Italian Boy Names

Piero is elegant, melodic, appealing. Just picture the muted frescoes of Renaissance artist Piero della Francesca.

Ilario's merry, jovial sound reflects a shared root with the word hilarious.

Has a lot more charm than the ancient Hector.

One of several Latin names starting with E that would work and play well with others in any family.

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.

Lighter Latin version of Anselm.

Musical term with a lot of energy.

As classic as it comes in Italy — Filippo was once common during the Renaissance, and today remains in the Top 25.

A more romantic form of old school Clement, which ranks in the Top 100 boy names in Chile. Clemente, like Clement, derives from the Late Latin name Clemens, the name of 14 popes and several saints.

Standard Latin classic that brings some flair to the basic boy name Robert. Nearly 4000 baby boys are still named Robert in the US each year, many of them undoubtedly named for a father or grandfather, while about 550 are named Roberto.

Shakespeare's Tempest has kept the name Prospero alive.

Stalwart Italian classic, completely at home in this country.

More commonly spelled with two 'f's, Raffaele is every bit as attractive as the original, and could make a dashing choice.

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".

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.

Italian heritage name. It's sweet and simple, but has fallen almost out of use since its heyday in the 1960s.

Damiano is a masculine Italian name derived from the Greek 'Damianos,' ultimately stemming from 'damao' meaning 'to tame' or 'to subdue.' With classical roots, it's the Italian form of Damian, a name associated with Saint Damian, a physician who, with his twin brother Cosmas, became the patron saint of doctors. Popular throughout Italy and gaining recognition internationally, Damiano carries a strong, sophisticated European sensibility. The name experienced modest usage in the United States among Italian-American communities and has seen occasional spikes in interest with Italian cultural influences. With its melodic three-syllable pronunciation and distinctive ending, Damiano offers a more elaborate alternative to the simpler Damian. The name suggests strength, refinement, and cultural heritage, appealing to parents seeking a name with both historical depth and contemporary appeal.

Was there ever a name that rolled more appealingly off the tongue? Vittorio calls to mind the glory days of Italian cinema, featuring names like Vittorio de Sica and Vittorio Gassman. 

Elmo, like fellow Sesame Street characters Kermit and Grover, has a hard time being taken seriously. (It isn't easy being red either.)

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.