Italian Boy Names

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..

For lovers of that romantic city.

As commonly heard in Rome, Italy, as Steve is in Rome, New York. With the accent on the first syllable, Stefano has a lot of charm.

Stalwart Italian classic, completely at home in this country.

Tommaso is the handsome Italian version of the classic Thomas, still leading directly to short forms Tommy or Tom.

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

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.

While Faust, who sold his soul to the devil, was anything but fortunate, this Latinate variation is more commonly heard and accepted.

Lengthy, romantic Alessandro gives us the friendly and casual nickname Sandro, which works just as well as an independent name. It’s a popular international name, having ranked in Italy, France, Portugal, and Switzerland in recent years.

Derived from Italian bello "beautiful" and vedere "view", Belvedere is a dramatic name that was used for a cartoon hound dog in George Webster Crenshaw's comic strip by the same name, which ran from 1962 to 1995.

In Italy, a common melding of two popular names, heard in the US as well.

This Italian form of Benedict sidesteps the Benedict Arnold association that still clouds the English version.

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.

A definite improvement over the English Humbert, Umberto has nevertheless been rarely heard outside the Italian community.

This name of the patron saint of Naples would make an apt choice for a New Year's baby, or one with Neapolitan roots.

Primo is number one among the Latin birth-order names--Octavius et al--and the one most likely to be used in these days of smaller families. It has that jaunty 'o' ending and Italian flavor that many modern parents like so much. And what little boy wouldn't appreciate being prime?

There are many more substantial Italian choices.

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.

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. 

One of the few Italian forms less attractive than the original, this time because it will forever be mistaken with the feminine version.