
    • Origin:

      Italian diminutive of Alphonso
    • Meaning:

      "noble, ready"
    • Description:

      Alonzo is dashing and debonair, with a large measure of Latin flair.
  10. Arturo
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian and Portuguese form of Arthur, Celtic
    • Meaning:

      "bear"
    • Description:

      Italian, Portuguese and Spanish variation of Arthur that makes the original feel more romantic and dashing.
  11. Francesco
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Francis
    • Description:

      Thanks to the inspiration of Pope Francis, Francesco has galloped to the front of the line to become the Number One boys' name in Italy. As Francesca has become a familiar and popular form of the name for girls in the wider world, so does the handsome Francesco have that potential for boys.
  12. Carlo
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Charles, French
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      An energetic and friendly Italian classic, Carlo is popular in its native Italy, but also familiar across Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, France, and Brazil. A variation of the regal French and English classic Charles, it is ultimately derived from the Latin Carolus and the Germanic Karl, meaning "free man".
  13. Giuseppe
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Joseph, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"
    • Description:

      This form of Joseph is an enduring classic in Italy where it remains in the Top 20. In the States it's been hovering under the radar for decades, but its spirited, distinctive-yet-familiar sounds might help it catch on, as Giovanni has
  14. Ciro
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Cyrus
    • Description:

      This name of an old Hollywood nightclub still retains a spark of glamour.
  15. Gianni
    • Origin:

      Italian, diminutive of Giovanni, variation of John
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Gianni, the Italian equivalent of Johnny, sounds more substantial and fresh. Like many names starting with "Gian", it is on a rising trend (for both boys and girls, though it leans more male). TV star Jill Hennessey's son is named Gianni Mastropietro.
  16. Alessio
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Alexis
    • Meaning:

      "defender"
    • Description:

      Alessio, simpler than the related Alessandro, would be a welcome settler here.
  17. Santino
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "little saint"
    • Description:

      A name introduced here by The Godfather: James Caan played the anything-but-saintly Santino "Sonny" Corleone, and comedian Adam Carolla used it for his son.
  18. Elia
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Elijah, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah is God"
    • Description:

      A multicultural appellation, found in Hebrew, Italian, and Zuni, this likable name made famous by director Elia Kazan's only problem is the feminine a ending. But then again, that never hurt Joshua.
  19. Emiliano
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Emil
    • Meaning:

      "rival"
    • Description:

      Emiliano is an appealing Latinate version of Emil, with the same gentle sounds but additional flair. Popular in Chile and Mexico, where it ranks in the Top 20, Emiliano is also a rising name in the US.
  20. Eliseo
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Elisha
    • Meaning:

      "God is my salvation"
    • Description:

      This Latinate name would have no problem fitting into an American classroom. It has made frequent appearances in the US Top 1000 over the last several decades. Borne by several Spanish saints, it boasts both a rhythmic sound and popular o-ending.

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