Italian Boy Names

  1. Mario
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Marius, form of mythological name Mars
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. Franco
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Francis
    • Meaning:

      "Frenchman or free man"
    • Description:

      A classic Italian name still heard in the Italian-American community. Once tainted by the association with the Spanish dictator, it's now more likely to call up actor James Franco.
  3. Cosimo
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Cosmo
    • Meaning:

      "order, beauty, universe"
    • Description:

      Dramatic and worldly, Cosimo was chosen by singer Beck and his wife, Marissa Ribisi, for their son. Now that Cosima has emerged as a starbaby favorite, twin brother Cosimo could join her.
  4. 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.
  5. Luigi
    • Origin:

      Italian vernacular form of Louis
    • Meaning:

      "renowned warrior"
    • Description:

      Italian classic Luigi, though it lacks the modern style of Nico, Enzo, and Rocco, does have some notable namesakes, such as Nobel Prize winning author Luigi Pirandello and composer Cherubini..
  6. Remo
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Remus, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      Virtually unknown in the U.S., yet with its jaunty o ending and similarity to the stylish (yet unrelated) Remy, Remo may find some new followers.
  7. Alessandro
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Alexander
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      For anyone seeking a more unusual version of Alexander, this is a real winner.
  8. Giacomo
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of James
    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"
    • Description:

      Giacomo is a primo member of the Giovanni-Gino-Giancarlo-Giacomo gruppo of Italian names that are beginning to be adopted by American parents. Singer/creative baby namer Sting chose it for his son.
  9. Nicolo
    • Origin:

      Italian form of Nicholas
    • Meaning:

      "people of victory"
    • Description:

      Nicolo is a more lively variation of Nicholas and one of the most attractive Italian names for boys. A name with a long, distinguished Italian history of its own, it also boasts the charming nickname Nico.
  10. Adriano
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "man from Adria"
    • Description:

      Adriano is a dashing Italian name which gets around the possible gender confusion of Adrian.
  11. 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.

  12. Brio
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "vivacity, zest"
    • Description:

      Musical term with a lot of energy.
  13. Domenico
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian variation of Dominic, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "belonging to the Lord"
    • Description:

      Romantic and artistic Domenico is ripe for the picking as a relatively rare name that fits in with current favorites such as Leonardo and Emiliano.
  14. Silvio
    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese form of Silvius
    • Meaning:

      "wood, forest"
    • Description:

      A shiny and sylvan choice, this sleek yet spirited name feels familiar yet is rarely used.
  15. Fiero
    • Origin:

      Italian word name
    • Meaning:

      "proud"
    • Description:

      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."
  16. Paolo
    • Origin:

      Italian, variation of Paul
    • Meaning:

      "small"
    • Description:

      Paolo is an irresistibly lush Italian name for boys, worlds more romantic than its spare English equivalent.
  17. Mattia
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Matthew
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      As parents go searching for alternatives to the unstoppable Mateo/Matteo duo, Mattia stands out as a worthy option. Same handsome, alluring feel, for a fraction of the popularity. Buy now!
  18. Rosario
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "rosary"
    • Description:

      Rosario comes from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora del Rosario, or "Our Lady of the Rosary", Rosary referring to the vocal and mental prayers in Catholicism, that reflect on the life of Christ and his Mother.
  19. Lucca
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Luca; Italian place name
    • Description:

      Lucca first entered the US Top 1000 in 2012 and has been trending upwards.
  20. Armani
    • Origin:

      Italian surname derived from Herman or Arman, German or Persian
    • Meaning:

      "son of Ermanno; soldier; wish,hope"
    • Description:

      Armani is catching on along with other brand names, and this one is among the most gender-neutral — sitting in the Top 500 for both boys and girls. Its similarity to the likes of rising stars Amari, Arlo, and Amias, along with the more classic Arthur and Giovanni helps it feel more "name-y" than "brand-y".