Italian Boy Names
- Alessio
Origin:
Italian variation of AlexisMeaning:
"defender"Description:
Alessio, simpler than the related Alessandro, would be a welcome settler here.
- Santino
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"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.
- Andrea
Origin:
Italian variation of Andrew, GreekMeaning:
"strong and manly"Description:
Andrea may be a gender neutral name in its native Italy and other European countries, but in the US it's 98 percent a girls' name, with only about 20 males to more than 1800 baby girl given that name in the most recent year counted.
- Eliseo
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of ElishaMeaning:
"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.
- Alonzo
Origin:
Italian diminutive of AlphonsoMeaning:
"noble, ready"Description:
Alonzo is dashing and debonair, with a large measure of Latin flair.
- Mario
Origin:
Italian variation of Marius, form of mythological name MarsMeaning:
"warlike"Description:
Many may associate Mario with the popular platform game - unsurprising when it's the 5th best-selling video game worldwide, and was voted the 2nd best game ever by IGN in 2024. The titular plumber was apparently named after American businessman, Mario Segale, who rented a warehouse to Nintendo, and this in itself reflects that Mario is much more established than just a name for a video game character.
- Ciro
Origin:
Italian variation of CyrusDescription:
This name of an old Hollywood nightclub still retains a spark of glamour.
- Angelo
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"angel, messenger"Description:
Old-school Italian name that could find new fans thanks to singer Adele, who chose it for her son after months of baby name mystery. Angelo is in the same name category as Rocco, the name of Madonna's son, and may get a fresh coat of cool.
- Aldo
Origin:
Italian from GermanMeaning:
"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.
- Elmo
Origin:
Italian from GermanMeaning:
"protector"Description:
Elmo, like fellow Sesame Street characters Kermit and Grover, has a hard time being taken seriously. (It isn't easy being red either.)
- Dario
Origin:
Italian variation of DariusMeaning:
"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?
- Cielo
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"sky"Description:
Expansive, sunny Italian word name.
- Paolo
Origin:
Italian, variation of PaulMeaning:
"small"Description:
Paolo is an irresistibly lush Italian name for boys, worlds more romantic than its spare English equivalent.
- Ludovic
Origin:
English and Scottish variation of LudwigMeaning:
"famous warrior"Description:
Euro-cool. Heard more in Scotland than in England or the US, Ludovic Lesly is a character in the Sir Walter Scott novel Quentin Durward and Sir Ludovic Kennedy was a noted Scottish broadcaster and writer. Cute nickname: Ludo.
- Emiliano
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of EmilMeaning:
"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.
- Silvano
Origin:
Italian form of SilvanusMeaning:
"wood, forest"Description:
Silvanus was the Roman god of the forests and is also an alternate name in the New Testament for Silas. Relatives include Silvio, Silvius, and Sylvia.
- Ettore
Origin:
Italian variation of HectorMeaning:
"holds fast"Description:
Has a lot more charm than the ancient Hector.
- Cassio
Origin:
Italian variation of CassiusMeaning:
"hollow"Description:
Cassio is a notable Shakespearean name that's a member of the ever-more-popular Cassius family of names. Cassio was Othello's young, good-looking, and flirtatious lieutenant.
- Umberto
Origin:
Italian variation of HumbertMeaning:
"renowned warrior"Description:
A definite improvement over the English Humbert, Umberto has nevertheless been rarely heard outside the Italian community.
- 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.